This transcript was automatically generated and might contain errors.

[0:00] ♪ Musical number: "Little Me" — performed by Unknown performer ♪

[0:21] Marc Tumminelli: Hello, welcome back to Little Me, Growing Up Broadway with me, Marc Tumminelli. My guest today shot to national stardom when he appeared on season 14 of America's Got Talent. After a show-stopping performance, he received the golden buzzer, sending him straight to the quarterfinals, as well as viral acclaim. Following his success on AGT, he made his professional acting debut as the series regular on Disney Plus series The Mighty Ducks: Game Changers. He starred in the Netflix musical movie 13: The Musical. This summer, he could be seen playing the role of Christopher L. in the very anticipated theater film Theater Camp, starring Ben Platt. And next up, you can see him starring as Bobby Strong in the Broadway Workshop/Project Broadway's main stage production of Urinetown, directed by me. Please welcome Luke Islam. Hi, Luke.

[1:13] Luke Islam: Hey, thanks for having me. I've known you from the beginning, and I'll never forget you coming into a workshop and belting your face off. And I was like, this kid is a huge star.

[1:24] Marc Tumminelli: Was that Lindsay Mendez's workshop? Is that your first one?

[1:30] Luke Islam: No, I think my first one was Howard Meltzer.

[1:33] Marc Tumminelli: Oh, God, Howard Meltzer. TV casting director, Howard Meltzer. Okay, so when did you realize that you had this sort of special spark and you needed to seek out opportunities outside of your own community?

[1:43] Luke Islam: Um, well, when I was really little, I always wanted to be on AGT. I was just like a huge fan of the show. And my friend was on it, like, when I was in like, third grade, and she did really well. And she played basketball with my sister. So I was like, oh, maybe I should try auditioning for AGT. And I did not get it at all. I did not even make it past producers round twice.

[2:14] Marc Tumminelli: How old were you then?

[2:20] Luke Islam: I think the first time I auditioned, I was in second grade. And I sang "Listen" by Beyoncé. And it was very awful. But then, you know, after I tried those two times for like, a professional career, I kind of like, stopped trying. And then, um, then this Waitress karaoke thing.

[2:36] Marc Tumminelli: Yeah, let's talk about Waitress karaoke. So the world sort of became aware of you. Because it kind of explained to the people what Waitress karaoke was.

[2:50] Luke Islam: Yeah. So there's this Broadway musical called Waitress. Well, everybody knows that who listens to that. And they have this thing afterwards, where they invite like fans to come on stage and sing with the band songs from the show. And usually cast members from Waitress host it. And they do it like once every month, when it was still on Broadway.

[3:15] Marc Tumminelli: Did you have to like a pre-audition? Like, how did they know you weren't going to be like, embarrassing?

[3:20] Luke Islam: Actually, it's all random. When you get to the theater, you just put your name on a list. And they pick out of the bag on stage. And if you get called up, you do.

[3:31] Marc Tumminelli: So you got called up and Jason Mraz was there.

[3:39] Luke Islam: Yes, yes. And someone else from the show too, Tiffany Mann.

[3:46] Marc Tumminelli: Okay, Tiffany Mann. Wow. And then you sang "She Used to Be Mine."

[3:53] Luke Islam: Oh, no, you can do. Yeah. And everybody lost their mind. Tell me what's going through your mind. Are you like 11 or 12 then?

[4:01] Luke Islam: I was 12, I think. Okay. Yeah. And yeah, talk to me about it. Um, so the thing was, like, I was so determined to get on that stage. I wasn't even sitting with anyone. I was sitting alone when they called me my name. I was that little boy waiting. And then when they called me up, I didn't know where my mom was. I was just like, I'm going. And then when I got up on stage, I'm like, kind of looking for my mom. Like, where is my mom? Like, what if she's not okay with this? So I was just like, whatever, I'm just gonna sing "What Baking Can Do." And it was the most surreal thing. Like, I literally felt like I was on Broadway. Like there was a band.

[4:40] Marc Tumminelli: You were standing on Broadway with a band from Waitress center stage singing "What Baking Can Do." If you've not seen that clip, and it's gone viral, so you can watch it on YouTube right now. But it is unbelievable. But from the second you open your mouth, the audience goes nuts.

[4:53] Luke Islam: Yeah, I think that voice out of you, I'm assuming.

[4:57] Luke Islam: Yeah, I guess I was so little that they weren't expecting that I could actually sing the song. But, um, hopefully, I think it went very well. Because that's how I actually got on AGT.

[5:07] Marc Tumminelli: How did those things connect to each other?

[5:12] Luke Islam: Because, okay, so basically, in the comment section is where this happens. Because the producer is a very dangerous section for you to be reading in general.

[5:24] Marc Tumminelli: Well, like, look, like Beyoncé said, don't read the comments. But when you're not hurt, you have to.

[5:28] Luke Islam: Um, she said that, but like, no, because I read it. And there was this producer from AGT who I'm like, very good friends with now, obviously, but he was like, um, you know, we cast the show called America's Got Talent, which, you know, obviously knew about. So I was like, he was like, give me your mom's email. And I was like, here it is, like, and I think I gave him her phone number too in the comment section.

[6:03] Marc Tumminelli: So this episode is called Comment Section.

[6:12] Luke Islam: Yeah. Um, and so, yeah, and then they started emailing my parents being like, you know, about this opportunity, and they didn't think it was real at first. So that could be really shady. Like, yeah, it was a little strange. So at first, they were like, this isn't real, Luke, don't get too excited. And then when it was real, and they kept asking me to send in some more videos of me singing, and then I ended up coming in for like, the auditions that I had always went to, like the open calls. But this time, I was pulled to the front of the line, and I was in a room. So I was like, oh, this is real. And then, um, after that, they said that they loved me. And then I just kept sending more videos.

And then they were like, we don't know, because we have too many little boy pop singers. So I don't think this is like, you know, you might not get aired. And then I was like, I want to get aired. Yeah, duh. Oh, I was like, what can I do? And they were like, do you like singing anything else? And I was like, well, I love Broadway. I mean, like, that's my thing. And they were like, oh my God. No, like, you can't do that. Like, we don't, that's not gonna sell. And I was like, okay, but then they were like, wait, what if they like, you know, what if that's your thing? Like your main, main thing? And I was like, yeah, I don't have a sob story. So yeah, um, and then yeah, that's what we went with. And then I started sending videos like "She Used to Be Mine" and like "Waiting for Life" and just like trying to find the right song.

[7:42] Marc Tumminelli: Did they tell you like, we want you to do a show we want you to sing "She Used to Be Mine" on the actual TV show?

[7:47] Luke Islam: Yeah. And then when they had they called me when it was getting closer, and they were like, you're gonna audition in person for like the judges, and we're gonna fly you out like crazy next weekend. And I was like, oh my God. Like, and I knew that there was a possibility that I wouldn't get aired, but I did not care. I was whatever happens happens. And, and that's, that's why I'm saying like, AGT as much as like, I, there are rumors I it's not scripted, because there's no way in hell that I thought I was getting that golden.

[8:26] Marc Tumminelli: Okay, so you perform? You do "She Used to Be Mine." It's like the greatest performance ever. Everyone loses their mind. Um, and then tell me what you're feeling like the second it's over? Like, did you feel good about it in the moment?

[8:39] Luke Islam: Um, honestly, you can hear your voice. You like, you know, because I was I had to take some things. I wasn't really feeling good that day. I just remember. Oh, no. So I was really nervous anyways. And then when I got on stage, I was so emotional, like even before I started singing, like and it's you can clearly see it in the video.

[9:03] Marc Tumminelli: So sweet.

[9:03] Luke Islam: I just was so like losing my mind to the point where like, I was like, I don't even care how I sound like this. I made it just talking to them. So, um, no, I wasn't expecting anything. And then when that happened, I literally lost my mind because I was the first golden buzzer.

[9:23] Marc Tumminelli: Yes, first golden buzzer. So Julianne Hough gives you the golden buzzer, and then confetti comes down and you're on the floor. And um, what is the first thing that goes through your mind as a kid having this experience?

[9:34] Luke Islam: It goes through my mind is like, uh, what is this gonna do to me? Like, I was like, what's gonna happen after this? Like, I was like, I don't know. But I guess I was kind of like, what does this mean? Really? Because once I left the auditorium, it's like everything went back to normal. But I'm like, I know it's gonna air sooner or later. And then things are gonna start getting weird. So I was just kind of thinking about all that.

[10:02] Marc Tumminelli: I mean, you were doing Shrek with us at the time, right?

[10:06] Luke Islam: It probably works. So this is a funny story. I tell all the time, but now I'll tell it on the podcast. So your dad calls me and every time I get a call from a parent during production, I'm like, this is normally bad news for me, and good news for them. And so your dad called me and said, I just want to tell you, Luke got the golden buzzer, but you can't tell anyone. But wait, I don't watch America's Got Talent, so I have no idea what that meant. I was like, great. Can he be in the show or not? Like, no, I had no excitement as I didn't know what it meant. It's like, yes, he could still be in the show. But just so you know, I was like, yeah, yeah, that's fine. I don't care. That's cool. And then of course, I had no idea what a big deal it was.

And I remember telling someone I was like, oh, Luke, that you know, that great kid, he's got the golden buzzer and be like, that's a very big deal, Marc. And so I'm sure for you, you knew what a big deal was. So you had to like, be a regular kid before you could go back to do America's Got Talent again, right?

[11:10] Luke Islam: So what I told all my friends. Yes, of course. Tell us.

[11:10] Luke Islam: I told all my friends. Immediately. I was like, guys, I did it. Like and I remember someone, someone leaked it on Instagram. And there was like, it wasn't me, I swear. And there was like a picture of me. And I was just like, you know, I was telling all my friends and I was also kind of like, then again, I was also like, what if this show is fake? And she gives like three golden buzzers? And you know what I mean? Yeah, you just never know. You never know. So once that happened, and I wasn't going back for Judge Cuts, I was a little worried because you skip around. So it's good, because you don't have to worry about being eliminated. But it's also like, what if people are like, who is this kid?

Like, yeah, forget about my audition. So then it was me being like, when I come back, I have to be 10 times better. And I have to like, think about what I'm going to sing. Am I going to change it now? Or am I going to keep going Broadway? Then we did this like, you will be found arrangement. That was so fun.

[12:13] Marc Tumminelli: Was that your choice? How did you decide to do "Dear Evan Hansen"?

[12:16] Luke Islam: So a lot of it really isn't my choice. I can give a lot of input and like suggestions, and the music team is very, very open. And they're wonderful. But ultimately, the song that you choose, like, is not fully your decision.

[13:11] Luke Islam: You were just like, oh yeah, actually there was, they changed it to "Never Enough" last second. I was originally supposed to do "The Impossible Dream." Yeah, also valid. But I was going to do like the Cynthia Erivo version. Yes. It was fun. And or like "Bring Him Home," I think was also an option. But it's all just, you know. So when you get after that high, I want to talk about two things. The night The Golden Buzzer aired for you must have been a wild change, like from day to night, all of a sudden, everybody knows who you are. Because not only are you on a show that people are watching, but you're on a moment that kind of went very viral. So people who weren't watching America's Got Talent still saw it.

So I'm sure your whole world changed after that first performance. Yeah, it was wild. Tell me a little bit about that. So the night that it aired, I remember I had a big party. And I had all my friends over and I wasn't really on my phone. So I was just kind of watching it with them and enjoying the moment. So nothing that night really happened. But then the next morning, I woke up and my phone had like 20,000 followers. And I was like, what is happening right now? And then I also see all these things like, oh, these like memes like I see on the floor, I see crying. So it's just like so many different reactions at once. And I'm kind of like, okay, this is great. And then at that point, I think I realized like, I love this.

I don't know what I want to be like an actor, a singer, but I just want to be a performer. Because like, this is really fun. And the thing that I could go back and tell myself is like, it's really nice to have a lot of attention on you at the moment, but it doesn't last. You know what I mean? Like when people have their big moments, that you have them, but it's just a moment. So I think I would go back and tell myself to like, just bask in it more and enjoy like, enjoy everything that's happening to me and be more grateful. Because it all happened so fast to the point where like, I was so little, I barely even remember. I can't tell you. I know, I'm sure. It was like a flash. When you get eliminated from something like that, where a lot of eyes are on you, you know, you're essentially like the golden boy of this show.

And then when it doesn't feel like it's worked out, or you got eliminated, how hard was that for you to sort of handle? It was very hard for me. Like, yeah, I was really upset. I wasn't really upset with the show at all, or none of that. I was kind of just like sad that it was over. That's really the only thing. Because I had made such good friends. And this is very cliche, like, oh, I'm gonna miss the people. But it's true. Like, with everything I do now, it's just like the people and it's those connections you make. That's kind of like, oh, that's what you kind of get adapted to and used to. And then when you have to go, that's like the hardest part is saying goodbye to everyone. So I was also kind of worried like, what happens next? Because being an actor, at that point was not in the picture at all. Like, so I was...

[16:37] Marc Tumminelli: Were you getting offers about like making a record? Or were there people like contacting your family and you and your management about doing what happened with those things?

[16:48] Luke Islam: Well, I actually didn't have a manager at that point, or any representation or nothing. So I was getting a bunch of these like emails like, oh, are you looking for a manager? But I was like, what does that even mean? Yeah. And I kind of didn't like understand that. Like how the whole thing worked at all. So I let it all just sit there in my emails. Like, what is this? I don't need that. I don't need a manager. What's that? And then the more I showed my dad this stuff, he's like, no, Luke, you should be sending me these emails. Like they're important. So, but yeah, and then after, you know, looking at the emails closely with my dad, we didn't really like, connect to any of them that reached out. And like, I just didn't feel right. So I waited a little bit. And I'm pretty glad I did because then AGT reached out and they were like, hey, we do this show called AGT the champions where we have...

[17:57] Marc Tumminelli: That's my next thing to talk about. You get invited back for AGT champions. Tell me about that pressure, sort of going back into it, knowing what you knew from the first time.

[18:04] Luke Islam: Yeah. Well, let's see. The second time going back, it was a mess. It was just a mess because I wasn't supposed to be there. I was a semi-finalist, not a finalist. So I wasn't really eligible, but someone dropped out of the show. So they called me and I was like, oh, what is this? This is cool. But I was literally just on it a month ago because they filmed it a month later. Got it. So I was like, I don't really know if this is the best decision for me right now, but I don't have anything else. So let's do it. So I went into it and immediately when we were talking music, we were like, they were like, you should switch it up because you don't want to go in with the same thing. And I'm like, I agree, but I also don't want to do anything that's out of my comfort zone completely, which would mean learning a new song.

And that's exactly what I did. I learned a new song by Celine Dion that I've never heard in my life. And I was like, because they recommended it to me and it was beautiful. It was a great song. The arrangement was nice. It just it wasn't good enough. It just truly wasn't. I had so much better options that we were getting to. And then Simon said you chose the wrong song, which if you were already feeling that way, and then that's the response. I'm sure in that moment you were like, oh, lord.

[20:00] Marc Tumminelli: Well, also in that moment, I was just like, how do I say that I didn't want to pick that song? Because he literally asked me why I picked it. So it's like, it's things like that, where I just realized like, dang, this just feels really horrible because I went home the next day.

[20:07] Luke Islam: Oh, bummer. But things looked up for you because not long after, then did Shrek happen after all of this or was like in between it?

[20:10] Luke Islam: Shrek happened in between my audition and it actually airing.

[20:17] Marc Tumminelli: Got it. Well, you were brilliant as Donkey in our Shrek.

[20:21] Luke Islam: Thank you.

[20:22] Marc Tumminelli: Great performance. But you start working with our buddy, John Mera, who we love.

[20:27] Luke Islam: Yes.

[20:27] Marc Tumminelli: And eventually you book a very big TV show, which is this remount of The Mighty Ducks. Were you familiar with the movie that like I grew up not watching because it was about hockey? But it was a very big deal for boys my age, just not-

[20:39] Luke Islam: Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah. No. I was familiar with the first movie that I was forced to watch in health class, but-

[20:52] Marc Tumminelli: Wait, why did you watch it in health class?

[20:54] Luke Islam: I don't know. Everyone always asks me that and I'm like, I don't know.

[20:58] Marc Tumminelli: Yeah, that was just a weird choice.

[21:01] Luke Islam: Okay. But no, I wasn't really very familiar with it, but I did kind of understand how much of a big deal it was that they were rebooting something from so long ago that so many people love. So I was like, this is crazy. And I also got the... John talked about it with me at our very first meeting. He was like, also, before I send you home, I just want to tell you, you want to get started right now. There's this pilot and they've been looking for someone to play Coob and I just feel like you'd be so good. Should I send you in tomorrow? And I was like,

[21:41] Marc Tumminelli: And you booked it.

[21:42] Luke Islam: But I literally booked... It was so fast and crazy, but-

[21:47] Marc Tumminelli: Okay. So how wild, being this Broadway kid who really knows theater and is obsessed with theater and obsessed with singers to change the total game to start doing film and TV, which is just a totally different animal. How fast did you learn? How stressed out were you on your first couple of days on set? Talk to me about that.

[22:03] Luke Islam: Yeah. Well, at first, the auditions, it was very clear I was a theater actor because the only notes I was given was deadpan, more, calm down, be less chill. So I knew I had to, it was a big change, but I loved it. I remember the second I was on my first day, I was like, I literally feel like I'm at camp because everything is on a schedule and there's people taking me where I need to go. Like, what is happening? I'm getting talked to about costumes. It's just all so, so weird and so different. So I'm like, this is a really cool experience. It was a little weird at first because with the whole camera, I didn't realize how long it takes for scenes to be filmed.

[22:58] Luke Islam: Oh my God. It takes forever.

[22:59] Marc Tumminelli: Yeah. And also since my show was a hockey show, we had to do two weeks of hockey training before we even started doing fittings or anything like that. So I couldn't learn. I literally could not learn. When I tell you I was there every day trying, I didn't learn. They had to put me in boots because I literally could not learn. It was the hardest thing I've ever, ever, ever done in my life, skating. I can't. So that was one of the hard parts.

[23:33] Marc Tumminelli: Can you still not skate?

[23:35] Luke Islam: No.

[23:35] Marc Tumminelli: At 20 episodes, still can't skate. Okay.

[23:40] Luke Islam: Not at all. If I tried now, I think I'd just fall on my face.

[23:46] Marc Tumminelli: Did you learn a lot about hockey? Are you learning a lot about hockey?

[23:49] Luke Islam: So the thing is, they were like, you don't have to skate because you're the goalie, but learn the hand movements and stuff and you'll be fine. Um, so in the first episode in the pilot, I did actually skate, but it's fine because we had to be bad. And there's this like one take where I fell and they used it. And then after that, they were like, no, but they gave me training. So I learned all the goalie stuff. I didn't really learn much of it in season one because we weren't supposed to be good. But for season two, when we had to be good, I was, we were all training in the beginning because it'd been like a year and a half since we filmed. So it was all just stress, stress, bootcamp, like all that stuff. And, and I loved it the second time around. I think I was too young the first time. Couldn't handle it. But the second time I, it was so challenging. And after doing, um, 13, which I'm sure we'll talk about.

[24:52] Marc Tumminelli: We're going to get to 13.

[24:58] Luke Islam: You shot season one of Mighty Ducks, then did 13 and then shot season two of Mighty Ducks.

[25:05] Marc Tumminelli: Yes. Great. So after doing the dancing, my body felt warmed up.

[25:10] Luke Islam: After your summer break of 13, you were ready to conquer all the-

[25:13] Marc Tumminelli: I was ready to conquer anything.

[25:18] Luke Islam: To just sort of kind of put a bow on the Mighty Ducks experience before we talk about 13, they let you sing on that show. Was that something that you anticipated?

[25:51] Luke Islam: I did not know "Landslide" at all, which is so strange.

[25:55] Marc Tumminelli: It's a great song that you should know.

[25:57] Luke Islam: I know. Now I love it because I had to listen to it like 30 million times, but yeah, no, I didn't know it. So it was kind of nice to have like a song that I was very overly familiar with and then one I didn't know at all. So it was a good combination.

[26:13] Marc Tumminelli: And that whole experience was pretty positive, you would say, like to have your first TV experience be for Disney Plus and be kind of a Disney kid. Like I'm sure that felt really cool.

[26:24] Luke Islam: Definitely the first season for us was nowhere near easy because we picked up in August of 2020 after filming the pilot. So we were right in the height of COVID and like everyone was just kind of on their toes. It was like a pretty long process that time.

[26:46] Luke Islam: But the second time we came back strong and had a more like clear setup of what we were doing and then everything felt like a nice finale. Let's talk about "13." So were you very obsessed with the musical? Did you know the musical? Had you been in it before you shot the movie?

[27:03] Luke Islam: No, but I've always wanted to be and I'm obsessed with it still. I love Ariana. She's like literally-

[27:14] Marc Tumminelli: She's your queen. She's your soul. She's your whole identity.

[27:19] Luke Islam: My whole personality. So I was like, when they announced it was becoming a film, I was like, I need to be in this. I don't know how, but I need to be in it. So I ran and told John like, they're making this a movie, what? Can I audition? And this was right as soon as I got home from the pilot. And I remember I went in, I sang "For Forever," my 16 bar cut, just for a general, like I wasn't trying to audition for a lead or anything. But then COVID happened and this movie kind of got on a shutdown. And then when I was filming season one, I still didn't hear literally anything for months until November of 2020 after auditioning in February. And I heard that they wanted me to have a callback for this character named Malcolm.

And I was like, oh my God. That's when I started freaking out because this was my first ever callback, I think besides Coup. So I was like, oh my God, this is really cool. I love this movie. And I read the sides, I sang a song, still didn't hear anything until the end of the year when they did this dance callback. And then that's when I was like, okay, I'm done. I saw the choreo and was like, I can't do it. But apparently I was good.

[28:57] Marc Tumminelli: Did they write Carlos for you or was that always in the script?

[29:04] Luke Islam: It was always some variation of Carlos, but it wasn't Carlos. And the reason why it was Carlos is because I didn't get the part originally. That's why this story is so weird because I did the screen test and everything after that dance callback and I didn't get it.

[29:17] Marc Tumminelli: So you got a call from John that was like, hey, it's not going your way. You didn't get "13."

[29:22] Luke Islam: No. Okay. Same word. Then what happened?

[29:24] Luke Islam: We got it done. And then I think a month and a half later, I was on my way to Hawaii just for fun.

[29:32] Marc Tumminelli: Great. Love it.

[29:33] Luke Islam: And then I get a call from John and he's like, hey, Luke. And I'm like, hi. And I was on hiatus. So I was like, really on my toes, like what's going on? And then he was like, Jason, Robert Brown just called me and I was like, why? And then he was like, he called me and says that they have a role for you and that they really want you to be in this movie. And it's a different deal, but they just want you in it, period. Like, will you do it? And I was like, will I do it? Of course I will do it. And there was a description of the character, just a lie. The character just was not what I was told at all, but I didn't care at all.

[30:16] Luke Islam: Yeah, you're like, I'll be in Canada tomorrow. Just let's go.

[30:20] Luke Islam: So they casted the whole thing. The whole thing. I was the last one. And all the kids told me that too. They were like, one day we just looked at the call sheet and saw your name and freaked out. Because apparently they knew me. So I was like, oh, this is so weird. Like, I'm gonna cry. And then when I got there, I had to quarantine for 17 days, because it was even worse.

[30:46] Luke Islam: You shot the summer of '21.

[30:50] Marc Tumminelli: In Toronto?

[30:51] Luke Islam: No, we shot it here. But you guys started the week we were finished or something, because I was maybe going to work. It's a whole other story. But I was well aware of your production schedule. And I was like, this is going to be hard.

[30:59] Luke Islam: Yeah. So we were in the height of COVID in Toronto. And it was like a stay-at-home order. So every single day, we rehearsed for two months, we had to wear a K95, like a face shield while dancing for hours. And I am not a dancer. I wouldn't even call myself a strong mover, maybe a mover. So I was like, um, what am I going to do here? And it took a lot of motivation. But because of how wonderful our choreographers were, I picked it up super fast, because everyone had already been like learning the music, the dances. I came in late. I was like, oh, no. And then yeah, everything went so wonderfully. Like the movie. Um, it was such a good time. It was so fun and like, different from anything I'd ever done. I've been doing like hockey. And that's not my like, true passion.

[32:03] Marc Tumminelli: Yeah, of course. But like a movie musical, it's like a very big deal. What was your experience like working with Jason?

[32:06] Luke Islam: Oh my god, he was so great. And um, I remember just when I first met him on the zoom, he was telling me that people were like telling him to check me out and stuff and like, listen to my voice. I was freaking out about that for days. And then when I met him in person and in Georgia, who I'm sure you know, who are just wonderful and the most talented and they were hard at work because they were writing so many new songs for the movie. And like changing a bunch of things because we had to make it like PGified. And then, um, and then, yeah, and then and then, um, also, Tamara, who's just wonderful, was so great. And like, giving us like, she met with all of us privately and was like, talking to us about the movie and just like the whole exposition and everything. So it was so it was so much more comfortable for me having a team that was knowing that this was probably like a lot of our first times being on a set and like, yeah, doing this thing.

[33:15] Marc Tumminelli: Was there anything you were sad? There's like a bunch of songs that are cut for the movie. Is there anything that like makes you super sad that's not in the movie?

[33:19] Luke Islam: I was dying for "It Can't Be True" to be in the movie.

[33:28] Marc Tumminelli: I know, right?

[33:29] Luke Islam: I love that. And I think it would fit really well. Although I do agree with a lot of the musical cuts that they made.

[33:34] Marc Tumminelli: Yeah. Because of making it a film.

[33:41] Luke Islam: Yeah, no, that one. No, I don't agree with I need that. Okay, well, we'll put it in there. You're great. And it's a really good time. We have to talk about your upcoming movie "Theater Camp," which I think is going to be like a very, very big deal. And the other day at rehearsal, you said like, I'm just like very excited about it. Because of your excitement, you know, the way that you're talking about the movie is making me feel like we're in for quite a treat. So what can you tell us about this Noah Galvin, Ben Platt film that's directed by who's directing your movie?

[34:15] Luke Islam: Molly Gordon? Yes. And I'm obsessed with her from "Good Boys." Have you ever seen that movie?

[34:19] Marc Tumminelli: Of course I've seen "Good Boys." My best friend was Thor.

[34:22] Luke Islam: Okay, "Good Boys" is the greatest movie. Like I have the truly the funniest movie. If you're not seeing "Good Boys," stop what you're doing. Watch "Good Boys." Okay, so tell us what you can about this movie. What can we expect? Especially for the theater kids listening?

[34:39] Luke Islam: What I can say is that this movie is we all filmed it thinking it was going to be funny, right? We knew it was going to be funny. But it just came out like 10 times more hilarious. And so just silly and, and you just every single person in this film is having so much fun on screen. And I think that's just the best part is that everyone, this movie was in the works for so long with Ben and Noah and them. So and all the cast knew that. So we were like, we got to give this our all and you can really feel everyone like it feels like camp. It's just one of the best things about it is that it's a mockumentary. So it's, it's very like, seriously unserious. And there are definitely some scary and serious topics in it such as death and a coma. The movie is about how the woman who runs this camp falls into a coma and her son has to run it. And he is some crypto bro dude, who's played by the wonderful Jimmy Tatro. So yeah, he's just ridiculously funny.

[36:02] Marc Tumminelli: Now Amy Sedaris is in this movie.

[36:05] Luke Islam: Luke, you don't understand. My obsession with Amy Sedaris is like 10 out of 10. And I'm so supremely jealous that you're in a movie with her.

[36:14] Luke Islam: I didn't meet her.

[36:19] Marc Tumminelli: Oh, well, did you but you guys did Sundance and the movie like, was like, everyone talked about it at Sundance was who was there? What was Sundance like?

[36:31] Luke Islam: Sundance was so great. Because it was the first time I got to see the movie. So um, oh my god. Okay. Yeah, I can't say that.

[36:45] Luke Islam: Musically, there are a lot of things I'm excited for. Because I can't say who but there are just some great, great moments. And, um, and Ben and, and it's so weird, because it's original, but it almost feels like how did these people come up with this story? Like, like, it's just, it's so it's because it's real. They all went to camp. And it's kind of just their story. And because it's their story, they felt more connected to it, I could tell.

[37:19] Luke Islam: So they made it they made it that experience for us to and like, um, one of the things I can say is Ben in this movie, I have always been a Ben Platt fan, but like, he kills it.

[37:35] Marc Tumminelli: This is it. I'm very excited. I can't wait for when is this movie out? Do you know?

[37:40] Luke Islam: Um, I think July 14.

[37:42] Marc Tumminelli: Okay. Yeah, summer, it's gonna be it's gonna be a hot camp summer.

[37:48] Luke Islam: Yeah, I can't wait. It's gonna be huge. You must feel so much. You must feel so much more centered, like on set now having done 20 episodes of "Mighty Ducks," all of this "America's Got Talent," you know, a feature.

[38:02] Luke Islam: When you sort of entered the world for Theater Camp, you had to have felt so different about who you are and what you know you can bring to the table. Also something that I want to note is I filmed Theater Camp the day after I wrapped season two. So I literally got on a plane, and thank God I did, because I felt so in the process of filming that I was like so ready for it. I didn't need a break. And I feel like if I did take a break, then I would have been like out of it. So I'm really glad that I didn't. And yeah, I felt so comfortable. Also, like, I was the biggest Ben Platt fan, like ever, like it was not okay. So going into this experience, I was the most nervous I've ever been for anything.

Because I was like, this man is so talented. Like, what am I? How am I in a movie with him? Like, you know, when you like meet your biggest, biggest, biggest, like celebrity. It's also not meeting him. You're not meeting him at the stage. Are you doing? I know. I know. Like, you're ultimately I mean, yes, he's probably first on the call sheet. But you know, you're, it's not like, oh, I went to a fan autograph signing. Like, an actor in a film with him like you should be. It's amazing. And now you're sort of like, coming back to the theater via Broadway Workshop. And you're in town playing Bobby Strong. And I can tell you listeners that Luke is giving one hell of a performance. I cry laughing.

You're so funny. And obviously you sing like a dream in the show. How does it feel to sort of come back to theater in this way that does feel like with your peers? You know, obviously you have this very big career, you could be doing anything, but you're sort of choosing to do this, which warms my heart and soul. And I love having you here. But sort of tell me about the thought process of like, oh, yeah, I'll do that.

[40:02] Luke Islam: Well, first of all, Broadway Workshop is just the greatest. I like not only is it fun, but it's just so real. And it's like, you're like, it's just so real. Because it's like, it really does prepare you for like, for like the real deal. Like, I like every time I go into rehearsal, I feel like I'm scared of Marc, I'm going to know my stuff, and I'm going to be good. So it's that kind of thing. It's like, I do want to have fun when I do theater. And I do want to have great friends and nice people to guide me along the way. But I also want to do a show that has a strong foundation. Yeah. And a strong team. So well, we're delivering it and you are. It's going to be really great. Oh, yeah. What are you most excited to do in the show? Like what song are you most excited to like tear apart with those vocals?

[40:50] Luke Islam: I think I'm really excited for Run, Freedom, Run. Because I haven't like riffs like that in a minute. So I can't wait.

[41:03] Marc Tumminelli: Well, it's gonna be brilliant. So people should come see you and you're in town. You're in cast B. But you can come see any cast, but come see Luke in his cast B performances of You're in Town. And you can get tickets at BroadwayWorkshop.com slash tickets. And you truly do not disappoint. And I'm so, so proud to have you back at Broadway Workshop center stage in You're in Town. It's been like such a dream. All right, we have to do quick fire questions. But I have one more big question for you. You have become sort of a fashion icon, young Hollywood fashion icon. And you're serving unbelievable looks on the red carpets of all these shows and Kids' Choice Awards and award ceremonies and things like that. Where does this style like fire come from? And how do you find it for each of these events? You keep topping yourself.

[41:52] Luke Islam: Thank you. Um, well, I think I just I knew that I was gonna want to like, make a statement on the carpet. Like, um, after I finished Theater Camp, I was like, because this was Theater Camp was the first time I was doing a queer role. And obviously, as a queer actor, it meant a lot to me that I like saw so much of myself in that part. And I spent a lot of time worrying about that in the industry. Like, even when I was auditioning for Christopher, I was like, Do I really care about what this is going to do to my career? Like, not at all. Like, because this is me, like, and that's what I had to sit down for myself a long time with, like, I don't care that people know, like, who I really am. Yeah.

So I thought, you know, I have to stop worrying about that kind of stuff. And it's so stupid and horrible that I have to even worry about it to begin with. Because no one should have to worry about that. Like, so I and once I figured that out with myself, and felt comfortable, you know, with that, like, kind of relationship with my family, like, feeling all in and on me, which I'm sure it wasn't hard to guess. Um, I was like, you felt a freedom that you could design and play and come up with things. And I'm sure you must hear from young people all the time that are like, thank you for being yourself, because it gives me confidence to be mine. You know,

[43:21] Luke Islam: yes. Honestly, I do hear that a lot. I hear that from a lot of young people, who it's mostly like young people around my age who, who are like part of the LGBT community. And it's and it's so great, because it's like, this is why I started doing it to kind of just let everyone know, like, come on, like, sir, like, if you want to serve, like, when you are your most full self, I think that is when you find the most success. Because people want to write things for you and create things for you. And you're not just stepping into someone else's part, like you are creating your own thing. I mean, your Bobby is so different than our other Bobby, and they're both magical. So I can't even imagine like you and where your career is going to go.

And the things that people are going to create for you is going to be remarkable. You are you're such an unbelievable, talented human. And we're so glad to have you and on the earth doing your thing. All right. Are you ready for Broadway Workshop quickfire questions?

[44:22] Luke Islam: Yes. Okay. What was your first audition song?

[44:27] Luke Islam: The lamest place in the world from 13.

[44:30] Marc Tumminelli: All right. First Broadway show you saw?

[44:33] Luke Islam: Spider-Man turn off the dark.

[44:35] Marc Tumminelli: Oh my god, that's wild. Current Broadway obsession.

[44:40] Luke Islam: Parade.

[44:42] Marc Tumminelli: Yeah, that Mr. Van Platt and Michaela Diamond, we can't lose. What was the last Broadway show you saw?

[44:47] Luke Islam: Kimberly Akimbo.

[44:50] Marc Tumminelli: Do you love?

[44:51] Luke Islam: Love. I've seen it three times.

[44:53] Marc Tumminelli: I'm obsessed with it, too. I think it's so good. Have you seen Leah and Funny Girl?

[44:57] Luke Islam: No.

[44:58] Marc Tumminelli: Oh my.

[44:59] Luke Islam: Julie, I've seen Beanie.

[45:01] Marc Tumminelli: You got to see Miss Michelle.

[45:06] Luke Islam: Is it worth it?

[45:08] Marc Tumminelli: I'm going to tell you, I paid $600. The most I've ever paid. I went to her first show, and I got a house seat. I sat there by myself. There was like a lot of friends around, but my job was under my seat. It's the most thrilling performance I've ever seen in my life.

[45:24] Luke Islam: I'm going to have to go.

[45:26] Marc Tumminelli: You have to go. Okay. One thing you wish you knew about filming a TV show before you started?

[45:35] Luke Islam: It's very temporary, so enjoy it and give your 100% every day.

[45:41] Marc Tumminelli: Okay. If you could be in any Broadway show, past or present, what would it be?

[45:48] Luke Islam: Oh, Mean Girls.

[45:51] Marc Tumminelli: Yeah, right? Oh, killer. Okay. We'll talk about it. What is your Starbucks order?

[46:00] Luke Islam: If I want a refresher, I'm going to get a mango dragonfruit lemonade, but if I want coffee, I'm going to get an iced white chocolate mocha.

[46:06] Marc Tumminelli: Okay. You heard it here, folks. Can you name two Real Housewives?

[46:11] Luke Islam: No, I don't watch the Real Housewives.

[46:13] Marc Tumminelli: It's okay. You're not garbage.

[46:14] Luke Islam: Is it that horrid?

[46:15] Marc Tumminelli: No, it's fine. What has been your favorite red carpet outfit since you've been red carpeting?

[46:23] Luke Islam: Okay. I had my really good friend make me a custom lavender glitter outfit that I wore to the 13 premiere. It had this gorgeous pink pearl train and fur around the cuffs. It was lovely.

[46:43] Marc Tumminelli: It was everything. Favorite song to sing when no one's home?

[46:48] Luke Islam: Crazy in Love by Beyonce.

[46:50] Marc Tumminelli: Great. So then you're probably going to have the answer to this question. Who's your pop music obsession?

[46:56] Luke Islam: Beyonce or Ariana.

[46:57] Marc Tumminelli: Yes. Okay, great. Okay. One show you're okay with never seeing again?

[47:08] Luke Islam: The Girl from the North Country. Sorry. It just wasn't for me.

[47:12] Marc Tumminelli: It just wasn't for you. It's okay. Okay. A performer you'd drop everything to see?

[47:18] Luke Islam: I think we know the answers to those.

[47:22] Marc Tumminelli: Like a Broadway performer?

[47:23] Luke Islam: Yeah. Let's go Broadway, not Ben Platt, because we already know you love him.

[47:26] Luke Islam: Well, we know that. Honestly, I would pay massive amounts of money to see Shoshana on a stage again, because she's just effervescent.

[47:35] Marc Tumminelli: She is effervescent. Did you see her in her last Broadway show?

[47:43] Luke Islam: Mr. Saturday Night?

[47:43] Marc Tumminelli: Yes, I did. I did. I did.

[47:44] Luke Islam: She was so good. I was like, oh, you are an actress.

[47:49] Marc Tumminelli: I know. I thought her acting especially, I was like, wow.

[47:52] Luke Islam: Well, we did that workshop. You did that workshop that she taught at Broadway Workshop, and I was so blown away by her coaching was all about the acting because the singing is so easy for her that she really focuses on the acting. It kind of blew my mind because you sometimes think people who can sing like that are just focusing on the singing, but in fact, they are not at all.

[48:11] Luke Islam: She can sing anything. It's insane.

[48:14] Marc Tumminelli: All right. A couple more. What is one thing you wish people knew about America's Got Talent?

[48:20] Luke Islam: Ooh, that there's so like, you don't have to just sing. If you have a talent and you're good at it and you know you're good at it, then try it out.

[48:29] Marc Tumminelli: And do the talent.

[48:31] Luke Islam: What is the best advice you have ever been given?

[48:34] Luke Islam: Um, I think definitely to just kind of like to focus in more because there have been times where I feel like I know what I'm doing, but because like, especially when I'm doing a series and it's so long towards the end, I kind of lose motivation. And I've had a lot of people tell me to focus in and remember what you're doing to begin with. And once I like put it on perspective and like click into reality, then I'm better.

[49:12] Marc Tumminelli: I think that's a real thing for a lot of people who are doing a lot of episodes of something. It's like, okay, where are we? What's happening now? And so any way that you can sort of like look inward and go, okay, this is who I am. This is the story I'm telling. And sometimes it's that simple and you get right back in it. Luke, tell the people where they can follow you to see what's up.

[49:33] Luke Islam: You can follow me at the Luke Islam on all socials and come see You're in Town.

[49:39] Marc Tumminelli: And come see You're in Town and watch Luke in Theater Camp this summer.

[49:44] Luke Islam: And we're going to be, that's a full theatrical release, like in the movie theater.

[49:47] Marc Tumminelli: Yes.

[49:48] Luke Islam: Yes.

[49:49] Marc Tumminelli: You know, my first one.

[49:51] Luke Islam: That's a slay. Luke, I'm obsessed with you. Thank you for joining us for Little Me Growing Up Broadway. It's been so fun. I'll see you when we return.

[50:00] Luke Islam: You'll see me when we return. And you'll see us both. You can come to You're in Town and see us both. Because I will be there. And friends, I will be back in a couple weeks with a new episode. Luke, thank you again. You're the best.

[50:12] Luke Islam: Of course. Thank you.

[50:16] Marc Tumminelli: Thank you, listeners. This podcast is produced by Alan Seals, Dory Berenstein, and the Broadway Podcast Network and edited by Derek Gunther. For more information on the Little Me podcast, go to bpn.fm slash little me. And follow me on Instagram at Marc Tumminelli or on Twitter at that Tuminelli. And for more information on workshops, classes, and everything Broadway Workshop, go to broadwayworkshop.com. Thank you for listening.