Kevin Del Aguila (00:00.098)

I hope this sounds okay. Okay.

The Art Of Kindness (00:01.687)

This sounds good. I don't think I, yeah, I can't hear myself on your end, so I think we're okay. Okay. Take a deep breath. We're here. We did it. I appreciate you. It's funny because I've also had a bit of a day. I almost asked to reschedule, which would have been funny because we kept going back and forth, but there was loud banging in the studio room I have in my apartment.

Intensely since 7 a And it's not gonna stop and so luckily we have a friend down the hall So I'm in a different space. I brought like my whole equipment and you know, we're making it work Yeah, we can do this Kevin and I just have to say, know I'll record sort of a long complimentary bio about you later on. I won't make you sit here while I do that Unless you want to hear it So, you know, we'll just slip into the into the chat

Kevin Del Aguila (00:33.746)

my god. Okay, okay, we can do this.

Kevin Del Aguila (00:46.67)

Thanks.

The Art Of Kindness (00:53.503)

I'm so pumped to talk with you. feel like you're sort of a kooky kindred spirit from what I know about you and I've seen about you and you truly light up the stage. So, you know, I'm just yeah, I'm beaming to to get into all that with you. So thanks for your time. First of

Kevin Del Aguila (01:03.251)

Ow!

Kevin Del Aguila (01:07.569)

fantastic. Of course, it's great to be here. Thank you for having me.

The Art Of Kindness (01:10.95)

Yeah, yay. And you know, now that I've accosted you with compliments, I wonder, the first question I always ask guests is, how are you at receiving compliments? Because I'm guessing you've gotten a lot of them, you get them at the stage door, I'm sure, and it can be a tricky thing.

Kevin Del Aguila (01:26.164)

Yeah, I don't know that I'm great at it. I think I blush and get uncomfortable and kind of deflect. Yeah, I don't think I take them too well. I love them. I like them. They're very, very sweet and very nice. But I think more so than anything, they just make me feel embarrassed.

The Art Of Kindness (01:37.961)

Well you did a good job just now.

The Art Of Kindness (01:46.58)

well, I'm sorry to start with an embarrassment of riches. Okay, good. Let me read some more. No, you know, I would love to know to kind of set the context for our conversation today, which is about kindness in the arts and your amazing career. What would you say is your definition of kindness? And how do you think it's changed over the years?

Kevin Del Aguila (01:49.544)

No, it's a good embarrassment. It's deeply wonderful embarrassment.

Kevin Del Aguila (02:09.579)

Ooh, that's a good one. I think, wait, this isn't the art of cruelty. I'm not on that podcast. What happened? I've been bamboozled. thought I would, no. I think, I would say the kindness is, what is it? The definition is it's like the, it's like,

The Art Of Kindness (02:19.928)

snap crackle pop I think that's in studio B

I was wondering why you were holding up a knife.

Kevin Del Aguila (02:39.514)

unwarranted niceness. It's like you don't have to do it. You're not gaining anything from it, but you're easing somebody's burden. You're helping someone out. You're doing something for someone other than yourself. think maybe it's a good way to put it. And I think throughout the years, I guess I've seen it. I guess I've sort of seen it more as, you know, just helping.

people in this crazy difficult journey called life, know, just easing someone's journey just a little bit more, making it just a little better. I think that's, you know, recognizing we're all going through this wild journey and if I can help someone else as they go, that's a good thing. I think that's kind of where I've landed with kindness.

The Art Of Kindness (03:36.534)

Yeah, I love that. feel similarly and I think it's interesting because everyone has a definition that I've talked to. But I love yours because it's sort of like, a load off Fanny, you know, it's a great one. And, you know, I would love to know too, because you can't kind of get from an empty cup how you're kind to yourself and all those things. So we'll get into that. But I think before we sort of break down your journey, do you feel like there was one act of kindness that kind of got you to where you are today and sort of changed your trajectory? I'm sure there were a lot in the arts, but

Does anything stand out to you in

Kevin Del Aguila (04:07.856)

It's a good question. You know, it's so funny because when I came to New York out of school to be an actor, I remember just thinking I need to find a mentor. You know, I need someone who's gonna recognize, hey, this kid's got talent. Hey, this kid's got something. And they're going to take me under their wing and they're

tell me everything I need to know, show me the ropes and open some doors for me and help push me through. And I was always looking for that mentor, that person that could do that. And they never came along. I never met that person. I never found that person. I saw other people with their mentors, but I never, never found that person. But what I did find were people who would give me a little bit of support.

The Art Of Kindness (04:51.945)

Hahaha

Kevin Del Aguila (05:03.045)

you know, or would recognize something in me and say, I'm gonna give you a chance, you know. Somebody who would say, hey, you know, I see that you have potential. I'm gonna roll the dice with you. I think maybe you have the potential to do something that I need you to do or that I'd like you to do, and I think you can rise to the occasion.

even if I didn't think I could rise to the occasion, somebody gave me the chance. And after that, if it worked out, would give me more chances and give me a little bit more support, a little bit more of an opportunity. So I guess those people who recognized, you've got something, I'll help you along a little bit. I don't know if they're mentors, but there are people

The Art Of Kindness (05:59.995)

Yeah.

Kevin Del Aguila (06:02.234)

who at least saw me in some way and supported what I

The Art Of Kindness (06:05.519)

Mmm.

Kevin Del Aguila (06:10.098)

Yeah, I think those are the people that I think of most in that

The Art Of Kindness (06:13.741)

little bumpers in the bowling alley of life in the bowling lane which I need I still put them up. I'm gonna move this not in the studio I usually use this ring lights making me look like I have no eyebrows which maybe I don't who cares. I love what you said because I brought you here to be my mentor and I'm gonna ask you a lot of questions but also because

Kevin Del Aguila (06:15.687)

Exactly, that's right.

Kevin Del Aguila (06:25.273)

Ha ha ha

The Art Of Kindness (06:36.654)

You know, we all need people in life to kind of steer us that way. And now that you've had this beautiful journey and you're in this position to sort of pay it forward, are there ways you feel like you've been able to mentor people? I know that's something maybe you feel we were talking about, but I want you to.

Kevin Del Aguila (06:52.744)

Yeah, don't know that I have. I don't see myself as someone who has the ability to mentor anybody. I you know, if anything, I'm happy to kind of talk with people or like, you know, go and do like a little workshop with other actors or share my experiences and just kind of give whatever, you know, just run my mouth and hope that they get something out of whatever, you

story I'm telling or tale from my past that is I'm dredging up. Hopefully it means something to them and can lead them in some kind of direction. yeah, I don't know. I mean, I don't know that I have any kind of grand, you know, let me take you on my wing and I'll open the doors for you and together we will, you I don't know that I have that ability, but.

The Art Of Kindness (07:38.498)

Hahaha

The Art Of Kindness (07:45.8)

I understand that. think those are the best kind of mentors because you're probably affecting and changing people and just not realizing it. And I'm sure there's a lot of things that are sticking with people along the way. Well, I mean, you sort of are the mentor figure in Little Shop, which we're going to get into as this father -ish figure. I wanted to get into that, your incredible career on Broadway. But I would feel remiss not to mention the fact that you are also an amazing writer in particularly for children's content, which

Kevin Del Aguila (07:52.386)

Maybe that's it. I have no clue that I'm mentoring.

Kevin Del Aguila (08:03.437)

That's

The Art Of Kindness (08:13.927)

I still consume for Netflix shows like and the Obama show waffles and mochi and then in blues clues and I mean the list goes on and so it makes me wonder because I I sort of I love that genre and that's what I I write in a lot because I do feel like it's It's the ability to plant the seeds early on in audiences and create better people Teaching children kindness and empathy. I think is important more than ever

Kevin Del Aguila (08:19.8)

Yeah.

Kevin Del Aguila (08:29.891)

Sort of, I guess. I mean, it's so funny. that was one of the, the reason that I got into writing for kids was purely based on people kind

The Art Of Kindness (08:40.604)

How do you approach your writing for children's shows with this in mind? Is it something you think about?

Kevin Del Aguila (08:57.85)

Giving me, know recognizing something in me and just giving me a shot like I was I worked for a company called theater works USA who does you know children's you know musicals and plays and and tours and I worked with them as an actor when I first came to the city and And they would say hey Kevin, why don't you direct this thing for us? And I was like, okay, and and they say hey Kevin, do you write lyrics? I'm like Sort of why don't you write lyrics for this show? And so I they were

The Art Of Kindness (09:06.363)

Yes.

Kevin Del Aguila (09:27.443)

ones who really kind of pushed me in certain directions, just, you know, in the writing ways. And they always gave me the benefit of the doubt and it always seemed to work out. And so they really kind of supported that side and became like a playground for me to kind of write and explore and learn. And I got paired up with a guy to write a show for

who worked in children's television and he said, hey, you should be writing in children's TV. And I said, well, if you hear of anything, let me know. And he recommended me for these shows and I didn't think about what I was doing. I was like, well, you can't curse and you probably can't have people die. But other than that, I'll just write what I think is best. Yes, right. yeah, that's right. You're off screen.

The Art Of Kindness (10:17.358)

But their parents can die. Like Frozen. Yeah.

Kevin Del Aguila (10:23.811)

And somehow it worked out. were like, you got the right sensibility. You can tell actual, you know, good, clean jokes and you got a good sense of character. so, you know, I just started, you know, writing for children's television and children's plays and musicals. And I think more so than anything, the thing that surprised me was that I didn't approach them any differently. I thought like, I'm just going to write a good show, you know, if,

I understand that it's kind of geared toward a family audience, but I'm going to make it good. And if I like it, then other people will like it. And I'm not going to talk down to the kids. I'm not going to pander to them. I need to enjoy this as much as they do. And that has seemed to be the thing that's been the thing that's carried me along, is that people are like, everybody seems to enjoy this.

The Art Of Kindness (11:19.966)

Mmm.

Kevin Del Aguila (11:20.595)

So it doesn't seem like it's just for kids or only for kids. It can be an experience that everybody can enjoy.

The Art Of Kindness (11:30.857)

Yeah, and that certainly I think translates to you as an actor as well because you have that glint in your eye and it's it's very palpable that you're enjoying yourself and having a good time you kind of Encapsulate that sense of play, you know, which I think is what we all sort of need and I'm sure it's not always Perfect and you probably have your down days, but you know Every time I've seen you I'm like, he's having fun and now I'm having fun and it just yeah, it's infectious Which is great

Kevin Del Aguila (11:55.087)

I'm usually tired and thinking about my dinner. I'm not.

The Art Of Kindness (11:59.804)

Yeah, I know in Little Shop one day I was like, he's giving Trader Joe's list right now. But I, you know, I didn't want to say it. I do want to shout out my friend, Jen Weinman, who just directed your show Dog Man. So I've heard a lot about it. Yeah, that's so exciting.

Kevin Del Aguila (12:10.169)

Yes!

Yes, Dog Man was great. Dog Man was a really exciting project. For those who don't know, it's like this series of books written by Dave Pilkey, the author of the Captain Underpants books. kids in elementary school go gaga for these books. They are huge. And I had no idea how huge until we started working on this Dog Man, the musical. And it's amazing. It's so funny. It's about a guy who

cop and his dog, you know, canine companion, and they get blown up in a freak explosion. And to save them, they have to sew the dog's head on the cop's body and he becomes Dog Man. It's so absurd and so ridiculous and hilarious. And it's really, it's really funny. It's one of those things where it's like, grownups can enjoy this just as much as the kids. In fact, they'll see a little bit more in it than the kids do.

The Art Of Kindness (12:54.29)

Mmm.

The Art Of Kindness (13:10.026)

yeah, that's what's great about those theater work shows. I was just supposed to do their, don't let the pigeon drive the bus. And then I, with Jen and I couldn't do, I felt so, I was, it was really fun reading it, but then I ended up not being able to do it. but reading the script, was like, I'm actually cracking up. Like this is, I want to see this, you know? And I think that, yeah, that is the sweet spot. And I think another sweet spot, let me just have this clunky transition here, was you in, well, a sweet, some like it hot spot.

Kevin Del Aguila (13:15.194)

Yes, yes.

Kevin Del Aguila (13:25.249)

Yeah, that's good. That's the sweet

The Art Of Kindness (13:37.121)

So you, which you got a Tony nomination for what, what well deserved. I immediately saw you and I was like, this is my people. Like this is my kind of, my kind of dude. Your playfulness again, just like radiated in that show. And I want to specifically bring up this, the semi -viral Instagram post that you revealed of you. I'm sure people always ask you about it now, but have you in the wings as a Christian Borle is on stage performing every night and you're kind of joking around each night doing something

Kevin Del Aguila (13:48.507)

you

The Art Of Kindness (14:05.762)

I guess just I would love for you to talk about that because I think it's the best and then also coming from a fellow sort of jokester prankster playfulness person backstage. How do you find balancing the focusing with the fun? Because sometimes it's not not everybody's cup of tea. So what? Yeah, that's my long -winded way of just wanting to hear you talk about it.

Kevin Del Aguila (14:23.057)

Right, of course, my gosh, it's so funny. So yeah, mean, was something like a hot. So you saw something like a hot. It was fun, it was laughter, it's

jazz music, I mean, there's no way not to be having a good time and laughing and joking. And it was just such a great experience all around. Everybody involved was great. So much fun, so much hard work, but you know, just so rewarding. And like I said, that kind of fun on stage like spills over into the wings. Like everybody's like, you know, got their little bits off stage, their little jokes, their little, you know. And so when I'd be waiting for my entrance down right,

The Art Of Kindness (14:57.921)

Mm -hmm.

Kevin Del Aguila (15:08.323)

Christian would kind of look over during this scene. And at first I would just sort of smile back at him. And then a couple nights later I'd be smiling and waving. soon I'm like, I've got a laundry basket on my back and I'm pretending to be a turtle on the ground. And we just go from there. And so it just kind of ballooned into this little tiny moment that every time he looked over there I'd be doing something. And then he'd walk by and critique whatever I did. Like, you really got me tonight. very good.

The Art Of Kindness (15:34.817)

Mmm.

Did you get him some nights? Like did he ever really break?

Kevin Del Aguila (15:41.128)

No, not me. I mean, he's a rock. He's at the, you know, the closest that I had. Luckily the moment, you know, could withstand a a little guffaw, you know. And so I knew if I got that, I was like, ooh, that's gold, good. But so, you know, more than so than anything, I've, you know, known Christian for a long time. We were in Peter and the Starcatcher together. And I just knew that he would appreciate whatever I was doing over there.

The Art Of Kindness (15:53.045)

Hahaha

Kevin Del Aguila (16:08.615)

to whatever ridiculousness was happening. so we kind of have that rapport. you know, I, because some people have said, it's so unprofessional what you were doing over there. And I can't believe that that happened. And I was like, yes, it was unprofessional. But in my defense, during a long run of a show, you know, these things happen. Like these things are, you know, just what.

The Art Of Kindness (16:22.524)

No,

The Art Of Kindness (16:27.219)

Hahaha

Kevin Del Aguila (16:35.959)

the monotony and the doing the same thing over and over and over, you're always looking for something that will bring a spark of newness and flavor and excitement and fun to it. Like you said, we're playing on stage and when that sense of play dies, so does the show. like, keeping that spark of play alive was, guess, unconsciously part of what was happening off stage. Well,

The Art Of Kindness (16:59.495)

Yeah, it's necessary.

Kevin Del Aguila (17:03.016)

And it was fun. But I have to say, the balance really is, because I'm a writer. I'm always the one that's like, guys, stop messing around. It's getting in the way of the show. So if it gets in the way of the show, if it's disrupting the show, getting in the way of the story and stuff, that's when I'm always the guy that's like, ugh, this is not right. But now I have no credibility whatsoever, because the video is out there, me messing around.

The Art Of Kindness (17:11.161)

Mm -hmm

The Art Of Kindness (17:25.685)

hahahaha

The Art Of Kindness (17:31.256)

It's immortalized. See, I actually don't think it's unprofessional. I think it's unprofessional with how you defined it. If you're disrupting things and the person receiving it isn't feeling it and you're ruining their process. But if both parties are on board, which it sounds like, I mean, I've talked to Adriana on here, I had J. on here. They all said it was so playful throughout the whole run. I, from what I heard, Christian kind of was like the biggest culprit of that.

So if you're doing it with someone who's giving it to you, I think it does keep the show alive and not stale and you kind of need that magic. I don't know. I love it.

Kevin Del Aguila (18:06.738)

Yeah, no, no, no, was, was, you know, the funny thing is that like the video is like all these little tiny moments put together, you know, in reality, it was like one second, he looked over saw something and that was it in a two and half hour show like this little thing was just one little moment. But when you put them together, it just looks like mayhem is happening in the wings.

The Art Of Kindness (18:30.386)

yeah, mean equity should mandate that people have to fool around a certain amount of hours during a show because it like I just did a show that kinky boots and forming that community It's so it's like vital that you have these moments with each other, you know

Kevin Del Aguila (18:41.14)

Right. That's it. It's camaraderie. It's a sense of camaraderie. You're going through this together. It's you guys against, I shouldn't say against the audience, but you're forging through it, whatever's out there. And you need that of sense of like, we're all in this together and we're all doing this together.

The Art Of Kindness (18:50.584)

It is.

The Art Of Kindness (19:01.812)

Hmm. Yeah to quote High School Musical. I agree. I you know Thank you Kenny or Taytay or take I know it's Ortega ticket just I'd like to say or Taytay or you know, okay, baby I don't know. I'm also curious I guess a more slightly serious note, you know Having the title before your name Tony nominee now Is that an accolade that you feel like changed the way I know it changes things in the industry in general, but is it

Kevin Del Aguila (19:05.873)

We are all in this together.

The Art Of Kindness (19:29.833)

Something you feel like changed the way you see yourself as a performer. Do you put a lot of weight into that? Okay.

Kevin Del Aguila (19:35.716)

Not really. mean, you know, it's so funny. mean, awards are fun and they're kind of great, just like, you know, the excitement of them and stuff. But at the end of the day, they're kind of subjective and who knows how these things actually play out.

You know, but they're great to have on the resume and they, you know, when I die, I'm sure they'll say, Tony nominee, just kick the bucket. know, but it doesn't change how I look at myself, but it's, I've learned in this business, if you have any kind of point of reference for the world, that's everything. You know, when I was just a nobody actor and a nobody writer, just writing things, you know, shows downtown and doing, you

a show in the Fringe, a producer saw it and said, hey, I think you'd be good for writing this musical I'm working on called Alter Boys. And I got the job, it ran off Broadway for nearly five years. And suddenly I was just not this guy who, know, just some writer. I was the guy who wrote Alter Boys. And having that little like point of reference where people like, I know Alter Boys. Even if they hadn't seen the show, they were like, I've heard of it.

The Art Of Kindness (20:38.844)

Hmm?

The Art Of Kindness (20:58.012)

Yeah.

Kevin Del Aguila (20:58.554)

So having any kind of like, you know, thing that people can point to and, you know, figure out who you are, at least in some sort of way is always kind of helpful. I feel like having that little Tony nominee before my name now is just another helpful little, you know, legend map, map, you know, way for people to go like, okay. I think I have a sense of who this guy is now, you know.

The Art Of Kindness (21:18.991)

Yeah.

The Art Of Kindness (21:26.307)

Hmm. It's kind of great advice honestly because as performers on the business end I mean people say make goals for yourself, but a lot of us don't necessarily make these tangible goals So I think to make one find a point of reference find something I can sort of attach myself to no matter what that is And if it's a Tony like right out of the gate, then I hate you. No, I mean then that's that's that's great for you How dare you I know this is the art of kindness, but we're changing

Kevin Del Aguila (21:47.937)

Lucky

The Art Of Kindness (21:53.558)

So I think that's kind of cool advice. But now, you you can also attach yourself to another legendary show. You're in the history books now with Little Shop as Mr. Mushnik. You're killing it and then you're being killed, honestly, spoiler alert. How did you approach this iconic role and make it fresh and kind of your own?

Kevin Del Aguila (22:13.719)

my gosh, this was a wild experience too because you know, the show, I saw it when it first opened with Christian, like, you way back before the pandemic long ago. And I loved it. And I thought like, love that it's in a small theater again. I love that they're just doing it the way that was, the way that God intended it be done. it was just like a, you know, I mean, it's just a jam of a show and to see it

The Art Of Kindness (22:31.127)

Hehehe

Kevin Del Aguila (22:38.136)

performed with such great design and great actors and great everything. was just great. getting the chance to be in it, I was like, yes, this sounds terrific. But it had been a long time since I'd been put into a show. The show is already going. And so it was a wild experience to just be in a rehearsal where you're like, everybody knows my part better than I do. They're all hyper aware of

The Art Of Kindness (23:04.927)

Hahaha.

Kevin Del Aguila (23:07.852)

what this should be, what this is, what this has been. And so it was a little strange at first to be like, okay, I gotta fit into the mold of what everyone else is doing. They're all, the train is left. I'm just, I'm the new guy trying to fit in.

The Art Of Kindness (23:21.993)

And it's tight too from what I hear, schedule -wise, right? It's pretty quick.

Kevin Del Aguila (23:24.965)

yeah, absolutely. Yeah, yeah, yeah. didn't even get, Corbin Bleu was the Seymour when I first went in and I didn't get to perform it with him until the first night I was on. I was like, I guess I'll see his performance right in front of me when I'm saying my lines. So it was a wild experience and it's been interesting and fun to find the wiggle room within this kind of, you know,

The Art Of Kindness (23:31.426)

what a gem.

The Art Of Kindness (23:37.318)

Wow.

The Art Of Kindness (23:41.288)

Hahaha.

The Art Of Kindness (23:53.031)

Hello?

Kevin Del Aguila (23:54.61)

little shop machine that's been going on for so...

The Art Of Kindness (23:56.054)

wait. you're back. I lost you for a second. Wait, are you back? You're... No, you're back, you're back.

Kevin Del Aguila (23:59.341)

Sorry. Okay, I was just saying, it's been wild to find the wiggle room within this little shop machine that's been going on for so long. You start to realize, I can do this, I can do this, my character can do this, this little moment is growing into this. So like a plant, even though they threw me in as a seed, you start to grow and find your space within it. No.

The Art Of Kindness (24:23.719)

I thought you're gonna say like a good neighbor Kevin Kevin is there but they're like a plant analogy you hit that home, baby That was great, you know and and you have such great chemistry chemistry now with your current employees We'll say Andrew Barth Feldman and Sarah Highland who really blew me away specifically just the way they kind of brought themselves to the role and and you know there what I loved most about this production is that it's giving you everything you want with little shop but then in these very fresh and surprising ways

Kevin Del Aguila (24:49.899)

I love them. I love them both. It's been so, so fun and so great to be, because we both kind of started at the same time. I was in it just

The Art Of Kindness (24:53.124)

Even with Grow For Me, you know, that iconic sort of grow for me and then there's a long dramatic pause between that. It surprises you at every corner. So what, guess what have you loved about working with these two specifically, this Seymour and this Audrey?

Kevin Del Aguila (25:18.996)

two weeks before they came in. And so we were all sort of new to it, you know, we went in. And so, you know, it's been fun seeing how we all jumped in. We were all nervous. We were all kind of like, you know, figuring it out. But then, you know, you start to kind of gel. You start to find little moments. You start to play, you know. They're so creative and they're so fun and

Andrew is so quick and so smart with his choices. And because he's younger than me and smaller than me, shorter, I was like, I can really boss this guy around. This is going to be a good dynamic for Mushnick and Seymour. And so it's been so much fun to just kind of grow and find it with them. And they're

They're kind of game for anything, which has been great. And approaching it all kind of new, you know, not sort of basing it on like, well, this is the way it's been done, or this is the way it's been done. You know, they are kind of iconic characters. But I think the thing that's been great about this version is that they really sort of approached it like, we're doing it for the first time, and this is, you know, we're gonna explore, you know, these characters.

as if we've never seen this before. There's no history before. So that's been, I think, the thing that's been fun to see and experience.

The Art Of Kindness (26:54.59)

Yes, it's one of my favorite shows of all time and I certainly felt that way. I felt like it gave me everything I wanted from the show. And then like I said, in different and surprising ways, I was sort of laughing or crying or touched, cause everyone really is just bringing their authentic vibe to the role. And that's what's fun too, is that different people keep coming in and out. So that'll keep changing, which is brilliant. You know, I also think onstage mishaps are brilliant. And I think this, this gel

and this fun game -ness that you've developed with them kind of lends itself to that. Do you have any stories about little mishaps happening that you can share with us from the run? Yeah.

Kevin Del Aguila (27:31.077)

of Little Shop.

Kevin Del Aguila (27:35.399)

don't know that there have been any huge mishaps. mean, there have been like, yeah, I mean, luckily, knock on wood. I mean...

The Art Of Kindness (27:39.293)

That's good.

The Art Of Kindness (27:43.389)

Because the audience is so close, so I feel like they notice everything. There was even, I was pretty close watching and there was someone behind us who couldn't stop shaking their leg and the chair the whole time was going, and I was like, Sarah Hyland can definitely hear this as she's belting, but you know.

Kevin Del Aguila (27:52.081)

Yes.

Kevin Del Aguila (27:59.885)

yeah, it is amazing. theater is small enough, but the audience still pretends that we can't see them. They seem to believe that they're in the dark and therefore we have no idea what they're doing. And so yeah, it is fun being kind of like right on top of the audience that way. At the very end, I remember somebody was trying to like, know, take a video or something and Andrew just like hit the ground and knocked the phone right out of

And they were, and it was perfect because we were all supposed to be the plant at the end and stuff. And they kind of were shocked, but then like loved the idea that like, wow, you know, the actors just reached out and touched us.

The Art Of Kindness (28:28.533)

Nice

The Art Of Kindness (28:33.069)

Love that costume.

The Art Of Kindness (28:39.13)

Thank you, Patti LuPone. No, that's awesome. It's called for. It's called for. Yeah, and I know, I mean, I think what's fun about this show too is that even when something doesn't quote unquote go wrong, there are these moments that just feel so natural of y 'all playing together even with, I mean, you have a bit with the phone that I'm sure kind of varies each night as you're doing that physical comedy, which you're so great at. the physical comedy is amazing in this show. I'm loving

Kevin Del Aguila (28:42.406)

Exactly.

Kevin Del Aguila (28:58.949)

All

Kevin Del Aguila (29:06.059)

Yeah, no, it's very fun. that's another thing where it was like, when I went in, they were like, then you should do this bit with the phone. And I was like, bit with the phone? What bit with, what are you talking about? And they kind of tried to describe what it was. And I was like, I don't really understand what that is. And they were like, well, just figure it out. Do whatever you want. And I was like, OK. And you do. You're thrown in the water. You've got to swim.

You start to figure out well, hey, maybe this is what it is. okay. They're enjoying this. Let's keep going in that direction. So

The Art Of Kindness (29:40.105)

Yeah, ET phone home, baby. You know, I'm guessing you don't think of yourself this way just from this conversation, but you are a leader in the theater space. Whether it's directing or writing or performing in a show, you know, people look up to you. Are there certain things that you feel like you do to lead with kindness? Because in these companies, it does stem down from the top. Like, you all set the tone.

Kevin Del Aguila (30:03.484)

Yeah. Yeah. I mean, I don't know that I consciously do any of that. I mean, you know, I'm always just kind of like, we're here to play and have fun, you know, it's it's if you're not working hard, having fun and being kind. I mean, what's the point? You know, like all good things happen because of those three things. If those three things are in place.

Everything else will find its way. it's when one of those things breaks down that I'm always like, this isn't going to be the fun that I thought it was going be.

The Art Of Kindness (30:35.597)

I know it Yeah, it makes it less fun. And then you're like, I'm just gonna put a laundry basket on my head and be a turtle.

Kevin Del Aguila (30:41.887)

Yeah, but I'll tell you, I mean, one of the things is that, you you say, you're a leader in the thing. I don't see myself as that at all. is, this is a kind thing that somebody did to me once. I remember in Frozen, we were at some party after one of the shows or something. One of the cast members said, I hope you know how much the company admires you, looks up to you. And I said, what?

I would never in a million years think that. I was like, these people seem like they've got it together, they've got their lives, they don't give two craps about me. I would never think that they would think that. And she was like, no, people really respect you and really admire what you do and what you bring to the stage.

That's a small act of kindness. That was something that I thought, wow, she didn't have to say any of that. She's not gaining anything from that. But to me, that was like a little insight into, wow, like, it's just a little breath of air to make you think like, good, I'm glad that there are people behind me. those little moments I think are

The Art Of Kindness (31:58.416)

a little breath, I like that.

Kevin Del Aguila (32:03.797)

the things that they're small, but I think they keep you sort of thinking like, okay, okay, that you know, I'm amongst people who believe in me and you know, you don't always hear that, but because people don't always say it, but when they do, it's good, it's nice.

The Art Of Kindness (32:14.244)

Mmm.

The Art Of Kindness (32:21.828)

Well, people say it behind the scenes too, Kevin, from what I know. We have mutual friends that have confirmed it. I have been pitched you at least three times for this podcast as a kind person, and I'm glad we could, yeah, make it work now. Like the show team of Some Like It Hot mentioned you, but I talked to Adriana and then just the scheduling wise, I couldn't do it. But people think you're an ideal guest for this because you have this beautiful reputation. So I can confirm that.

Kevin Del Aguila (32:30.59)

Really?

Kevin Del Aguila (32:46.667)

My lies have taken root, yes.

The Art Of Kindness (32:50.158)

My fingers are crossed right now, don't look down. No, I can confirm it. Speaking about acts of kindness, are there any that stand out to you from this run of Little Shop between your co -stars? Has anyone done anything particularly kind that sort of lifted you

Kevin Del Aguila (33:06.912)

I will say this company is really, really kind and supportive and they, mean, it's been running for how long now? I guess like five years or something like that, or like it's been going for a while and stopped during the pandemic, but then it picked right back up. And so there have been, there are people who have been in the show for years and are still there. And, you know, it's intimidating to come in when you're like, I'm the new guy and I don't

you know, whether I'm gonna stack up with other people who done this role or whether I'm doing something wrong or you guys are thinking like, get a load of what he's doing out there, you know. But nothing could be further from the truth that they're such a welcoming, supportive group. They've got all these little rituals from all of these years doing it, you know. They chant people's names when they go on stage. like, they, you know, there's just so many things

The Art Of Kindness (33:58.101)

I love that.

Kevin Del Aguila (34:02.663)

you know, that they have in place, that they kind of bring you into, and you just feel like you belong, like right away. So it's a real testament to the people involved. The people involved are really kind and really sweet and talented and all of that stuff. you know, they've all, you know, got a really good heart. And that's what's made the experience really worthwhile. I see why they stick around for years, because it's a good place.

The Art Of Kindness (34:27.517)

I love that.

Yeah, it's the people, not the plants. The plants are evil things over there. We don't condone it. You know, another space you're going to be welcome to very shortly is Yellowface, which you have coming up on Broadway. I'm so excited about this comedy. I'm sure you can't tell it's too much, but what are you most excited about for that

Kevin Del Aguila (34:32.73)

That's right. Feed the people, not the plants.

Kevin Del Aguila (34:50.53)

I don't know to tell you the truth. This is a big unknown to me because this kind of came to me out of the blue. It was just an offer given to me. I didn't have to audition and I thought, hmm, I could get used to this. But I don't really know a lot of people involved. I've never worked with most of the people involved.

The Art Of Kindness (35:10.002)

Yeah.

Kevin Del Aguila (35:20.093)

I'm super fans of theirs. And so I'm really excited to get in a room and work with them and find out why. Why did you pick me for this? What in the world convinced you that I would be right for this? No, no, I'm super thrilled. It seems like it's gonna be, it's a great play. And I've been such an admirer

of David's work. And so I'm super excited to be involved.

The Art Of Kindness (35:50.988)

I'm super excited to see it, you know? And just with all we've kind of talked about today and looking at your career, I really admire how much of a hustler you are. You really read to me as a hustler because you do so many things and you have that persistence, which you kind of, it's like a necessary ingredient in this business, at least to stick around. Like most of us, I also know you've had those sort of moments of self doubt, just from what I've heard you talk about in interviews. How are you, not to sound too hokey, but...

But I will. How are you sort of kind to yourself in those moments and how do you find the strength to kind of keep going on those days when you're like, what am I doing? And hopefully you don't experience that anymore, but you

Kevin Del Aguila (36:27.523)

I do. I definitely do. Absolutely. Nothing but. Yes. Now, the days of self -doubt and the days of second guessing and the, you know, imposter syndrome, all those things never go away. They're always there. And maybe that's why the hustling is, you know, a constant thing. more so than anything, think it's for me,

The Art Of Kindness (36:31.391)

okay. Thanks.

Kevin Del Aguila (36:56.14)

I run on instinct. Instinct is everything. And if I'm going against my instinct with something, that's when I find I get anxious, I feel wrong, everything feels bad. And so following my instincts, following what I love, things that I like, those are the things that I feel like if I can do that, that feels like doing something for myself.

giving myself a little bit of space to kind of enjoy what I'm doing and relish in what I'm doing and luxuriate in what I'm doing. But it comes and goes. There are days when it's like, I'll never work again. Everything I do is crap. no. And there are other days when I think, wait a minute. I think I know what I'm doing. What was I thinking yesterday?

The Art Of Kindness (37:32.468)

Yeah.

The Art Of Kindness (37:46.172)

Yeah, yeah, it's relatable.

Mm -hmm Yeah, well do you feel like that instinct helps you as a person who does have wear so many different hats because I know for me sometimes I'm like I'm doing so many things if I just did one of them I could probably do one really well and just achieve this versus Looking back and seeing like no each one's kind of growing on its own Do you feel like your instinct helps you focus on which one to do because I when you're a creative mind You're probably like I could write this no, but I could do this but that's a lot of pressure

Kevin Del Aguila (38:19.523)

Yeah, no, that was a big lesson to learn because I felt that exactly too. I was like, I'm a jack of all trades, master of none. I do lots of things, but I don't do one well. But the truth of the matter is that's not true. know, I was writing a lot, like I spent, you know, a couple of years during the pandemic just writing, writing, writing. And then when I got back into performing, I was like, I have no business being

The Art Of Kindness (38:30.782)

Yeah. Yeah.

The Art Of Kindness (38:35.067)

Mm -hmm.

Kevin Del Aguila (38:47.948)

There are some people who dedicate their lives just to performing. What am I doing here? I, you know, I'm rusty. I, my, my, voice is, I haven't been singing, you know, like everybody else is missing. What am I doing? and then you acclimate, you get going and you start to feel the juices flowing and you, and you think this is exactly like writing. This is being creative. This is being, you know, this is playing, this is exploring, this is being imaginative. This is creativity. You know, it's all the same thing.

and it's just different muscles being flexed and being worked. But it comes from the same well. That's what I've learned, is that it's all from this creative well. And if you can tap into that, you can use it to different advantages.

The Art Of Kindness (39:32.143)

Yeah, well that's very helpful on a personal note. I'm gonna write that down and stick it on my forehead. Really quickly though, we do have a surprise game if you're down to play. he left. Yes. It's called the compliment game and basically I reached out to someone in your life for a loving statement about you. I'm gonna read it to you and then you have to guess who said it.

Kevin Del Aguila (39:42.279)

What?

Kevin Del Aguila (39:55.741)

Hey!

The Art Of Kindness (39:56.204)

Okay, and I have cheesy theme song that honestly I really need to redo, but I'm gonna insert it right here.

The Art Of Kindness (40:13.707)

Yay! That's so painful to listen to live. Thank you. Well, I should have made a new one because that one's old, but also because I'm calling this one Feed Me Compliments and I can't feed the plants, but I will feed you compliments from some of your co -stars. So that's a hint right off the bat. I'll say you get like three guesses for, you actually have two, which also speaks to how kind you are. So you get three guesses. You can ask me yes or no questions. I don't, I really don't know anything, but I'll try and help you. Okay.

Kevin Del Aguila (40:15.316)

Woo! No, that set it up perfect.

The Art Of Kindness (40:42.729)

Here's your first one. I almost said who it was from. My favorite thing about Kevin is how loudly he buttons his ghillie suit backstage during Audrey's final moments before

Kevin Del Aguila (40:59.35)

Can I just guess? Okay, this is one of the urchins. Yes?

The Art Of Kindness (41:00.5)

Yeah, you can jump

The Art Of Kindness (41:05.471)

Yeah, yes

Kevin Del Aguila (41:08.614)

It's down to one of two. It's either Khadijah or Tiffany. I'm gonna guess it's Khadijah.

The Art Of Kindness (41:19.697)

Nope. It is Tiffany though. You got it. I mean, you got it basically on the first try. Yes, Tiffany. Woo, you did it. Can I do a little? Yeah. Okay. I'm having too much fun with this soundboard. It's a new feature, but I shouldn't have access to it. Great job, Tiffany. We love Tiffany. Let's give Tiffany some love. What do you love about working with Tiffany? Do you have anything to shout out there?

Kevin Del Aguila (41:20.967)

it's Tiffany!

Kevin Del Aguila (41:29.489)

Thank you.

Kevin Del Aguila (41:44.451)

they're, no, no, they're all super talented. mean, it's just amazing to be on stage and just hear them wailing. They sing so much in this show and they sing it so well and so amazingly. And then they come backstage and they do all these ridiculous little bits when they're singing, you know, offstage vocals. It's so, I mean, it's so fun. It's so fun. Yeah, they're all

The Art Of Kindness (41:51.828)

yeah.

The Art Of Kindness (42:05.624)

Yeah, that's so fun. And they keep growing throughout the show. Like they keep topping themselves and just getting better throughout the show. And you're like, my gosh, how are you doing that? Okay, we have another one. This one's I asked for short statements with little hints. So that's, that's why they're a little short. Here's your second one. I'll read this to you. This one's, this one's like in code.

Kevin Del Aguila (42:21.191)

Gotcha.

The Art Of Kindness (42:27.75)

Hell of a scarface. No paying for salsa.

Kevin Del Aguila (42:33.669)

Nope. No pang for salsa? No pang?

The Art Of Kindness (42:35.61)

Yeah. Unless it was a typo, I don't

Kevin Del Aguila (42:41.203)

Hell of a scarface. No pang for salsa?

Okay, the Scarface thing, think I know where that's coming from, but who heard me do that? Let's see. Yes, I would do some Audrey Two lines as Al Pacino in Scarface, and I'm sure whoever heard me do that.

The Art Of Kindness (43:04.572)

Curious about that, yeah. Yeah, this one's like a code. I've never had one like this before, it's fun.

Kevin Del Aguila (43:09.903)

Yeah, I'm for salsa. Salsa. Mmm. I'm going to say it's Jeff Sears or John Hosh.

The Art Of Kindness (43:22.623)

I'm

The Art Of Kindness (43:30.635)

No, I was looking for an, for an button, but I don't know if I have that. I can say you're on the right track by going for J's. You named two J, J people.

Kevin Del Aguila (43:44.497)

it's James.

The Art Of Kindness (43:46.677)

It's James, yeah. Woo, James! James also is phenomenal. now, see now I can't stop. my God. You're like, please let me go. James is also phenomenal in this show. So hilarious. Yeah, yeah. What do you love about working with James? Is he like a bit person? Is he doing weird things every day?

Kevin Del Aguila (43:57.905)

Okay.

Kevin Del Aguila (44:03.359)

he's He's great.

Kevin Del Aguila (44:10.001)

Super nice guys. mean, first of all, super nice guy. That's the thing that's just so great is that everybody's so nice and great. Yeah, he's wonderful. He's just like an actor's actor. He's like, you know, he'll try little bits on stage and like, you know, we'll diagnose them afterwards and stuff. He's great. He's great. And super consistent, a rock. Like he's really...

The Art Of Kindness (44:31.87)

hahaha

Kevin Del Aguila (44:40.196)

He's really talented. yeah, he's great.

The Art Of Kindness (44:44.307)

Well, you all are you're all great y 'all rock and everyone please run don't walk to see this show But you know be wary because the plant might eat you up. That was that was so stupid I would love if we could end our time together by you just sharing a tangible kindness tip So something our listeners could do every day on their own corner to try and make the world a little bit

Kevin Del Aguila (44:52.674)

Yeah

Kevin Del Aguila (45:07.055)

tangible kindness tip. I'll go back to what I said about the person who said something to me in Frozen. They didn't have to say anything, but they decided to let me in on something that I may not have known or that I may not have ever been told. think just, you know, if you notice somebody or you have something nice to say to somebody, maybe just say it. They may

It may not be big, it may not be huge, but it may be something that they need to hear.

The Art Of Kindness (45:39.782)

Yeah, it's the opposite of the phrase we always hear which is if you don't have anything nice to say keep it to yourself So do the opposite. I love that retweet. Thank you, Kevin It's been such a joy to talk with you and I just can't wait to see what you do next. I'm such a

Kevin Del Aguila (45:53.632)

thank you for having me. It's so great to talk to you.

The Art Of Kindness (45:55.936)

thank you. Well, I'm holding you hostage for like three more seconds because I'll hit I'm going to stop record.