The Lost Boys Broadway director Michael Arden joins Robert Peterpaul on The Art of Kindness podcast to touchdown on creating thrilling heart-led theatrical spectacles. The Tony Award-winning theater-maker (Maybe Happy Ending) breaks down his innovative creative process through the lens of kindness.

This positive podcast episode covers:

How directing with kindness on The Lost Boys transformed the process
Why listening to audiences when developing new work is vital
The formula for balancing spectacle with emotional truth
Broadway burnout and staying inspired, plus much more

Michael Arden is a distinguished, two-time Tony Award winning director, honored for Best Direction of a Musical for Maybe Happy Ending. In 2023, he won the Tony Award for the acclaimed revival of Parade, following previous nominations for Once On This Island and Spring Awakening. He is the co-founder of At Rise Creative and has directed a wide range of works, including the 2024 Met Gala and Ben Platt’s concert residencies. Beyond his directing credits, Michael is an accomplished performer who has appeared on Broadway in Big River and King Lear, as well as in television and film projects like The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel and Source Code.

Shoutout to (spoiler) Ali Louis Bourzgui for taking part in our surprise compliment game.

Got kindness tips or stories? Please email us:

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Follow Michael:

@michaelarden

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Music:

"Awake" by Ricky Alvarez & "Sunshine" by Lemon Music Studio.

We are supported by the Broadway Podcast Network.

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