Podcast Summary: ALL OF IT with Alison Stewart Episode: 'ta-da!' Off Broadway at the Greenwich House Theater
Release Date: July 16, 2025

Introduction

In this episode of ALL OF IT, hosted by Alison Stewart from the WNYC studios in SoHo, listeners are treated to an engaging conversation with comedian Josh Sharp and acclaimed director Sam Pinkleton. The episode delves into Josh's innovative Off-Broadway show Ta Da!, exploring the intersection of comedy and theater, the creative process behind the performance, and the personal stories that infuse the show with emotional depth.

Featuring: Josh Sharp and Sam Pinkleton

Alison Stewart introduces Josh Sharp and Sam Pinkleton, highlighting the unique aspects of Josh's show Ta Da!, which combines humor, personal narrative, and a distinctive use of PowerPoint slides.

Alison Stewart [00:07]: "The sign outside of Josh Sharp's show says Ta Da. In the show, Ta Da refers to Josh's childhood as a magician. It also refers to his euphemism for being gay... or it may refer to the 2000 PowerPoint slides he uses to tell us about all of the above."

Meet the Guests:

• Josh Sharp: A prominent figure in the downtown comedy scene, known for his work with the Upright Citizens Brigade and the Funny or Die series.
• Sam Pinkleton: An award-winning director, recently honored with a Tony Award, who brings a theatrical approach to Josh's comedic performance.

The Genesis of Ta Da!

Josh shares his journey into comedy, reflecting on his high school years and his discovery of improvisational theatre in college, which ultimately led him to New York.

Josh Sharp [02:10]: "I feel like in high school I was a social drifter who mostly was like, you know, I can make everybody laugh so I can get along with all the different groups, but did not think it was a career path... that's what led me to move to New York because I was like, we would go up in the summers and go to the Upright Citizens Brigade theater. And that was what made me go like, I want to do this."

Sam discusses his passion for directing and how theater has been a saving grace in his life.

Sam Pinkleton [02:34]: "I'm trying it out. This is my first show. I was a kid who was really saved by theater. Capital S. Saved... I really have been like, I just want to be a theater director. It's so nerdy. But I've always loved it, and it's all I've ever wanted to do."

Creative Collaboration: Blending Comedy and Theater

Alison probes into the collaborative dynamic between Josh and Sam, emphasizing the blend of stand-up comedy with theatrical elements.

Alison Stewart [03:52]: "What makes it different?"

Josh explains his intent to elevate stand-up by integrating theatrical devices, ensuring the performance is meticulously crafted rather than a "lazy version" of traditional stand-up.

Josh Sharp [05:11]: "I do think at its root it's stand up, but it's sort of housed in this device that that makes me sort of hustle harder than you think I should have to."

Sam expands on the role of a director in enhancing Josh's performance, focusing on collaboration and the creation of a multisensory experience.

Sam Pinkleton [04:15]: "...to me, directing is about bringing the right people together and setting them up to make their best work."

The PowerPoint Slides: A Dual-Role Scene Partner

A significant feature of Ta Da! is the use of 200 PowerPoint slides, which serve as both a comedic element and a narrative device.

Josh Sharp [10:33]: "A lot of it is, you know, up top... it's two at once... sometimes it is about like, I think it's sort of fun that especially as the show goes on, you start to realize, like, oh, my brain can sort of just take in both at once."

Sam describes the slides as a "scene partner," adding depth and complexity to the performance by presenting simultaneous streams of information.

Sam Pinkleton [13:11]: "I think they are a scene partner. In a way, that's how I'm feeling. I do think it's like a two person show and one person is Josh and one person is a screen."

Rehearsals and the Impact of the Tony Awards

The conversation shifts to the inception of the collaboration between Josh and Sam, which began shortly after Sam's Tony Award win.

Sam Pinkleton [17:21]: "We started right after. And it was... an absolutely brilliant thing to spend time with."

Josh humorously recounts meeting Sam at the Tony after-parties, leading to the development of Ta Da!

Josh Sharp [17:59]: "We were at the Tony's... 'hey, I have an idea for the show.'"

Emotional Depth: Personal Stories in Comedy

Josh discusses incorporating personal and emotional narratives into his comedy, notably the story of his late mother and his coming out experience.

Josh Sharp [22:09]: "I tell this story about how my mom, who passed away from ovarian cancer in 2010... made it her mission to, like, gently bully me out of the closet before she passed away."

This blending of humor with heartfelt storytelling underscores the show's ability to navigate complex emotions while maintaining comedic engagement.

Josh Sharp [24:15]: "It's so sad... and also, dang, that sounds amazing."

Sam reflects on the profound impact of Josh's personal stories within the unconventional format of the show.

Sam Pinkleton [24:25]: "It feels like the most honest way to tell the story because the story has contradictions and complexities and being crass."

Future Endeavors and Community Building

The guests touch upon upcoming projects and the importance of creating a sense of community within the theater space.

Sam Pinkleton [25:46]: "I'm directing a new production of the Rocky Horror show on Broadway at Studio Spring."

Josh expresses enthusiasm for future collaborations, highlighting the vibrant gay comedy scene in the West Village.

Josh Sharp [26:55]: "It's gay comedy. West Village. Have a cosmos... Both shows are darling."

Conclusion

The episode wraps up with Alison Stewart thanking Josh and Sam for their insightful discussion about Ta Da! and their contributions to the cultural tapestry of New York City. Listeners are reminded to catch Josh's show at the Greenwich House Theatre on Bow Street until August 23rd.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Josh Sharp [02:10]: "I want to do this."
• Sam Pinkleton [04:15]: "Directing is about bringing the right people together."
• Josh Sharp [05:11]: "It's sort of hustle harder than you think I should have to."
• Josh Sharp [10:33]: "It's two at once."
• Sam Pinkleton [13:11]: "A scene partner."
• Josh Sharp [22:09]: "Gently bully me out of the closet."
• Sam Pinkleton [24:25]: "The most honest way to tell the story."

Final Thoughts

This episode of ALL OF IT offers a deep dive into the innovative fusion of comedy and theater through Josh Sharp's Ta Da!. The candid dialogue between Josh, Sam, and Alison Stewart highlights the creative process, the challenges of blending different performance mediums, and the authentic storytelling that resonates with audiences. Ta Da! stands as a testament to the dynamic cultural landscape of New York City, emphasizing the power of collaboration and the importance of sharing diverse narratives.