Orville Peck and Eva Noblezada Star in 'Cabaret'

Summary

Podcast Summary: "All Of It" - Episode: Orville Peck and Eva Noblezada Star in 'Cabaret'

Podcast Information:

• Title: All Of It
• Host: Alison Stewart
• Description: ALL OF IT is a show about culture and its consumers, aiming to engage thinkers, doers, makers, and creators about the what and why of their work. Hosted by WNYC and Amanda Silveira.

Episode Details:

• Topic: Interview with Orville Peck and Eva Noblezada about their roles in the Broadway production of Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club.
• Release Date: April 10, 2025

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Introduction to the Guests and Their Roles

Alison Stewart introduces the episode by welcoming Orville Peck and Eva Noblezada, who have recently taken over roles in the Broadway production of Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club. Orville Peck, known for his country music persona, plays the emcee, making his Broadway debut. Eva Noblezada, a two-time Tony nominee, portrays the charismatic and headstrong Sally Bowles.

Notable Quote:

"Cabaret is a phenomenal show that intertwines the glitz of the Kit Kat Club with the tumultuous rise of fascism in 1930s Berlin."
— Alison Stewart [00:31]

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Transitioning to Broadway

The discussion opens with both guests expressing their excitement and the rapid transition into their roles.

• Orville Peck mentions the surprising speed of stepping into the Broadway scene.
• Eva Noblezada shares her lifelong dream of returning to theater after focusing on her music career.

Notable Quotes:

"It feels like we've been doing it for a year already. It's crazy."
— Orville Peck [02:14]

"The chance to come back and do that was an easy yes."
— Eva Noblezada [02:25]

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Approaching Iconic Characters

The conversation delves into how both actors approach their respective characters, especially given the legacy of previous portrayals.

• Orville Peck emphasizes the importance of respecting prior interpretations while bringing his unique perspective.
• Eva Noblezada discusses the depth and transformation of Sally Bowles, aiming to humanize her with real emotions and vulnerabilities.

Notable Quotes:

"It's all about making the world. And we have such a collaborative and deeply inspiring director who allows us the opportunity to expand our knowledge."
— Orville Peck [03:06]

"I wanted to bring some of that to the table."
— Eva Noblezada [04:03]

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Chemistry Between the Leads

Alison Stewart highlights the palpable chemistry between Orville and Eva, prompting them to share how they met and their first impressions of each other.

• They met in the elevator at Gilbertos during fittings.
• Orville Peck praises Eva's talent and her down-to-earth nature.
• Eva Noblezada commends Orville's authenticity and work ethic.

Notable Quotes:

"He just knows who he is and he goes through life... unapologetically so."
— Orville Peck [08:34]

"She's unbelievably talented... no ego, just easy to work with."
— Eva Noblezada [09:51]

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The Unique Stage Setup

The hosts explore the innovative stage setup of Cabaret in the round, discussing how it affects performance dynamics.

• Eva Noblezada describes the challenge of performing where the audience surrounds the stage, necessitating constant energy and presence.
• Orville Peck shares his enjoyment of interacting with the audience from within, enhancing the immersive experience.

Notable Quotes:

"The audience is literally 360 degrees. You have to be shooting that energy out in all directions at all times."
— Eva Noblezada [12:22]

"It's very Sally... breaking the fourth wall gives such a level of realism."
— Orville Peck [13:28]

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Character Development and Evolution

The hosts inquire about the evolution of their characters throughout the show.

• Eva Noblezada focuses on the dynamic relationship between the emcee and Sally, exploring themes of resentment and projection.
• Orville Peck aims to portray Sally Bowles with rawness and relatability, ensuring she feels both inspirational and flawed.

Notable Quotes:

"We keep finding new elements to who these people are to one another."
— Eva Noblezada [06:28]

"I just wanted to bring a realness to her and a fleshiness and a rawness."
— Orville Peck [05:01]

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Personal Projects and Inspirations

The conversation shifts to discussing Orville Peck's recent work in the film Yellow Rose and his background in country music.

• Orville Peck talks about his passion for country music and his admiration for artists like Carrie Underwood and Willie Nelson.
• Eva Noblezada expresses excitement about Orville's film and his artistic endeavors.

Notable Quotes:

"It's a beautiful movie about a girl with a dream... she's undocumented and living in Austin, Texas."
— Orville Peck [20:11]

"I need to see this. What are we talking about here?"
— Eva Noblezada [17:12]

---

Balancing Broadway and Personal Life

Topics of maintaining personal identity while immersed in a demanding Broadway production are discussed.

• Orville Peck shares his methods of unwinding, such as coloring, Pilates, and spending time with his fiancé and dog.
• Eva Noblezada talks about activities like drawing and painting to decompress.

Notable Quotes:

"I love to color or I love to do Pilates... and cuddle with my dog."
— Orville Peck [26:37]

"I like to draw and paint as well... find ways to be quiet and not use my voice."
— Eva Noblezada [27:23]

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Contemporary Relevance of Cabaret

The guests reflect on the enduring relevance of Cabaret, especially in light of current societal issues like homophobia, anti-Semitism, and rising fascism.

• Orville Peck expresses pride in performing in a queer-friendly space and emphasizes the importance of community.
• Eva Noblezada highlights the show's timeless warnings and its mirror to today's realities, noting the emotional responses from the audience.

Notable Quotes:

"It's really eye-opening and it's really horrible because it's like, don't you see this community?"
— Orville Peck [24:09]

"It's still relevant... serves as a mirror of just what time we're in."
— Eva Noblezada [25:23]

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Conclusion

Alison Stewart wraps up the interview by thanking Orville Peck and Eva Noblezada for their insights and contributions to the vibrant cultural landscape of Broadway.

Notable Quote:

"Thank you for having us. It was lovely."
— Orville Peck [28:06]

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Key Takeaways:

• Orville Peck and Eva Noblezada bring fresh perspectives to their iconic roles in Cabaret, blending their unique backgrounds in music and theater.
• The in-the-round stage setup enhances audience engagement, requiring constant energy and presence from the performers.
• Cabaret remains highly relevant today, resonating deeply with contemporary social and political issues.
• Balancing demanding performances with personal well-being is crucial for Broadway actors, as demonstrated by both guests.

Notable Quotes Referenced:

• Alison Stewart [00:31], Orville Peck [02:14], Eva Noblezada [02:25], Orville Peck [03:06], Eva Noblezada [04:03], Orville Peck [08:34], Eva Noblezada [09:51], Eva Noblezada [12:22], Orville Peck [13:28], Eva Noblezada [06:28], Orville Peck [05:01], Orville Peck [20:11], Eva Noblezada [17:12], Orville Peck [26:37], Eva Noblezada [27:23], Orville Peck [24:09], Eva Noblezada [25:23], Orville Peck [28:06]

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This episode of All Of It offers a deep dive into the artistry and dedication of two standout performers in Broadway's Cabaret, shedding light on their creative processes, personal journeys, and the enduring impact of the show.

Transcript

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[Alison Stewart]

This is all of it. I'm Alison Stewart live from the WNYC studios in soho. Thank you for sharing part of your day with us. I'm really grateful that you are here. On today's show, actor Noah Wylie joins us to talk about his starring role in the Max drama the Pit, which has its season finale tonight. Author Gina Repon is here to discuss her new book, which investigates why science has overlooked women with autism. And artist Debbie Taylor Kerman has a new show at the Heath Gallery in Harlem Shell she will join us. That's the plan. So let's get this started. As of this month, Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club has two new stars. Listeners, I give you and don't forget to give them back, Orville Peck as the emcee and Eva Noblezada as Sally Bowles. One is making his Broadway debut, the other a two time Tony nominee. Peck comes to the role from the world of country music. Last year he released the much lauded album Stampede and struck a with his stylistic mask on at all times. In Cabaret, he takes on the narrator role, using his voice to welcome the audience and carry them through the story of Berlin around the year 1930 in Bohemian in a bohemian booming time that comes crashing into fascism, Eva Noblezada plays the magnetic and headstrong Sally Bowles. Noblezada comes most recently from the West End production of Hadestown as Eurydice, a Tony nominated role she originated on Broadway in 2019. Last year she also originated the role of David Buchanan in the Great Gatsby. They both took over their roles at the beginning of last week and they're here now with me in studio to talk about the show. Welcome to all of it.

[Orville Peck]

Thank you, Alison.

[Eva Noblezada]

Thank you.

[Alison Stewart]

It is wild when you think about it.

[Orville Peck]

It was just last week, I know. I just was like, oh my God.

[Eva Noblezada]

It feels like we've been doing it for a year already. It's crazy.

[Alison Stewart]

What was the appeal of Broadway to you, Orville?

[Eva Noblezada]

I mean, listen, it's been a dream of mine for as long as I can remember. I grew up before long before I ever did country music. I was a theater actor. I did like a lot of musical theater. I was a professional ballet dancer and did a ton of stuff in my kind of early 20s. And then I put it aside for a long time and focused on music. And so the chance to come back and do that was an easy yes.

[Alison Stewart]

When I saw it, I said, this guy's a theater kid.

[Eva Noblezada]

Absolutely.

[Alison Stewart]

You've done so many different roles, Eva, before stepping into a role that you have to. You've originated, but then you've also stepped into revivals of roles. Is your process different?

[Orville Peck]

Yeah, it's different, I think, because there are other, I guess, blueprints of, you know, what has been done. And so you take that not into your show, but you take it, obviously, with deep respect and deep consideration because they paved the way. You know, other actresses who have done Eponine and Kim and Sally Bowles, of course. And it's all about making the world. And we have a such a collaborative and deeply inspiring director, director Rebecca Frecknell, who allows us the opportunity to expand our knowledge of what we know the show to be and put it in our bodies and use just our own perspective and own experiences to, yeah, expand the universe of our characters, which has been really awesome.

[Alison Stewart]

Your version of the emcee is so present. You're big, you're strong. You invite people in. There's a certain masculinity to it. What do you want the audience to experience? Meet your mc.

[Eva Noblezada]

I think for my take on the mc, it was, you know, I think structurally, I think this character can be played a million different ways, and there's sort of a metaphoric existence to this character about, you know, does he represent a real person? Is he Germany? Is he real? And, you know, for me, I had to start with it as a real person because I think that it's a very. All these characters take a really crazy journey in the show from where we start to where we end. It's like night and day. And so for me, I had to, like, first, like, you know, set it as a real person and with real goals, fears, ambitions, shortcomings. And so I think that's where I started with it. And, yeah, there's definitely, like, a gruffness and a roughness to my mc, but I think that's part of a. Part of what lives inside of me, you know, so just bringing some of that to the table.

[Alison Stewart]

Taking on Sally Bowles. What did you want to bring to Sally Bowles?

[Orville Peck]

Well, the realness, too, I guess, like, just wanting her to feel human. Because when I go to the theater, I'm really inspired and moved by people who just are people. I mean, that's our job is to literally you know, create humans from the bone marrow out into our aura. And I wanted her to jump off the page and slap you in the face and then French kiss you and, you know, inspire you from afar. But also, you, like, you know, how you can relate to her, but also how you don't want to be as somebody, you know, amidst a political background that, you know, do you. Are you, you know, actively against it? Are you apolitical? Are you. You know, so I wanted her to jump out in those ways where you go, I don't want to be that, or I see myself in you, or, holy crap, I don't know what. I can only imagine what you're going through in this. In that predicament of having a child and then choosing to not have the child. And so, yeah, I just wanted to bring a realness to her and a fleshness and a rawness to her that because I had seen the show twice and any iteration, like Orville said, is so different, but still so potent and relevant and inspiring. So you can never really see the same cabaret twice, even if it's the same cast, I think, because I feel like even today, we're still, like, finding new moments where we just live a little bit differently in that.

[Alison Stewart]

So, yeah. What's a new moment that you found for yourself in the past week?

[Eva Noblezada]

I mean, of. Tons. You know, it's funny, like, I think once the sort of adrenaline settled from preview and then from, you know, our gala night and everything, I've been finding little moments every day, like Eva said. I mean, the beautiful thing about live theater is that it is, you know, you are. Not only is the audience experiencing this maybe for the first time, but we're sort of re experiencing it each time for the first time. And, you know, things go wrong, things go differently, things go whatever. And so, you know, we find stuff all the time. I mean, I actually think that particularly, you know, the relationship between the MC and Sally's characters. There's not very much definition of that in this script, just as a story. And I think we keep finding, like, new elements to who these people are to one another, what they sort of see in themselves, in each other, what they. You know, I think it's actually my real kind of focus, character wise, has really been a lot of my resentment and things that I feel as the MC are sort of projected towards Sally. So I find a lot of that in the show.

[Alison Stewart]

My guests are Orville Peck and Eva Nobozada. They star in cabaret at the Kit Kat Club. When did you guys meet? Because you guys have chemistry beyond belief.

[Orville Peck]

Well, thank you so much. We met.

[Alison Stewart]

I was watching you guys, I'm like, oh, those two.

[Eva Noblezada]

We're long lost soulmates.

[Orville Peck]

Yeah, we really are. We met for the first time in the elevator at Gilbertos.

[Eva Noblezada]

Yes. Going to get fitted for our suits that we all wear at the end of the show. Yeah, we met when we had already been cast for a while and I think I was in New York while we were here doing promo and doing some fittings and things like that. So. Yeah, not. Not like pretty soon into the process, I guess. But yeah, not like a very long time ago.

[Orville Peck]

Not at all.

[Alison Stewart]

What was your, what was your first impression? We're gonna talk about you late, not here. What's your first impression of Orville?

[Orville Peck]

Well, first of all, rock star, superstar, super hot, super talented. When I met him in person, I was like, oh, he's himself. He's so like. I know down to earth is. Seems like such a boring term to describe Orville, but like, he just knows who he is and he goes through life, I think, just being himself and like unapologetically so. And I think that's really inspiring to be around. It just kind of calls out like your inner child and makes you feel really safe. And in terms of work, like he's ready to. He shows up to work and he's, he's working, he's working on. And he's also leaving. What I love about Orville is that I love when people can leave themselves. Like, leave your drama at the door so that when you come on stage, you can be free in your character. You're not being hindered down by what you're thinking about yourself or what you're thinking, the audience is thinking. And that to me is a sign of a selfless present actor. And it's really amazing to work with someone like that. And I wish we had more things together. I think I look you in the eyes three times during the entire.

[Eva Noblezada]

I know, but they're a powerful. Three times. They're very powerful.

[Alison Stewart]

Orville, what have you learned from this two time Tony nominee about being on Broadway, about your craft?

[Eva Noblezada]

It's, you know, it is such an. I'm so. It really, it sounds like a pageant answer, but I genuinely am so honored. And it's, it's set the bar so high for me for my Broadway debut to be able to work with Eva, because I actually saw Eva in London when she was in Miss Saigon in that first production. And back then I remember thinking this is a superstar and then getting to know her and just see her work. I think the thing about Eva is, like, it is clear to anybody who has ever heard this woman sing or seen her act that she is unbelievably talented. But the thing I am loving more and more every day getting to know her is like, she has such a open, light, welcoming presence. There's no ego you like. It is just the easiest thing to come to work and work with her and, yeah, incredibly inspiring because also, I think her confidence and her just the way she shows up, it's just really inspiring and lovely.

[Alison Stewart]

Her confidence. Where do you think your confidence comes from?

[Orville Peck]

Insecurity.

[Eva Noblezada]

Yeah. Period.

[Orville Peck]

It's all about, you know, you can't have light without dark. And I'm not saying I'm not insecure, but I think that the older I get and the more that the universe or God gives me, you know, opportunities to show up in my life. You know, whether you call those challenges or opportunities, you know, it makes me want to be more present in ways where maybe in the past, I struggled with showing up. So being insecure, I think now I'm like, you know what? Who cares? Who cares? I know what I want. I know who I am. I know what I love to do, and that's what I'm. I'm grateful to be able to come to work and work with people like Orville and this amazing company and, you know, I could be doing a job where I'm unhappy and I'm not. I'm doing a job where I love what I do, and it tires me out, and it. I'm so grateful for that because I'm doing something that fulfills me and fulfills my spirit. So that's where it comes from.

[Alison Stewart]

It's so interesting talking about Cabaret at the Kit Club with my guests Orville Peck and Eva Novazada is. It's in the round. It's a super in the round. The stage goes up, you guys are in and out of the audience. Orville, tell me what that's like for you as a sort of a newcomer to Broadway, to be in this sort of unique stage.

[Eva Noblezada]

Yeah, no, it is quite the challenge, but it's quite a beautiful challenge, I think, you know, as performers typically in a very, you know, traditional stage where there's, you know, the one side is us and the other side is the audience. And so, you know, you can find ways to sort of cheat your energy, if that makes sense. And so there's no doing that in this show, especially it being a musical. You know, like, people are Looking at you literally 360 degrees. And so you have to be shooting that energy out in all directions at all times. You can't really hide or cheat anything. And so that's been kind of a beautiful challenge. But I think it, you know, it speaks to kind of that what Eva's saying a little bit about like, showing up and being present every night. I mean, it forces you to just immerse yourself and lose yourself in the story because you can't be performative. It doesn't work. You have to just be present and be like, locked into the story you're telling because it'll show if you're not.

[Alison Stewart]

You know, we first see you in the audience.

[Orville Peck]

Yeah.

[Alison Stewart]

Tell us about starting the show in the audience.

[Orville Peck]

I love it. I love just like messing with people because I have to like, walk over everybody.

[Alison Stewart]

You do.

[Orville Peck]

I have to. I say I'm going this way.

[Eva Noblezada]

It's very Sally.

[Orville Peck]

It's very Sally. And my first show ever, someone stood up too fast and spilled their drink. And I said something. I don't even know if I could say it on the air. Oh, yeah. So they're getting, they're shaking their head. They know, they know. They're like, it's the Kit Kat Club. It's fun because I think the breaking of the fourth wall with our characters and the audience, I think it gives such a level of realism that it puts them in a position of like, oh my God, like we're in a club and like, oh, we. It's right in our face. And then boom, you're hit with the storyline. And I think the audience. That's one of the coolest impacts of the show is like being like, hahaha. It's all fun and games until it's not. So buckle your seatbelts. Which I think is really nice.

[Alison Stewart]

We're talking about Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club with Orville Peck and Eva Nobozara. We'll have more after a quick break. This is all of It. You're listening to all of it on wnyc. I'm Alison Stewart. I'm speaking with Orville Peck and Eva Noblezada, who star in Broadway's Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club. Orville plays the emcee. Eva plays Sally Bowles. They took over the roles just last week. Let's talk about the emcee. He's almost mechanical in the beginning, a little bit like a toy soldier type doll. What inspired the physicality?

[Eva Noblezada]

I think for me, you know, the MC journey is a tricky one because, you know, without giving away too much about the show, because I think everyone should come and experience it and experience the surprises of it. But where the MC comes into play in the start is to obviously welcome, very famously, Vilkleman, you know, welcome everyone into the show and kind of make everyone feel at ease and playful. And, you know, that physicality for me is very much about kind of a chaotic physicality and more like, you know, loose and open to kind of bring that freedom. And then, you know, by the end of the show, it's a very different story. And so physicality in general for the show plays, like, a big part for me. I spend a lot of time thinking about, as the show progresses, I change that a lot so that by the end, it feels very much like a different person than you see at the beginning.

[Alison Stewart]

If you had to describe where Sally Bowles is in her life when we meet her, how would you describe where she is? What's going on with her?

[Orville Peck]

I would say glamorous. Rock bottom. I would say. I mean, I love her confidence in whatever, wherever she is, because if you look closely, you can see that she's a hot mess. You know, she's living paycheck to paycheck, probably spending it on gin and glitter and, you know, probably just wanting to. I mean, but also, like, in that. That time, like, it's not like women were exactly treated as equal, equally as men were. So she's doing the best she can, but also enjoying the fact that she is the star of that club and she is eating that up. It's the house of Bowls, for God's sake. And so, yeah, I think that she is glamorous. Rock bottom would be my answer for you.

[Alison Stewart]

This is the part of the conversation where I'm gonna veer into country music, because obviously, Ova's a country singer, but you starred in a movie. This is the last time you were on the show. In that movie, you did Yellow Rose. There you go.

[Orville Peck]

I was a country singer in Yellow Rose, baby.

[Alison Stewart]

Did you know this?

[Eva Noblezada]

I did not. I need to see this. What are we talking about here?

[Orville Peck]

One day, I'll show up with my guitar, and I'll play you a song, girl.

[Alison Stewart]

She played a country singer?

[Eva Noblezada]

Are you kidding?

[Orville Peck]

Yeah, from Austin, Texas.

[Eva Noblezada]

Wait, not our kismet. Continue.

[Orville Peck]

Yeah, we're literally connected. I also wear a mask. No, I'm just kidding.

[Eva Noblezada]

Coming from my gay girl.

[Orville Peck]

Oh, my God.

[Alison Stewart]

Neva, was that hard for you to go from being a show about you, about your character, to being playing a different character?

[Eva Noblezada]

You know, it wasn't I mean, I think the funny distinction for me is that, like, you know, my regular show, it's not really a character for me. It's very much me. And all my songs are, you know, very, very deeply personal. And so, like, I think the different challenge there is that in my regular show, it's. I have to carry the whole thing for two hours, which is tiring, but there's sort of a weight off because I just go up and I'm just myself, and I get to share my stories and feel like, you know, if I. If I screw something up, I can laugh at it. I can just, you know, it's. I'm in full control because the pressure's off because I'm just myself. This, of course, is a different thing. I'm playing a character, and, you know, there's a lot of preparation that goes into that, but, I don't know, I didn't find it a challenge. I was just so excited to do it, you know, and so I think the challenging parts have been just the actual upkeep and preparation. But, you know, as far as mentally or anything, I was really excited to just come and do it.

[Alison Stewart]

We've already gotten a call from a listener who wants to know why you wear the mask and why you didn't wear it in cabaret.

[Eva Noblezada]

Well, I wear the mask because when I knew I wanted to be a country singer, I wanted to bring a theatricality and sort of an artistic expression to the genre, which I felt like had been missing for many, many years. And, you know, I kind of wanted to just take my spin on the Lone Ranger, if you will. So that's kind of why I wear it. And I didn't wear it in cabaret because it's not about me. You know, I wanted to come and play this part with integrity, and it's a very important show, and I would. I'm just not the type of person that would want to make it the Orville Peck show.

[Alison Stewart]

You played an up and coming country singer in Yellow Rose. Were you a fan of country music?

[Orville Peck]

I was a fan of Carrie Underwood, as in, like, I love Carrie Underwood, her Some Hearts album. I know, back to Front. But that was a great introduction to country music for me. And, you know, Willie Nelson and John Van. Oh, my God. Townes Van Sant.

[Eva Noblezada]

Sorry.

[Orville Peck]

Thank you. And Loretta Lynn. And of course, Dolly. I love. I knew Dolly before that, but it was such a great introduction to that. And I got to work with Dale Watson, who I love and adore, and that was cool that, you know, there was A moment where our director, Diane Paragas, wanted us to, like, write a song together. And I remember pulling her assignment, like, I know three chords in the guitar. Don't make me do this. But. But it was so much three chords in the truth. I'm gonna get that tattooed.

[Eva Noblezada]

I can't wait to see this film. I'm dying.

[Orville Peck]

Oh, my God. I'm scared. It's a great film, and it's a very deep. Really deep and just personal, you know, part of my life, but just a beautiful movie about. About, you know, a girl with the dream. And, you know, she's also undocumented and so living in Austin, Texas, and she's 17, so it's a really. Yeah. Poignant movie.

[Alison Stewart]

It's a really good movie, too.

[Orville Peck]

I can't wait. Thank you. It's very nice of you.

[Alison Stewart]

You know, I did want to ask you, though, you have some sort of, like, relatability to rock and roll? Your fiance?

[Orville Peck]

Yes.

[Alison Stewart]

Reeve Carney.

[Orville Peck]

Reeve Carney.

[Alison Stewart]

Congratulations.

[Orville Peck]

Thank you so much.

[Alison Stewart]

You know, he's like, a real rock star. That's what he's about.

[Orville Peck]

Yes, ma'am.

[Alison Stewart]

What did working with him and living with him help you understand about someone like Orville Peck?

[Orville Peck]

Oh, well, Reeves started performing in blues clubs when he was about 13 years old, and he's been playing guitar longer than I've been in love. He is a genius when it comes to music. He has such a impressive catalog of artists and musicians that he admires, and that goes into how inspired he is to do music. And even his own album that I was listening to on the way. Youth is Wasted. You can stream it wherever music is streaming. Reeve Carney. But I would say, like, the work ethic of a musician, especially one that's, like, on the road a lot because he toured with Johnny Lang and also did his own tour. He's been to every single state except for Alaska.

[Eva Noblezada]

Me too.

[Orville Peck]

Oh, my God.

[Eva Noblezada]

Wait. Reev and I have to go do a show in Alaska.

[Orville Peck]

Yeah, you have to wait. Can I come?

[Eva Noblezada]

Yep. Duh.

[Orville Peck]

I just think, like, the work ethic of that and also, like, watching him write music is. I mean, he has his dictionary. His thesaurus is stacked up on the. On his. On our piano. And it's. It's really amazing because I feel like our worlds are so similar, yet so different. Like, I like. You know, and he's also a theater person as well. I mean, he's a renowned Broadway actor, and I just think the work ethicness of it all is so impressive to me because it's not something that I would feel like I would do, go home and immediately pick up my guitar. You know, I mean, I would sound like Kaka playing guitar, but he sounds like, you know, he sounds like he's one of the greats. So it's amazing. And I think, like, I can't wait to see you perform as Orville Peck.

[Eva Noblezada]

I want us come see your sometime soon.

[Alison Stewart]

That's interesting for you though, the difference in the work ethic. How is it different for Broadway versus when you're on tour?

[Eva Noblezada]

I mean, there's hard and easy things about both. I think the nice thing is that I know where I am at all times here, and I wake up in the same city every day, which is kind of a treat. But, you know, it's definitely more physically demanding. The show, of course, and it's like a marathon. I feel like I've never been as fit as I am right now. And then, you know, I think the sort of difference with touring is sort of like I said before, you know, it's me going up and telling my stories. And so there's just a free ness that I think takes a lot of pressure off in a lot of ways.

[Alison Stewart]

When we're talking about Cabaret, it's hard not to think about the current moment, about there are themes of homophobia, of anti Semitism, fascism. What is really resonating with the story of Cabaret for you, Eva, right now?

[Orville Peck]

Well, we get to go to work in a beautiful building full of queer people who are beautiful people who I feel like, how can you. I just don't understand. I don't understand waking up and choosing to want to have somebody not be themselves. It's like queer people have. Are the most expansive. They show. They shed light in the dimmest parts of the corners because of who they are. And it's like if someone, AKA government wants to take rights away from people like that, it's like, well, who do you think is next? It's like, it's. It's really eye opening and it's really horrible because it's like, don't you see this community? Don't you see the family aspect and how powerful the connective tissue is within the queer community and how it's always supportive of each other, it's encouraging and it's looking out for each other and it's. I just feel like that's been one of the most beautiful things. Just as Eva walking into the building and being with these people who are just a million percent themselves, you know, despite, you know, despite all the other caca out there.

[Alison Stewart]

What are you thinking about in terms of the current moment and the show?

[Eva Noblezada]

I mean, I think it is. I think it's really astonishing that this show was written, what, almost 60 years ago and it's still relevant. And, you know, I think it is. We. We don't even have to try and make it relevant, you know, like, a lot. There are lines in the show that every night hit differently, you know, just poignantly. And I think. I think it's really. It's a. It should serve as a warning or, you know, like, hopefully something that can help educate people. But sadly, I think at the moment, it's more serving as a mirror of just what. What time we're in. And I think it's definitely not lost on any of us. You know, we know how impactful it is, and you see the reactions in the audience every night. I mean, people. People are sobbing in the audience. And, you know, it's. I'm sure we're all doing a great performance, and that might be part of it, but I think it's also because everyone can feel that this is the reality that we're sort of slipping into, and it's. It's just. It's very heavy.

[Alison Stewart]

How do you unwind after such an intense show? How do you take care of yourself?

[Orville Peck]

That's hard. The. Taking care is the hardest part because I think we give. So we give everything out there, you know, anything we have in our tank is dedicated to doing the show. At least that's how I feel. I like to go home and I like to color or I love to do a Pilates. I know that's really weird, but I like to just, like, exhaust my body. I love to eat food and maybe have a glass or three of wine. Just kidding. Just a glass. I never have more than one. I'm a liar and just cuddle with my dog and my fiance and watch something that is so not serious, like the Bachelor. And, you know, it's just a reminder of just, like, my humanity, you know.

[Alison Stewart]

How do you get in touch with your humanity, Orville?

[Eva Noblezada]

Yeah, like, a lot of sort of mindless tv. Reality tv, for sure. Definitely can handle. You know, everyone's talking about White Lotus and Severance. I'm like, y'all, I cannot. I cannot. You don't know what I'm doing at work. Like, I can't be watching Severance. I'm sorry. I'm sure it's fabulous, but, like, you know. Yeah, I'm, like, watching Nonsense, but like, that, for sure. I actually like to draw and paint as well. And yeah, just like find ways to be quiet and not use my voice because it's also very tiring.

[Alison Stewart]

My guests have been Orville Peck and Eva Noblezada. You can see them in Broadway's Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club. Thanks for spending some time with us. We really appreciate it.

[Orville Peck]

Thank you for having us. It was lovely.

[Neil]

I'm Neil, founder of Cleaver. When I found ceramics, I realized my calling was to give others the space to be creative. So I set out to open my own studio. Having a Chase Ink card has allowed us to grow and bring people together. Now we're molding a creative community.

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[Orville Peck]

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