Lea Michele on ‘Chess,’ Motherhood and a Broadway Homecoming

Lea Michele on ‘Chess,’ Motherhood and a Broadway Homecoming

Author: Willie Geist, Sunday TODAY March 22, 2026 Duration: 52:47
Emmy-nominated actress and singer Lea Michele has spent more than 30 years performing, from her Broadway debut in Les Misérables at the Imperial Theatre when she was just 8-years-old to starring in hits like Spring Awakening, Glee, Funny Girl and Scream Queens. Michele sits down with Willie Geist backstage at the Imperial Theatre to discuss her full-circle return to the theater where it all began, how Chess has brought joy and creative spark back to her life, and why feeling fulfilled as a mother and wife has made this chapter feel especially meaningful. Plus, she steps back into the dressing room she used during Les Misérables and reflects on the confidence that first led her from an open call in Englewood, New Jersey, to the Broadway stage.

Each week on Sunday Sitdown with Willie Geist, the familiar, thoughtful host of NBC's Sunday TODAY extends his signature interview style into a longer, more relaxed format. Here, you'll find the complete, unedited conversations that often have to be trimmed for television, allowing for a more nuanced and personal exploration of each guest's journey. Willie sits down with an impressive and eclectic mix of people who are actively defining our world, including leading actors, influential musicians, political figures, and transformative business leaders. The discussions move beyond simple career highlights to uncover the real stories behind their public successes-the pivotal moments, challenges, and ideas that truly shaped them. This podcast offers a unique blend of news and cultural commentary, delivered through the lens of intimate, one-on-one dialogue. It’s a chance to settle in and hear substantial, meaningful conversations that cut through the noise, providing depth and context to the headlines and cultural trends we all talk about. For anyone interested in the human experiences behind the names in the news, film, television, and society at large, this series feels like a weekly, in-depth masterclass conducted with genuine curiosity and insight.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

Sunday Sitdown with Willie Geist
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