Episode
BACKSTAGE PASS: Creating Marcel on the Train w/ Ethan Slater & Marshall Pailet
- Podcast
- Broadway Breakdown
- Published
- Mar 13, 2026
- Duration seconds
- 3615
- Processing state
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Summary
Series Summary Backstage Pass is a new mini-series from Broadway Breakdown that pulls back the curtain on the making of a show in real time. In this episode, Matt sits down with the creators of Marcel on the Train —writer/star Ethan Slater and writer/director Marshall Pailet—to explore how the project came together and how they transformed the remarkable true story of Marcel Marceau into a theatrical event. The Guests Tony nominee Ethan Slater co-wrote the piece and stars as Marcel Marceau, bringing the legendary mime’s early life to the stage. Audiences may know him from his Broadway breakout in SpongeBob SquarePants: The Broadway Musical and recent film work in Wicked . Writer and director Marshall Pailet is an award-winning theatermaker whose work includes the musical Private Jones . In this conversation, Pailet discusses shaping the show’s storytelling and directing Slater in a role that blends biography, theatrical invention, and physical performance. Important Link Marshall Pailet: Site Ethan Slater: Site Time Stamps 02:20 – How Ethan Slater and Marshall Pailet first began developing the project07:15 – The early writing process and shaping the narrative structure15:10 – Marshall’s directing approach and building the visual vocabulary of the show20:45 – Ethan on performing Marcel: balancing acting, movement, and biography25:30 – Collaborating with Classic Stage Company to bring the production Off-Broadway30:40 – Workshop development, revisions, and finding the show’s tone35:20 – Audience reactions and what resonates most about Marcel’s story45:10 – Looking ahead: the future life of the piece and final reflections Listener Questions * How are you enjoying the new series Backstage Pass ? Leave your feedback on the Broadway Breakdown Discord Channel: Here This is a p…