Frank DiLella

Frank DiLella is a seasoned journalist with over two decades of experience covering New York City’s vibrant entertainment community. Known for his insightful interviews and comprehensive coverage as the host of ON STAGE on Spectrum News NY1, DiLella has established himself as a prominent voice in New York City’s arts and entertainment scene. Throughout his career, DiLella has conducted interviews with many legendary artists, including Tom Hanks, George Clooney, Vanessa Redgrave, Bono, Nathan Lane, Elton John, Ryan Murphy, Liza Minnelli, Patti LuPone, Bette Midler, Bernadette Peters, Hugh Jackman, Tom Stoppard, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Alicia Keys, Jane Fonda, Jake Gyllenhaal, Samuel L. Jackson, Jessica Chastain, Judith Light, Kristin Chenoweth, Idina Menzel, Lady Gaga, Tony Kushner, and Andrew Lloyd Webber.

His work has been recognized with numerous awards, including 11 New York Emmy Awards, 11 New York Press Club Awards, and an Edward R. Murrow Award. In 2022, he was honored by the Association of LGBTQ+ Journalists for his Spectrum News Special, “Pride and Perseverance.”

Beyond his work at NY1 NEWS, DiLella has contributed to various outlets, including the Tony Awards, the Olivier Awards, Playbill, MANHATTAN Magazine, and Broadway Direct. He regularly appears on MSNBC’s “Morning Joe”, where he’s been affectionately referred to as “the

Broadway guy”. He has also made appearances on The Tamron Hall Show, Andy Cohen’s “Watch What Happens Live,” the AOL BUILD Series, BBC, CBS, ABC, NBC, CTV, and has been heard on The Broadway Podcast Network, iHeart Radio, and Sirius XM.

In January 2022, DiLella executive produced and hosted the documentary “Reopening: The Broadway Revival”, featuring Sara Bareilles, Kristin Chenoweth, Andrew Lloyd Webber, and other notable theater artists. This PBS “Great Performances” special offered a unique glimpse into the challenges and triumphs of the Broadway industry during the COVID-19 pandemic. His latest documentary, “Playing The Palace”, about Broadway’s legendary Palace Theatre, debuted on PBS in May 2025 and featured Broadway icons including Bernadette Peters, Joel Grey, and Heather Headley.

DiLella has also made numerous on-screen appearances, including in Ryan Murphy’s “The Prom” opposite Meryl Streep, “Smash,” “The Little Voice,” “Gossip Girl,” and “The Forty Year Old Version.”

Committed to fostering the next generation of artists, DiLella serves on the selection committee for the annual Clive Barnes Award and Foundation, which honors outstanding young professionals in dance and theater. He is also a member of the

Chairman’s Council for Bette Midler’s nonprofit, the New York Restoration Project—an environmental justice organization dedicated to beautifying New York City.

A graduate of Fordham University at Lincoln Center, DiLella returned to his alma mater in 2013 where he currently serves as an adjunct professor – teaching entertainment journalism.