This positive podcast covers:

• How to be a "magnet for goodness" in your every day life.
• What Grey's learned about unlocking vulnerability and "childlike wonder" through the iconic musical theatre roles he's played.
• Leading with BIG kindness on his new musical BIGFOOT! + more!

GREY HENSON recently played Buddy in the Broadway revival of Elf the Musical, earning him a Drama Desk Award nomination. He made his Broadway debut as Elder McKinley in The Book of Mormon, a role that he originated on the first national tour. He was also seen on Broadway as Storyteller 2 in Shucked and earned Tony and Drama Desk Award nominations for his performance as Damian in Mean Girls. Other credits include Michael in tick, tick… BOOM! at the Kennedy Center and Tate in the Netflix series “Girls5Eva”. Find out more: BIGFOOT: A NEW MUSICAL

Got kindness tips or stories? Please email us:

⁠⁠⁠⁠artofkindnesspodcast@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠

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⁠⁠@greyhenson

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⁠⁠⁠⁠@artofkindnesspod⁠⁠⁠⁠ / ⁠⁠⁠⁠@robpeterpaul⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠Support the show⁠⁠⁠⁠!

(⁠⁠⁠https://www.buymeacoffee.com/theaok⁠⁠⁠)

Music:

"Awake" by Ricky Alvarez & "Sunshine" by Lemon Music Studio.

We are supported by the Broadway Podcast Network.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This positive podcast episode features:

• How Nina is working through stage door discomfort to learn to better accept compliments.
• The golden advice she received from her Tony-winning Kimberly Akimbo co-star Victoria Clark and The Queen of Versailles powerhouse Kristin Chenoweth.
• Her self tape tips + other advice for young musical theatre performers.
• The kindness of being present and honest and much more.

NINA WHITE stars as ‘Jenny’ in the Off-Broadway production of YOU GOT OLDER, which opened at the Cherry Lane Theatre on February 23rd to rave reviews and was a New York Times Critics’ Pick. Most recently, she could be seen in Broadway musical THE QUEEN OF VERSAILLES, for which she received acclaim for her standout role as 'Victoria,’ daughter to Kristen Chenowith's 'Jackie'. Nina first broke onto the theater scene originating the role of ‘Teresa’ in the 5x Tony-winning musical, KIMBERLY AKIMBO, followed by a role in the Kennedy Center’s acclaimed production of THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE. Her on-screen credits include A24’s Golden Globe-winning film, A DIFFERENT MAN, starring Sebastian Stan, and Peacock series LONG BRIGHT RIVER with Amanda Seyfried.  She resides in New York City.

Got kindness tips or stories? Please email us:

⁠⁠⁠artofkindnesspodcast@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠

Follow Nina

⁠@iamninawhite

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(⁠⁠https://www.buymeacoffee.com/theaok⁠⁠)

Music:

"Awake" by Ricky Alvarez & "Sunshine" by Lemon Music Studio.

We are supported by the Broadway Podcast Network.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This episode features:

• Why Emma Straub's book American Fantasy meets the current moment, thanks to a healthy dose of nostalgia
• Embracing the "uncool-ness" of being a passionate fan
• Creating community with her bookstore Books Are Magic in Brooklyn
• How vulnerability can unlock kindness, creativity and more

Emma Straub is the New York Times-bestselling author of six books for adults: the novels This Time Tomorrow, All Adults Here, The Vacationers, Modern Lovers, Laura Lamont’s Life in Pictures, and the short story collection Other People We Married. She is also the author of a picture book, Very Good Hats.  Her books have been published in more than twenty languages. 

 She and her husband are also the beloved owners of Books Are Magic, an iconic independent bookstore in Brooklyn, New York.

Got kindness tips or stories? Please email us:

⁠⁠artofkindnesspodcast@gmail.com⁠⁠

Follow Emma

@emmastraub

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(⁠https://www.buymeacoffee.com/theaok⁠)

Music:

"Awake" by Ricky Alvarez & "Sunshine" by Lemon Music Studio.

We are supported by the Broadway Podcast Network.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Episode takeaways:

• The tangible and unique way that onscreen legend Uma Thurman showed everyone kindness onset.
• Why kindness is SPECIFIC and creates communities.
• How Vicky is fighting to tell more female-driven stories in the action space (including an upcoming female Rambo), and more.

PRETTY LETHAL: An action-packed thriller where five ballerinas (Iris Apatow, Lana Condor, Millicent Simmonds, Avantika, Maddie Ziegler)⁠⁠⁠, on their way to a prestigious dance competition, are barely on speaking terms when their bus breaks down in a remote forest. With no other options, they reluctantly seek shelter at an unsettling roadside inn run by Devora Kasimer (Uma Thurman), a reclusive former ballet prodigy. From the moment they arrive, something feels wrong—and their worst instincts prove right. As the situation turns deadly, the fractured team must set aside rivalries and weaponize years of brutal training, turning grace, discipline, and even pointe shoes into tools for survival. Now streaming on Prime!

Got kindness tips or stories? Please email us:

⁠⁠artofkindnesspodcast@gmail.com⁠⁠

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⁠@vicjewson

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Music:

"Awake" by Ricky Alvarez & "Sunshine" by Lemon Music Studio.

We are supported by the Broadway Podcast Network.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

• How kindness and authenticity built his legendary acting career from Wicked to Seussical to Addams Family.
• Going viral on TikTok years after his Disney Channel hit Jessie and embracing a whole new digital chapter.
• Surviving Broadway chaos, on-stage mishaps, and finding humor in it all.
• Why you should “let it ruin your breakfast, not your lunch.”
• The importance of finding one moment of joy every day—and much more!

KEVIN CHAMBERLIN is a three-time Tony Award-nominated actor. Kevin is best known for his work on stage in Dirty Blonde, Seussical, and The Addams Family as well as on-camera in Disney Channel’s “Jessie”. Following his time on “Jessie”, Kevin quickly rose to online prominence, accumulating an audience of 12 million engaged fans across social media platforms.

Check out: WHEN PLAYWRIGHTS KILL

Got kindness tips or stories? Please email us:

⁠artofkindnesspodcast@gmail.com⁠

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@chamberlin.kevin

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Music:

"Awake" by Ricky Alvarez & "Sunshine" by Lemon Music Studio.

We are supported by the Broadway Podcast Network.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

• Working with kind leaders like Mae Martin, Toni Collette and Dolly Parton.
• How her kind family and friends keep her grounded.
• Her love of ducks and much more!

ALYVIA ALYN LIND is an emerging powerhouse actress. This fall, she starred opposite Toni Collette in Wayward, Netflix’s hit psychological thriller series from creator Mae Martin. The series premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival, and ranked in the top 10 on Netflix in over 35 countries. Lind previously starred as the female lead of the Peacock/Syfy horror series Chucky. She also led Roku’s Spiderwick Chronicles with Christian Slater and Netflix’s Daybreak alongside Matthew Broderick.

In 2015, Lind played the role of Dolly Parton in Coat of Many Colors, which earned her a Critics Choice Award nomination. Lind was also nominated for a Daytime Emmy for her work on The Young and the Restless. Her additional television credits include the Hulu comedy series Future Man, Showtime’s acclaimed drama Masters of Sex and AMC’s The Walking Dead.

In film, Lind starred with Adam Sandler in Warner Bros Pictures’ Blended, alongside Drew Barrymore in Netflix’s Overboard, and across Bella Thorne in Masquerade.

Got kindness tips or stories? Please email us:

⁠artofkindnesspodcast@gmail.com⁠

Follow Alyvia

⁠@alyviaalind

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Music:

"Awake" by Ricky Alvarez & "Sunshine" by Lemon Music Studio.

We are supported by the Broadway Podcast Network.

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• Life-changing acts of kindness that saved David on his journey to coming out.
• Connecting with celebrities like Dolly Parton, Loren Allred and Demi Lovato.
• Plus, a surprise from his mom and BFF, and more!

DAVID ARCHULETA: On Season 7 of American Idol, David Archuleta made over 30 million television viewers swoon with his angelic voice, ultimately winning runner-up on the show at the age of seventeen. His journey has included turning out multiple platinum-selling hits, achieving global acclaim as a live performer, and emerging as an undeniable fixture on the pop-culture scene. Since his first single “Crush,” he has released eight studio albums, twenty-four singles, and twenty-one music videos. Hit singles “Crème Brulée” and “Hell Together” have marked a striking evolution and new chapter for David as an artist and creative entrepreneur while continuing to expand his audience globally. Having grown up as a poster child for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, David struggled to be his true self and didn’t come out as queer until 2021. He now advocates for members of the LGBTQ+ community. He lives in Los Angeles, California.

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With a career spanning over two decades, Stephanie J. Block-Arcelus is one of Broadway's most versatile talents. You may have been lucky enough to see her starring opposite Hugh Jackman in The Boy from Oz or perhaps she is your Elphaba! Stephanie actually originated Elphaba in the early workshops of Wicked and later went on to play her both in the first national tour and on Broadway. She has earned acclaim for starring turns in shows like Little Miss Sunshine, The Mystery of Edwin Drood, Falsettos and Dolly Parton’s 9 to 5 The Musical. In 2019, Stephanie won the Drama Desk Award, Outer Critics Circle Award and Tony Award for playing the title role in The Cher Show. 

In addition to her stage and screen work, Stephanie has also taken her incredible voice to symphony orchestras across the US. Her solo concerts have earned her critical acclaim in both New York City and London, and her recording work includes several original cast albums, as well as her own album, This Place I Know. She also lends her voice to her own beautiful podcast Stages. Onscreen you’ve seen in her shows like Orange is the New Black, Homeland, Madame Secretary and the new film iModercai.

Got kindness tips or stories? Please email us:

⁠artofkindnesspodcast@gmail.com⁠

Follow Stephanie

⁠@stephaniejblock⁠

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(https://www.buymeacoffee.com/theaok)

Music:

"Awake" by Ricky Alvarez & "Sunshine" by Lemon Music Studio.

We are supported by the Broadway Podcast Network.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

- How his upbringing in the Philippines and the People Power Revolution inspired his journey into theater, using art as a powerful tool for social change.

- How his historic Tony win changed things.

- Tangible advice to bring kindness to the forefront of a busy life.

Follow Clint:

@clintramos

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Music:

"Awake" by Ricky Alvarez & "Sunshine" by Lemon Music Studio.

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⁠Morgan Harper Nichols⁠ is an artist, writer, and creator based in Georgia. Diagnosed with autism, ADHD, and sensory processing disorder, Morgan’s work often explores themes of embracing life’s narrative and creating room to breathe. She began creating art and poetry in response to social media messages she received in 2017, and since then, her practice has expanded to include digital art, collage, coding, and 3D environments. Morgan is the creator of the app Storyteller and the online shop Garden24. Her WSJ bestselling book, All Along You Were Blooming, is one of several published works, and she currently serves as Vice President on the board of TWLOHA, a mental health organization. Morgan is passionate about the intersection of art, storytelling, and health, and her long-term goal is to teach and develop resources that explore how we create and interact with narratives in our lives.

L Morgan Lee's "Reaching for Help from Drowning" Fundraiser:

⁠https://www.gofundme.com/f/reaching-for-help-from-drowning⁠

Follow Morgan:

⁠@morganharpernichols⁠

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⁠youtube.com/@artofkindnesspodcast⁠

⁠Support the show⁠!

(https://www.buymeacoffee.com/theaok)

Got kindness tips or stories? Want to just say hi? Please email us:

artofkindnesspodcast@gmail.com

Music:

"Awake" by Ricky Alvarez & "Sunshine" by Lemon Music Studio.

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Jasmine Amy Rogers earned a Tony Award® nomination for her Broadway debut as the titular role in BOOP! THE MUSICAL, and garnered “a star is born” reviews. She received Drama Desk, Outer Critics Circle and Theatre World Awards for her portrayal, as well as Drama League and Chita Rivera nominations. Rogers played Anita in the Pasadena Playhouse production of JELLY’S LAST JAM, Gretchen Wieners in the National Tour of MEAN GIRLS, Melody Green in Paper Mill Playhouse’s production of THE WANDERER and in the world premiere of BECOMING NANCY at the Alliance Theatre. TV includes “EVIL”. She was a Jimmy Awards’ finalist and studied musical theatre at the Manhattan School of Music.

To learn more about Maestra Music, please visit: maestramusic.org/amplify/

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@jasmine_amy_r

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Music:

"Awake" by Ricky Alvarez & "Sunshine" by Lemon Music Studio.

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This kind-hearted episode covers:

• How classical piano training shaped her work ethic
• The intersection of kindness, diligence, and authenticity
• Navigating imposter syndrome with childlike joy
• Tips for handling tech frustrations during rehearsals
• The importance of community and supporting co-stars
• Lessons from working with legendary leaders like Michael Arden and Meryl Streep
• Insights into recording a Broadway cast album and its lasting impact
• Broadway theatre ghost encounters and more!

HELEN J SHEN (she/they) is an actor, musician, and writer who has quickly established herself as a force within the entertainment industry. Helen currently stars in the critically-acclaimed Broadway musical Maybe Happy Ending, which won the 2025 Tony Award for Best Musical. For her performance, she received rave reviews and was recognized with the Clive Barnes Award for Theatre, the Theatre World Award, and nominations for a Grammy Award, Drama Desk Award, and Drama League Award. She recently wrapped filming the highly anticipated sequel The Devil Wears Prada 2, set to be released this upcoming May. They previously starred in the musical The Lonely Few at MCC Theater and the Geffen Playhouse. For her performance as JJ, Helen received a 2025 Lucille Lortel Award Nomination for Outstanding Featured Performer in a Musical. Helen also captivated audiences in the musical Teeth at Playwrights Horizons. Their regional credits include starring in Man of God at the Williamstown Theatre Festival and as Betty Schaefer in Sunset Boulevard at ACT of Connecticut. Helen earned a BFA in Musical Theatre from the University of Michigan. She has been recognized in TIME100 Next, Variety’s 2024 Power of Young Hollywood Impact Report, and the 2025 Gold House A100 List.

Follow Helen:

@helenjshen

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Got kindness tips or stories? Want to just say hi? Please email us:

artofkindnesspodcast@gmail.com

Music:

"Awake" by Ricky Alvarez & "Sunshine" by Lemon Music Studio.

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This episode touches on:

- How Marisha says she manifested her entire journey in the arts.

- Life-changing acts of kindness from Disney's Aladdin to Billy Porter in Cabaret.

- The importance of representation in iconic theatre works like Cabaret and much more.

MARISHA WALLACE has earned Olivier Award nominations for Guys and Dolls (Miss Adelaide) and Oklahoma! (Ado Annie). She’s captivated London audiences as Motormouth Maybelle in Hairspray, originated Becky in Waitress, and made her West End debut as Effie White in Dreamgirls. Marisha received widespread critical acclaim for her performance as Sally Bowles in Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club, London, with many critics hailing it as her career-defining role. She reprised this role on Broadway, and her performance was featured as one of the 16 best theatre moments of 2025 by the New York Times. She headlined a solo concert at the Adelphi Theatre, with her live album. Her powerhouse voice and magnetic presence have led to multiple performances for His Majesty the King and The Royal Family

Follow Marisha:

@marishawallace

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Got kindness tips or stories? Want to just say hi? Please email us:

artofkindnesspodcast@gmail.com

Music:

"Awake" by Ricky Alvarez & "Sunshine" by Lemon Music Studio.

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The real-life Chad Danforth joins The Art of Kindness with Robert Peterpaul to discuss navigating the industry with kindness from tv sets to Broadway stages. The performer gets a starry surprise (spoiler alert) from his DCOM co-star and friend Lucas Grabeel.

CORBIN BLEU (Joe Ross) is a versatile actor, singer/songwriter, dancer, voiceover artist and host. Bleu is best known as Chad Danforth in the Emmy-winning HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL franchise. Recently, Bleu starred in the TV movies Love, For Real and A Christmas Dance Reunion and special guest-starred in Seasons 3 and 4 of High School Musical: The Musical: The Series on Disney+. On Broadway, Bleu starred in the Tony-nominated 2019 revival of Kiss Me, Kate at Studio 54, earning a Drama Desk nomination. He headlined as Ted Hanover in Holiday Inn, winning the Chita Rivera Award, and also appeared in Godspell (Jesus) and In the Heights (Usnavi).

Additional stage highlights include Hairspray (Seaweed) and Mamma Mia! (Sky) at the Hollywood Bowl. In 2018, he played Don Lockwood in Singin’ in the Rain at The Muny and Billy Crocker in Anything Goes at Arena Stage, earning a Helen Hayes Award for Outstanding Lead Actor. That same year, he was named Entertainer of the Year at the Tremaine National Gala for his contributions to dance. Most recently, Corbin starred as Seymour in Little Shop of Horrors at the Westside Theatre in New York, completing a three-month run with Constance Wu followed by a three-month run with Jinkx Monsoon.

⁠Support Our Mom Barbara’s Second Cancer Journey⁠

Follow Corbin:

⁠@corbinbleu⁠

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⁠@mrgrabeel⁠

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Got kindness tips or stories? Want to just say hi? Please email us:

artofkindnesspodcast@gmail.com

Music:

"Awake" by Ricky Alvarez & "Sunshine" by Lemon Music Studio.

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This episode touches on:

- How gratitude and kindness have shaped Kenny Ortega's legendary career and the enduring legacy of High School Musical.

- Incredible behind-the-scenes stories and leadership insights from Hocus Pocus, Newsies, and, of course, the HSM franchise.

- The impact of collaborating with folks like Cameron Boyce, Bette Midler and Gene Kelly have had on him + so much more.

- There may even be a surprise from a High School Musical star!

KENNY ORTEGA a is a renowned director, producer, and choreographer famous for creating family-friendly musical hits like Disney's High School Musical and Descendants franchises, cult classics Hocus Pocus and Newsies, and choreographing beloved films such as Dirty Dancing and Pretty in Pink, plus extensive work with icons like Michael Jackson, Madonna and Cher. He started in theater and music videos, then transitioned to film and TV, earning acclaimed and awards like a Disney Legends Award for his genre-bending work.

Support the Cameron Boyce Foundation:

https://www.thecameronboycefoundation.org/

Follow Kenny

@kennyortegablog

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⁠⁠⁠⁠Support the show⁠⁠⁠⁠!

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Got kindness tips or stories? Want to just say hi? Please email us:

artofkindnesspodcast@gmail.com

Music:

"Awake" by Ricky Alvarez & "Sunshine" by Lemon Music Studio.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Kindness is Free is a transformative initiative, powered by the Boys & Girls Clubs, that promotes compassion, respect, and empathy to build safer, more connected communities through small, actionable acts of kindness. To learn more and find out how to get involved, please visit: www.kindnessisfree.org

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Got kindness tips or stories? Want to just say hi? Please email us:

artofkindnesspodcast@gmail.com

Music:

"Awake" by Ricky Alvarez & "Sunshine" by Lemon Music Studio.

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• Her new holiday single Christmas on the Coast + holiday favorites
• The challenges and rewards of working on Broadway during Christmas
• The power of "trying" and much more!

DESI OAKLEY is a self-described Jane of all trades. She’s a Broadway performer and recording artist you’ve seen in Waitress, Chicago, Wicked, Annie, and Les Misérables, with TV appearances on Elsbeth, Gotham, The Gilded Age, and Only Murders in the Building. You’ve also heard her voice in films like Wicked, Dear Evan Hansen, tick, tick… BOOM! and Spirited. Beyond the stage and screen, Desi is a heartfelt mental-health advocate, music educator, and NYC-based coach.

Follow Desi

@desioakley

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Got kindness tips or stories? Want to just say hi? Please email us:

artofkindnesspodcast@gmail.com

Music:

"Awake" by Ricky Alvarez & "Sunshine" by Lemon Music Studio.

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This episode covers:

- the kindness of embracing your unique style

- learning on the job as Broadway Costume Designer with Queen of Versailles

- working with legends like Paris Hilton, Kristin Chenoweth and more

CHRISTIAN COWAN is a celebrated fashion designer known for his bold vision and exuberant sense of glamour. His collections have been worn by stars including Beyoncé, Lady Gaga, Miley Cyrus, and Zendaya, and featured in Vogue and The New York Times. A fixture of New York Fashion Week, Cowan champions individuality and joy. His shows are known to bring drama, spectacle, and unapologetic self-expression. Queen of Versailles marks his Broadway costume design debut.

Follow Christian:

@christiancowan

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Got kindness tips or stories? Want to just say hi? Please email us:

artofkindnesspodcast@gmail.com

Music:

"Awake" by Ricky Alvarez & "Sunshine" by Lemon Music Studio.

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- Dora's wild audition process for Netflix and the Duffer Brothers.

- Her kind meeting with onscreen counterpart Cara Buono, and the wisdom she shared.

- Upside-Down kindness her and her Tony-winning company take part in + more.

DORA DOLPHIN makes her Broadway debut in First Shadow! Originated Young Karen Wheeler in the first workshop. Favorite credits: world premiere of Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Musical, Guthrie Theater’s A Christmas Carol, Coco’s Diary, Disney’s “Villains of Valley View,” GYLT. Gratitude to God, family, friends, CESD/ZOOM/ Luber-Roklin. @doradolphinofficial

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@doradolphinofficial

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Got kindness tips or stories? Want to just say hi? Please email us:

artofkindnesspodcast@gmail.com

Music:

"Awake" by Ricky Alvarez & "Sunshine" by Lemon Music Studio.

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The kind musical theatre titan and host Robert Peterpaul discuss:

• How kindness is at the core of Merrily.
• How to lead with kindness on Broadway and beyond.
• Her close relationship with Stephen Sondheim and more.

MARIA FRIEDMAN is a 4-time Olivier Award-winning star and Tony-nominated director, celebrated as one of the definitive interpreters of Stephen Sondheim’s work. She most recently directed the 4-time Tony Award-winning Broadway Revival of MERRILY WE ROLL ALONG. Her acclaimed production of Merrily We Roll Along originated in London and conquered Broadway with sold-out houses, securing the Tony Award for Best Revival of a Musical. As an actress, Maria is best known for starring in classic Sondheim roles, including Dot in Sunday in the Park with George and the Olivier Award-winning Fosca in Passion. Her illustrious career is a masterclass in musical theatre excellence across the West End and international stages. And let's not forget her starring turn as the Narrator in the Joseph And the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat feature film!

Follow Maria:

@mariafriedman

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Got kindness tips or stories? Want to just say hi? Please email us:

artofkindnesspodcast@gmail.com

Music:

"Awake" by Ricky Alvarez & "Sunshine" by Lemon Music Studio.

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The episode covers:

• the act of kindness from her drama teacher that made a lasting impression.
• the key to finding common ground with strangers.
• the dreamy process of bringing Two Strangers to Broadway and more! (We may even play a game all about cake).

CHRISTIANI PITTS can currently be seen on Broadway in the musical TWO STRANGERS (CARRY A CAKE ACROSS NEW YORK), currently in previews and opening on Thursday, November 20th. She is best known for her performance of ‘Ann Darrow’ in the Broadway musical KING KONG. Previously she appeared in the leading role ‘Jane’ in the Broadway musical A BRONX TALE. Christiani had a recurring role on STARZ's POWER BOOK III: Raising Kanan and starred in the Netflix feature RESORT TO LOVE. Her other credits include: DEAD RINGERS, BLUE BLOODS, THE GOOD FIGHT, EVIL, ELEMENTARY. Christiani is repped by Buchwald Talent and Authentic Talent & Literary Management.

Follow Christiani:

@christianiworld

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Got kindness tips or stories? Want to just say hi? Please email us:

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Music:

"Awake" by Ricky Alvarez & "Sunshine" by Lemon Music Studio.

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This episode covers:

• Learning self-kindness while leading a life of service.
• Working on new projects like Wingfeather Saga.
• Lessons learned from Ariel and Disney, plus more.

JODI BENSON is best known around the world as the beloved voice of Ariel in the Academy Award-winning Disney feature film, The Little Mermaid. She also gave voice to Barbie in Disney/Pixar's Toy Story 2 and Toy Story 3 and delighted Disney fans with a surprise cameo in Disney’s Live-Action The Little Mermaid, Disney’s Enchanted and reprising her role as Ariel in Ralph Breaks the Internet. In 2011, Disney honored Jodi's contributions by making her a Disney Legend. An accomplished singer, dancer, and actress, Jodi made her starring role debut on Broadway, performing the iconic song "Disneyland" in the Howard Ashman/Marvin Hamlisch musical Smile. She earned a Tony nomination for her role as Polly Baker in the hit Gershwin musical Crazy for You. Still entertaining audiences across the country and around the world, Jodi is currently living in North Georgia with her wonderful husband, Ray. They enjoy spending time with their amazing children, their daughter Delaney, their son McKinley, and his wife Mackenzie.

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Music:

"Awake" by Ricky Alvarez & "Sunshine" by Lemon Music Studio.

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Jon M. Chu is known for his visually stunning blockbuster films, as well as his kinetic work across various genres from groundbreaking series to commercials and films. Additionally, his unique storytelling ability has earned him the honor of inclusion on the Hollywood Reporter’s Power 100 list as well as Variety’s New Hollywood Leaders.

Most recently, Chu directed Universal Pictures’ critically acclaimed WICKED 1 & 2, starring Oscar-nominees Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande. Part 1 of the feature-film adaptation of the record-breaking musical phenomenon released in theaters on November 22 and quickly became a box-office hit, becoming the highest-grossing Broadway adaption in domestic box office history in its second week earning over $350 million globally. His memoir, Viewfinder, is his journey from growing up in the Silicon Valley to transitioning to Hollywood and helming major studio projects, released Summer 2024. The book is an uplifting tale of belonging, creativity and learning to see who you truly are.

His other projects include the critically acclaimed adaptation of Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Tony Award-winning musical IN THE HEIGHTS for Warner Bros. Studios as well as the worldwide phenomenon CRAZY RICH ASIANS, which was nominated for numerous awards, including a SAG Award, a Golden Globe and PGA Award. It is one of the top 10 highest grossing romantic comedies of all time and the highest in a decade. It was also the first contemporary studio picture in more than 25 years to feature an all-Asian cast and opened a new chapter in Asian-American representation in Hollywood.

Chu is attached to direct the highly anticipated biopic for Britney Spears based on her memoir, The Woman in Me, with Universal. He is also in development on Dr. Seuss’ OH, THE PLACES YOU’LL GO! with Warner Bros and JJ Abrams’ Bad Robot, which will be his first animated film. His previous films include GI. JOE: RETALIATION, NOW YOU SEE ME 2, JUSTIN BIEBER’S NEVER SAY NEVER and many more representing over 1.3 billion dollars in the worldwide box office.

Thank you to Ariana Grande, Cynthia Erivo, Ethan Slater, Michelle Yeoh and Simon Hayes for the special surprise, and to Welcome to Times Square for supporting our Big Apple dreams.

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Music:

"Awake" by Ricky Alvarez & "Sunshine" by Lemon Music Studio.

Let us be glad. Let us be grateful.

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Taped live in the Welcome To Times Square Studio, this kindness podcast episode covers:

• How kindness became Lorna’s secret to strong, authentic leadership.

• A touching fan story that reminded her what Broadway is really about.

• The self-care rituals that keep her voice and spirit healthy through eight shows a week.

• The power of bubble baths + much more.

LORNA COURTNEY currently stars as Veronica Sawyer in the hit cult classic Heathers and will next be seen in The Greatest Showman musical. She previously completed a triumphant run as Juliet in the Broadway musical & Juliet, earning a Tony Award nomination for Best Performance by a Leading Actress in a Musical, a Drama League Award for Distinguished Performance, and won the Clive Barnes Award for Theatre. She was a guest lead in CBS’s premiere of THE EQUALIZER opposite Queen Latifah, appeared in Dear Evan Hansen and the Broadway revival of West Side Story. Lorna received her BFA from the University of Michigan and graduated from Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School.

This episode is sponsored by Grether's Pastilles, the premium Swiss lozenges that are kind to your voice. It's also powered by Welcome to Times Square, the billboard experience that lets YOU be a star for a day. Thank you for supporting kindness!

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Music: "Awake" by Ricky Alvarez & "Sunshine" by Lemon Music Studio.

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Follow Rob

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Music: "Awake" by Ricky Alvarez & "Sunshine" by Lemon Music Studio.

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- growing up in the spotlight

- working with the iconic (and kind) Debbie Reynolds

- behind-the-scenes treats from the Halloweentown franchise + more!

While Kimberly J. Brown is perhaps most known for the Halloweentown franchise, she is an award-winning powerhouse who’s rocked every medium. By age 9 she had appeared on Broadway in shows like: “Les Miserables” and the Tony-winning revival of “Showboat.” She went then on to rock TV, earning an Emmy nomination for “Marah Lewis,” on TV’s longest running daytime drama, “Guiding Light,” which she played from 1993-1998 and in 2006. Other TV credits include “Law & Order: SVU,” “Touched By An Angel,” “Two of a Kind,” and more. More recently, she has been seen lighting up the Hallmark Channel. Some other film highlights include playing John Travolta and Uma Thurman’s assistant in Be Cool and starring opposite Steve Martin and Queen Latifah in Bringing Down the House.

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⁠@officialkjb⁠

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Halloween Music:

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This 'just peachy' episode covers:

- Why kindness thrives when we let go of rigid expectations

- How Antonia practices flexibility and self-grace in her creative life

- Acts of kindness from co-stars like Brianne Howey and more!

ANTONIA GENTRY currently shines bright as the titular character, “Ginny” in the Netflix hit original series, GINNY & GEORGIA, which we LOVE and is currently in production on a new season. She’s earned an MTV Movie & TV Award nomination for her role. And was also honored as a member of Variety’s 2021 “Power of Young Hollywood Impact List.” You may have also caught Toni on Netflix in TIME CUT on Netflix or Hulu’s Prom Dates.

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⁠⁠@alysonstoner⁠

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Music: "Awake" by Ricky Alvarez & "Sunshine" by Lemon Music Studio.

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This kindness podcast episode covers:

• Why kind acts alone won't cut it (and what will).
• What it really takes to unlearn perfectionism and embrace your authentic self.
• How writing can be an act of self care.
• Rob's grandma and much more. Tune in for an empowering pick me up!

ALYSON STONER is a multi-disciplinary entertainer, author, and founder/CEO of Movement Genius, a mental health company offering therapist-led content to improve well-being. Known for their award-winning Dear Hollywood podcast advocating for child protection in media, Stoner has also contributed to initiatives with the UN, WHO, and leading universities. A former child star seen in Camp Rock, Step Up, Phineas & Ferb, and Missy Elliott’s iconic videos, they now focus on impact-driven projects like Artist Wellbeing Essentials.

Thank you to Kindness is Free for being this season's Riverside sponsor. KIF empowers the next generation of youth by instilling the values of respect, equality and compassion for others.

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Music: "Awake" by Ricky Alvarez & "Sunshine" by Lemon Music Studio.

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CASSADEE POPE rose to fame as the first female winner of the hit reality show The Voice. After fronting pop-punk band Hey Monday and releasing a chart-topping solo country album, she’s made a powerful return to her roots with her pop-punk album Hereditary—a raw and emotional exploration of life, love, and legacy. She’s recently enjoyed lighting up the stage in a different way, starring in the off-Broadway productions Titanique as Rose and, now, Rolling Thunder: A Rock Journey as Linda.

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In this episode, the Lloyds step into the Tony Awards Winner’s Room fresh off their big win to speak with members of the press. AOK recorded as the duo opened up about artistic risk-taking, their creative partnership, and the power of entrusting bold new visions to tell timeless stories.

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ERIKA HENNINGSEN stars in the Netflix series THE FOUR SEASONS opposite Tina Fey and Steve Carrell and can currently be seen on stage starring in the Broadway production of JUST IN TIME, opposite Jonathan Groff. Erika originated the leading role of 'Cady Heron' in MEAN GIRLS on Broadway and received an Outer Critics Circle Award nomination for her work. Other TV credits include GIRLS5EVA, HARLEM, BLUE BLOODS, and FBI: INTERNATIONAL. Erika also voices the lead role of Charlie Morningstar in the hugely popular A24/Amazon animated musical comedy series HAZBIN HOTEL.

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In this episode, Sarah walks fresh off the Radio City Stage into the Tony Awards Winner's Room, where she speaks with Robert Peterpaul and other members of the press.

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JOANN M. HUNTER (Director & Choreographer). Always an honor and treat to be back at Paper Mill Playhouse! Over 30 Broadway, West End, and Australian first-class credits. Directed and choreographed at Carnegie Hall and the Kennedy Center. Early and infant stages: director-choreographer of Jo: The Little Women Musical, Yasuke: The Legend of the Black Samurai, and Birds of New York by Sophie B. Hawkins. I have worked with some extraordinary creatives in my career. How very lucky was I. In honing my craft, I keep my mentors in my heart. I am proud to be a Japanese American woman, and am more than just that.

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Megan Hilty is probably most recognizable for her portrayal of Ivy Lynn in the NBC Musical Drama “Smash.” Before that, Hilty started her career on Broadway, playing Glinda in “Wicked,” Doralee Rhodes in “9 to 5 The Musical,” and Brooke Ashton in “Noises Off,” which earned her a Tony Award Nomination. Other stage credits include Audrey in “Little Shop of Horrors” (Kennedy Center), Annie Oakley in “Annie Get Your Gun” (Encores/NY City Center) and Lorelei Lee in “Gentlemen Prefer Blondes” (Encores/NY City Center).

Her numerous television credits include “Sean Saves The World” with Sean Hayes, “Difficult People,” “Braindead,” “The Good Fight,” playing the iconic Patsy Cline in “Patsy and Loretta” and Lily in NBC’s “Annie Live!” Megan’s voiceover work spans from audiobooks to kids animated favorites on Disney, Nickelodeon, Netfilx, Hulu & Cartoon Network. Hilty continues to tour her cabaret show with her band, led by Grammy Nominated Matt Cusson, which has been taped for “Live from Lincoln Center” on PBS, and regularly appears with world renowned orchestras including the NY Pops, Boston Pops and the National Symphony Orchestra.

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Music:

"Awake" by Ricky Alvarez & "Sunshine" by Lemon Music Studio.

We are supported by the Broadway Podcast Network.

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MARJAN NESHAT emigrated to America from Iran as a child, leaving her homeland for safety and new opportunities amid difficult circumstances. Nowadays, you may recognize her from hit TV shows like New Amsterdam, The Blacklist, and a recent stint on The Night Agent or iconic films like RoboCop. 

She’s also a stage veteran, most recently earning a Tony nomination for her stunning performance in English at the Atlantic Theater Company. Not a bad way to make a Broadway debut.

The Pulitzer Prize-winning play English, by Sanaz Toossi, is a comedic and thought-provoking drama about Iranian adults preparing for the Test of English as a Foreign Language exam. The play explores themes of language acquisition, identity, and empathy…

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Music: "Awake" by Ricky Alvarez & "Sunshine" by Lemon Music Studio.

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MAX TALISMAN is rapidly emerging as a leading voice in Hollywood, with standout performances in the indie thriller Super Dark Times, the Jennifer Lopez film Marry Me, and hit series including Orange is the New Black, The Blacklist, and Search Party. Now, he makes his highly anticipated directorial debut with Things Like This, a bold reimagining of queer romance that follows two men with the same name as they navigate love and self-discovery in New York City. Starring Joey Pollari (Love, Simon), Jackie Cruz (Orange is the New Black), and Cara Buono (Stranger Things), the film steers away from traditional coming-out or trauma-centered stories, instead embracing humor, complexity, and the universal joy of connection—positioning it as one of 2025’s most exciting indie releases.

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Music: "Awake" by Ricky Alvarez & "Sunshine" by Lemon Music Studio.

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LENA HALL is a Tony award winner and Grammy nominee who stars alongside Jon Hamm on the new Apple series, Your Friends and Neighbors, which premiered to rave reviews on April 11th (one episode a week after initial first two episodes in premiere week). Lena plays “Ali Cooper” the younger sister of “Coop” played by Jon Hamm. We come to find out she is a singer / songwriter who has had some mental health issues regarding a past relationship and is trying to start over again both in life and in music. Lena’s character gets to perform throughout the episodes, performing original material that Lena wrote, as well as covers of Radiohead, The Thompson Twins and more. She will be releasing an EP and album of her music from the show. Add in the Tony Award winning / Grammy nominated rock and roll voice and fans new and old are very excited. Previously, Lena starred on AMC’s Snowpiercer for 4 seasons opposite Jennifer Connolly after winning the Tony Award for co-starring in Hedwig and the Angry Inch on Broadway opposite Neil Patrick Harris. She originated the role of Nicola in the Broadway musical Kinky Boots Her other Broadway credits include Cats, 42nd Street, Dracula, the Musical and Tarzan, the Musical. Hall has also starred in Off-Broadway productions such as Radiant Baby, Bedbugs!!!, Rooms: A Rock Romance, The Toxic Avenger, Prometheus Bound, Chix6, Little Shop of Horrors, and the 2017 original play How to Transcend a Happy Marriage.

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NORM LEWIS was recently seen onstage starring in the national tour of the Tony Award-winning production of A Soldier's Play and in Andrew Lloyd Webber's West End Concert of Love Never Dies. He starred in Spike Lee's critically acclaimed, "Da 5 Bloods," and in the groundbreaking FX series, Pose. Additionally, Mr. Lewis can be seen starring opposite Hilary Swank in the feature "The Good Mother," Amazon Prime's newest series, Swarm, and Hulu's, Up Here. He was also seen as 'Caiaphas' in the award-winning NBC television special, “Jesus Christ Superstar Live in Concert!,” alongside John Legend, Sara Bareilles, and Alice Cooper. Mr. Lewis returned to Broadway in the Fall of 2021, starring in Chicken and Biscuits at the Circle In The Square Theatre. He previously appeared in the Broadway revival of Once on This Island and as Sweeney Todd in the Off-Broadway production of Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street at the Barrow Street Theatre, receiving the AUDELCO Award for his performance. In May of 2014, he made history as The Phantom of the Opera’s first African American Phantom on Broadway. He has been seen on PBS in the Live From Lincoln Center productions of Showboat with Vanessa Williams, Norm Lewis: Who Am I?, New Year’s Eve: A Gershwin Celebration with Diane Reeves, as well as American Voices with Renée Fleming and the PBS Specials First You Dream – The Music of Kander & Ebb and Ella Wishes You A Swingin' Christmas. He can be seen recurring in the VH1 series, Daytime Divas, also alongside Vanessa Williams. His additional television credits include Women of The Movement, Law & Order, Dr. Death, Mrs. America, Better Things, The Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, Bull, Chicago Med, Gotham, The Blacklist, and Blue Bloods, as well as in his recurring role as Senator Edison Davis on the hit drama Scandal. Mr. Lewis is a proud, founding member of Black Theatre United, an organization which stands together to help protect Black people, Black talent and Black lives of all shapes and orientations in theatre and communities across the country. He received Tony, Drama Desk, Drama League, and Outer Critics Circle award nominations for his performance as Porgy in the Broadway production of The Gershwins’ Porgy & Bess. Other Broadway credits include Sondheim on Sondheim, The Little Mermaid, Les Misérables, Chicago, Amour, The Wild Party, Side Show, Miss Saigon, and The Who’s Tommy. In London’s West End he has appeared as Javert in Les Misérables and Les Misérables: The 25th Anniversary Concert, which aired on PBS. Off-Broadway Mr. Lewis has performed in Dessa Rose (Drama Desk nomination, AUDELCO Award), Shakespeare in the Park’s The Tempest, The Two Gentlemen of Verona (Drama League nomination), Captains Courageous, and A New Brain. His regional credits include Porgy in The Gershwins’ Porgy and Bess (A.R.T.), Ragtime, Dreamgirls (with Jennifer Holliday), First You Dream, Sweeney Todd, and The Fantasticks. His additional film credits include Christmas In Tune (starring opposite Reba McEntire), Magnum Opus, Winter’s Tale, Sex and the City 2, Confidences, and Preaching to the Choir. Norm's albums "The Norm Lewis Christmas Album" & "This is The Life" can be found on Amazon.com as well as cdbaby.com.

Ceremonies in Dark Old Men Tickets: https://www.thepeccadillo.com/

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Meet Becca Tilley. A Louisiana native, the 30-something resides in Los Angeles, California with her girlfriend, Hayley Kiyoko and pup, Phoebe. She is the personality behind People’s Choice awarded podcast, Scrubbing In with Becca Tilley & Tanya Rad and a lifestyle influencer and content creator. Becca was quickly put in the public eye on season 19 of The Bachelor and an additional run on season 20. Find her eating McDonald’s or sipping a Dr. Pepper in her free time. 

Visit: mrsmeyers.com for more.

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In this episode you will hear from...

Creative team members: Tony Award®-winning director/choreographer Jerry Mitchell (Kinky Boots), Tony Award®-nominated lyricist Susan Birkenhead (Working, Jelly’s Last Jam), Tony Award®-winning book writer Bob Martin (The Drowsy Chaperone) and Associate Choreographer Jon Rua.

The principal cast of BOOP!, who received critical acclaim in the Chicago pre-Broadway run last year: Jasmine Amy Rogers as Betty Boop, Tony Award®-winner Faith Prince as Valentina, Ainsley Melham as Dwayne, Erich Bergen as Raymond Demarest, Stephen DeRosa as Grampy, Anastacia McCleskey as Carol Evans, Angelica Hale as Trisha, Phillip Huber as Pudgy the Dog, and Aubie Merrylees as Oscar Delacorte. Plus ensemble members: Tristen Buettel (Bad Cinderella) and Nina Lafarga (In the Heights).

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Kate Baldwin is a two-time Tony Award and four-time Drama Desk Award nominee who has delighted audiences across the country with performances on Broadway, in concert and on television.

Kate starred as Irene Molloy opposite Bette Midler, David Hyde Pierce and Gavin Creel in the hit Broadway revival of Hello, Dolly!, for which she was nominated for the Tony, Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle awards. She originated the role of Sandra Bloom in Big Fish on Broadway and earned accolades and a Drama Desk Award nomination for her work as Leslie Lynnton Benedict in Michael John LaChiusa’s Giant at The Public Theatre. She received a Drama Desk Award nomination for her role as Jen in Keen Company’s 20th Anniversary revival of Andrew Lippa and Tom Greenwald’s John & Jen. She garnered critical acclaim and a Lucille Lortel Award nomination for Tom Kitt and John Logan’s Superhero at Second Stage. But it was her starring role in the 2009 Broadway revival of Finian’s Rainbow, which drew Tony, Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle Award nominations and put her on the map as “a real musical theatre star.” (New York Post)

Kate has appeared in the Broadway casts of The Full Monty, Thoroughly Modern Millie and Wonderful Town. Other New York theatre productions include Songbird at 59e59 and in The Dead, 1904 for Irish Rep, Fiorello! and Love Life for City Center Encores!

She starred in The King and I at the Lyric Opera of Chicago, Irving Berlin’s White Christmas (San Francisco, Detroit, Toronto), The Women at The Old Globe, Henry V at the Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey, She Loves Me at the Willliamstown Theatre Festival, and The Music Man and South Pacific at Arena Stage, earning a Helen Hayes Award nomination. She drew raves for her portrayal of Francesca Johnson in The Bridges of Madison County directed by original cast member Hunter Foster and for her turn as Dorothy Brock in 42nd Street at Goodspeed Opera House directed by original creator Randy Skinner.

She has performed in concert with the American Pops Orchestra, New York Pops, Boston Pops, National Symphony, Detroit Symphony, Portland Symphony, Phoenix Symphony, Chicago Symphony, American Songbook series at Lincoln Center, the Kennedy Center and at the legendary New York nightclubs Feinstein’s, Birdland and 54 Below. Her concert work also includes several appearances with Stephen Sondheim as a featured performer in his critically acclaimed evening, “A Conversation with Stephen Sondheim.” 

On television, her work includes appearances on “The Gilded Age” (HBO),  “Law &Order: SVU” (NBC) “Just Beyond” (Disney Plus) “Live from Lincoln Center: Stephen Sondheim’s Passion” (PBS) and “First You Dream: the Songs of Kander and Ebb” (PBS)

Kate is a 2023 Chicago/Midwest Emmy nominee, alongside partners at HMS Media for creating and producing “Broadway Comes Home,” a love letter to her hometown of Milwaukee. She is a proud advisory board member for Maestra Music, which provides support, visibility and community for the women and non-binary people who make the music in musical theatre.

Kate’s debut album on PS Classics, “Let’s See What Happens” features Lane and Harburg songs from both stage and film. Her second album celebrates the work of lyricist Sheldon Harnick and is titled, “She Loves Him.”  

She is a graduate of Shorewood High School in Shorewood, WI and Northwestern University. She lives with her husband and son in Maplewood, NJ.

Visit: maestramusic.org

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Teresa Palmer is a globally recognized performer who has been nominated for multiple Best Actress awards, including Critics Choice and many others from her home country in Australia.

You’ll likely recognize Teresa from her extensive onscreen work, often alongside some of the most acclaimed talents in the industry. She shared the screen with Cate Blanchett and Christian Bale in Knight of Cups. Appeared alongside Andrew Garfield in Mel Gibson’s Oscar-nominated film Hacksaw Ridge, with Danielle Radcliffe in December Boys and Adam Sandler and Keri Russel in Bedtime Stories... the list goes on. According to IMDb, some other most popular credits are I Am Number Four,Warm Bodies and Take Me Home Tonight.

More recently, you may have spotted Teresa wielding a sword in the SAG Award-winning blockbuster The Fall Guy, starring Ryan Gosling, Emily Blunt, and Hannah Waddingham.

And that's not even touching on her TV career, which most recently includes leading the cast of the cult hit A Discovery of Witches. Teresa’s TV work continues with The Last Anniversary, an adaptation of Liane Moriarty’s book, and the show that brought us together: Mix Tape.

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Anthony Field is an Australian musician, actor, songwriter and producer, best known as a founding leader of the children's group the Wiggles. For over three decades, The Wiggles have delighted millions. After Anthony spent two years as a preschool teacher he had the idea to make a children's album.

With songs like Hot Potato and Fruit Salad, The Wiggles have been entertaining millions of families across the globe for over 30 years. The band has sold over 30 million albums and DVDs, 8 million books, as well as accumulating over 2 billion music streams and 3 billion views on YouTube. The Wiggles continue their legacy creating new music and performing live shows, entertaining & engaging children around the globe.

Fun fact: Anthony loves to play the bagpipes and guitar. He is always ready to whip up a fruit salad, yummy yummy! His favorite color is blue and he loves being a part of the Wiggle Town community.

For more on The Wiggles head to thewiggles.com or check out their YouTube channel here.

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Tanner Smith is a South Carolina native thriving on the autism spectrum, whose self-proclaimed mission in life is to "Spread Joy All Around the World." Tanner was diagnosed with autism at age 4 and has gone on to complete and graduate from the ClemsonLIFE program at Clemson University, and is currently employed at The Shepherd Hotel in Clemson where he lives independently with roommates.

Tanner came into the public eye after appearing on Season 2 of Netflix’s Love on the Spectrum, and has captured the hearts of his many followers on social media. Tanner’s hope is to be an example of what is possible for others affected by autism and to bring joy and kindness to everyone he encounters, as shown by his signature thumbs up, big smile, and high fives.

Tanner also hopes to be a strong advocate for employment for the disabled community, and to show what valuable assets they are in the workforce.

Follow Tanner

@tannerwiththe_tism

https://tanner.meteor.land/

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Rachel Bay Jones is an Emmy, Tony and Grammy Award-winning actress best known for originating the role of 'Heidi Hansen' in the Original Broadway Cast of DEAR EVAN HANSEN, and received the aforementioned awards (plus many others) for her performance. Additional Broadway credits include PIPPIN, HAIR and WOMEN ON THE VERGE OF A NERVOUS BREAKDOWN. She also has quite the regional resume and has infused her performance power into the solo album "Showfolk" which can now be purchased on iTunes and Amazon.

Rachel also lights up the screen. She has starred in films like "Ben Is Back" opposite Julia Roberts and in "Critical Thinking," directed by and opposite John Leguizamo, and will soon be seen in the independent film "Rise & Shine." Speaking of indies, you can catch Rachel in the indie flick “Bob Trevino Likes It,” this March 21.

Jones tv credits include: NBC's "Law & Order: SVU," ABC's "Grey's Anatomy," and "The Family." She’s had recurring roles on "The Good Doctor," "The United States of Al," "Panic," "Why Women Kill," "Modern Family,” "God Friended Me,” and, of course, "Young Sheldon”... where her character Audrey McCallister was created. Rachel continues to breathe life into Audrey on the hit spin-off series “Georgie & Mandy’s First Marriage,” which premiered this past fall on CBS. 

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CORBIN BLEU (Joe Ross) is a versatile actor, singer/songwriter, dancer, voiceover artist and host. Bleu is best known as Chad Danforth in the Emmy-winning HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL franchise. Recently, Bleu starred in the TV movies Love, For Real and A Christmas Dance Reunion and special guest-starred in Seasons 3 and 4 of High School Musical: The Musical: The Series on Disney+. On Broadway, Bleu starred in the Tony-nominated 2019 revival of Kiss Me, Kate at Studio 54, earning a Drama Desk nomination. He headlined as Ted Hanover in Holiday Inn, winning the Chita Rivera Award, and also appeared in Godspell (Jesus) and In the Heights (Usnavi).

Additional stage highlights include Hairspray (Seaweed) and Mamma Mia! (Sky) at the Hollywood Bowl. In 2018, he played Don Lockwood in Singin’ in the Rain at The Muny and Billy Crocker in Anything Goes at Arena Stage, earning a Helen Hayes Award for Outstanding Lead Actor. That same year, he was named Entertainer of the Year at the Tremaine National Gala for his contributions to dance. Most recently, Corbin starred as Seymour in Little Shop of Horrors at the Westside Theatre in New York, completing a three-month run with Constance Wu followed by a three-month run with Jinkx Monsoon.

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In this episode, you'll hear from Tony-winning Director and Choreographer Christopher Gattelli, as well as the show's star-studded cast: two-time Tony Award-nominee Alex Brightman (Beetlejuice, Spamalot), Sara Chase (The Great Gatsby, The Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt), Emmy Award® winner and Tony Award® nominee Kevin Del Aguila (Yellow Face, Some Like it Hot), Ann Harada (Cinderella, Avenue Q, who is reprising her role from the Apple Original series), McKenzie Kurtz (The Heart of Rock and Roll, Wicked), Isabelle McCalla (Water for Elephants, The Kennedy Center’s Footloose), Javier Muñoz (Hamilton, In the Heights), Tony  Award-nominee Brad Oscar (Something Rotten!, Mrs. Doubtfire), Tony Award-nominee Emily Skinner (Suffs, The Cher Show), and Ryan Vasquez (The Notebook, Hamilton).

For more on Schmigadoon!:

kennedy-center.org

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In this episode, you'll hear from Eureka Day cast members Tony Award nominee Amber Gray (Natasha, Pierre, and the Great Comet of 1812, Hadestown), two-time Tony Award nominee Jessica Hecht (Summer, 1976 at MTC, A View from the Bridge), Tony Award winner Bill Irwin (Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?, Largely New York), Emmy Award nominee Thomas Middleditch (“Silicon Valley”), Chelsea Yakura-Kurtz (“Scandal,” “The Flash”) and playwright Jonathan Spector. You'll also hear from VIP guests Michael Cyril Creighton ("Only Murders in the Building") and comedian Sam Morrison.

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HEATHER GRAHAM discovered her passion for acting at an early age and caught the attention of filmmakers with her breakout role in Gus Van Sant's DRUGSTORE COWBOY, for which she received an Independent Spirit Award nomination. Graham went on to land unforgettable roles in the 1997 classic BOOGIE NIGHTS, for which she received the MTV Movie Award for Best Breakthrough Performance, in 1999's AUSTIN POWERS: THE SPY WHO SHAGGED ME and in 2009’s THE HANGOVER alongside Bradley Cooper and Zach Galifinakis. 

Graham has expanded into writing, directing, and producing, proving herself to be a multi-hyphenate leading talent with critically acclaimed, HALF MAGIC, a film she wrote and directed, which was released in theaters and on VOD February 2018. The raunchy, female-driven comedy follows three women set out on a hilarious search for self-fulfillment while overcoming the roadblocks in their personal and professional lives. Graham also executive produced and starred in the feature film CAKE, a romantic comedy also starring Sandra Oh and Cheryl Hines.

That self-fulfillment theme, along with a throughline of people pleasing is prevalent in her latest flick - CHOSEN FAMILY. Graham wrote, directed, and starred in the rom-com, which debuted in 2024. This movie is a centerpiece to today’s conversation, along with kindness, of course. In addition to more producing, up next, Graham will be featured alongside Nicolas Cage in the Western THE GUNSLINGERS.

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JUDITH LIGHT is known for her extensive body of work onstage, as well as in television and film, recently receiving a star on the Hollywood walk of fame. Her recent projects include Peter Hedge’s film The Same Storm, “Julia,” HBO Max’s drama series on Julia Child, Starz’ horror comedy “Shining Vale” and Searchlight’s dark comedy The Menu, alongside Anya Taylor-Joy and Ralph Fiennes. Second seasons of both “Shining Vale” and “Julia” are currently available for streaming. Light starred in The Young Wife and Down Low for FilmNation, both of which premiered at SXSW, and Out of My Mind for Disney+ which premiered at Sundance and can now be streamed on Disney+. Her 2019 film Ms. White Light also premiered at SXSW. She can also be seen in the second season of “American Horror Stories” and Rian Johnson’s series “Poker Face” for Peacock, for which she won the Guest Actress in a Comedy Series Primetime Emmy.

She currently stars in the Apple TV+ series “Before” alongside Billy Crystal. The full season can now be streamed. Next up, she stars in “The Terror: Devil in Silver” for AMC and Scott Free Productions. Additionally, she is working on a series of producing projects with her production company and Brillstein Creative Partners. Light also co-starred in Ryan Murphy’s “Impeachment: American Crime Story” on FX, appeared in Lin Manuel Miranda’s film, tick, tick…Boom! for Netflix as well as “The Accidental Wolf,” created by Arian Moyad and now streaming on Topic.

In addition to her current projects, Light starred in the anthology series “Manhunt: Deadly Games,” which can currently be found on Netflix, as well as Ryan Murphy’s Netflix series “The Politician,” and in the musical finale series of “Transparent,” Amazon Prime’s Golden Globe–winning show, created by Joey Soloway, for which Light received a Golden Globe nomination and multiple Emmy and Critics’ Choice nominations. Her role in Ryan Murphy’s “The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story” garnered her an Emmy nomination and Critics Choice nomination.

 In 2012 and 2013, Light won two consecutive Tony and Drama Desk awards for her performances in Other Desert Cities and The Assembled Parties; these two performances made her the first actress in nearly two decades to win consecutive Tony Awards. Light also received the 2019 Isabelle Stevenson Tony Award for her extensive philanthropy work. She was also recently awarded the Excellence in Media Award from GLAAD in May 2022. Light sits on the board of directors of the MCC Theater in New York.

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Dan Micciche is the current music director, conductor of WICKED on Broadway and has been with the show for over 10 years - including the national and international tours. He was recently inducted as a member of the Grammy's Recording Academy this year. Prior to WICKED, Dan began his acting career as the youngest actor to play Mary Sunshine in CHICAGO for 2000 performances on Broadway as well as the national tour, Japanese, Alaskan and Thailand companies. He is one of the other performers to sing solo and conduct at The Kennedy Center. His TV / FILM work includes: WICKED (universal), The Tonight Show - with Jimmy Falon, 2021 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade, Good Morning America, Cake Boss. Concert work: Soloist at Carnegie Hall/ The Kennedy Center: Bernstein’s MASS. Recordings: Bernstein’s MASS (Grammy nom 08’)  During 2021, Dan started a company that brings Broadway into your home, company or event. 

For more on Dan:

danmiccichemusic.com/coaching and broadwayconcerts.com

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Jon M. Chu is known for his visually stunning blockbuster films, as well as his kinetic work across various genres from groundbreaking series to commercials and films. Additionally, his unique storytelling ability has earned him the honor of inclusion on the Hollywood Reporter’s Power 100 list as well as Variety’s New Hollywood Leaders.

Most recently, Chu directed Universal Pictures’ critically acclaimed WICKED, starring Oscar-nominated actress Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande. Part 1 of the feature-film adaptation of the record-breaking musical phenomenon released in theaters on November 22 and quickly became a box-office hit, becoming the highest-grossing Broadway adaption in domestic box office history in its second week earning over $350 million globally. His memoir, Viewfinder, is his journey from growing up in the Silicon Valley to transitioning to Hollywood and helming major studio projects, released Summer 2024. The book is an uplifting tale of belonging, creativity and learning to see who you truly are.

His recent projects include the critically acclaimed adaptation of Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Tony Award-winning musical IN THE HEIGHTS for Warner Bros. Studios as well as the worldwide phenomenon CRAZY RICH ASIANS, which was nominated for numerous awards, including a SAG Award, a Golden Globe and PGA Award. It is one of the top 10 highest grossing romantic comedies of all time and the highest in a decade. It was also the first contemporary studio picture in more than 25 years to feature an all-Asian cast and opened a new chapter in Asian-American representation in Hollywood.

Chu is in post-production on WICKED: PART TWO, which is set to release on November 21, 2025, and is attached to develop to direct the highly anticipated biopic for Britney Spears based on her memoir, The Woman in Me, with Universal. He is also in development on Dr. Seuss’ OH, THE PLACES YOU’LL GO! with Warner Bros and JJ Abrams’ Bad Robot, which will be his first animated film. His previous films include GI. JOE: RETALIATION, NOW YOU SEE ME 2, JUSTIN BIEBER’S NEVER SAY NEVER and many more representing over 1.3 billion dollars in the worldwide box office.

Thank you to Ariana Grande, Cynthia Erivo, Ethan Slater, Michelle Yeoh and Simon Hayes for the special surprise, and to Welcome to Times Square for supporting our Big Apple dreams.

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Let us be glad. Let us be grateful.

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Morgan Harper Nichols is an artist, writer, and creator based in Georgia. Diagnosed with autism, ADHD, and sensory processing disorder, Morgan’s work often explores themes of embracing life’s narrative and creating room to breathe. She began creating art and poetry in response to social media messages she received in 2017, and since then, her practice has expanded to include digital art, collage, coding, and 3D environments. Morgan is the creator of the app Storyteller and the online shop Garden24. Her WSJ bestselling book, All Along You Were Blooming, is one of several published works, and she currently serves as Vice President on the board of TWLOHA, a mental health organization. Morgan is passionate about the intersection of art, storytelling, and health, and her long-term goal is to teach and develop resources that explore how we create and interact with narratives in our lives.

L Morgan Lee's "Reaching for Help from Drowning" Fundraiser:

https://www.gofundme.com/f/reaching-for-help-from-drowning

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Host Robert Peterpaul chats with: Emmy-nominee Rosie Perez, Sherri Saum (The Fosters, Locke & Key), Charlene Tilton (Dallas), Kate Reinders (High School Musical the Musical: The Series, Wicked), Tony Award-winner J. Harrison Ghee (Some Like It Hot), meteorologist Janice Huff (NBC 4 New York), Jenna Leigh Green (Sabrina the Teenage Witch, Wicked), Alex Temple Ward (Frozen), Anika Larsen (Almost Famous, Beautiful), and hosts Seth Rudetsky and James Wesley Jackson.

You Gotta Believe (YGB) exists for one reason... to work toward the day when no young person leaves foster care without the unconditional lifetime commitment of a family. Our goal is to find youth permanent families so that they have the support system they need to live safely and to their highest potential. You Gotta Believe is a national organization based in New York City that focuses exclusively on finding permanent families for older youth in foster care. Since 1995, YGB has worked tirelessly to ensure that no child ages out of the foster care system without the support, love, and stability of a family.

Today, nearly 400,000 children are in foster care in the U.S., with around 20,000 aging out annually. Without the stability of a family, these young people face higher risks of homelessness, unemployment, and other hardships. YGB is committed to changing that reality. Since 1995, YGB has trained thousands of parents, licensed over 750 families, and facilitated nearly 400 adoptions of older youth, offering lifelong support to ensure family permanence. For more: yougottabelieve.org

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Join The Art of Kindness podcast LIVE from the red carpet at New World Stages in New York City, as Robert Peterpaul chats with: the aforementioned starry trio, and VIP guests like Andrew Rannells (Book of Mormon), Grammy-winning songwriters Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman and more.

Get your tickets to Mama I'm A Big Girl Now before it dances away!

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BETTY WHO: If you need to know anything about Australian-American pop trailblazer Betty Who, it's that she is a survivor. Born Jessica Newham in Sydney, Australia, the classically trained singer, dancer, and multi-instrumentalist has experienced practically every dimension of pop cultural visibility: going viral with her 2014 single "Somebody Loves You," soundtracking Netflix's QUEER EYE reboot with "All Things," forming deep ties with foundations like GLAAD and the Trevor Project and becoming an LGBTQ+ icon due to her infectious, always-inclusive artistry. 

Rediscovering her power as an independent artist, Betty Who kicked off her latest, most triumphant chapter on her fourth studio album, Big, which she wrote in its entirety. Betty explores self-love and acceptance on songs like "She Can Dance," the power of female friendship on "I Can Be Your Man," and career perseverance on the joyous "Blow Out My Candle." 

Now my theater lovers, you may really know Betty from when she made her Broadway debut as Persephone in the Tony Award-winning show HADESTOWN in 2023. We discuss this, her amazing perspective on kindness in the arts and so much more of course. It’s a special conversation! I LOVED hanging with Betty and I hope you enjoy hanging with us both for a little bit.

Heineken Open Your World Ad

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Guest host Robert Peterpaul (The Art of Kindness) takes the host seat this week to speak with kindness.org CEO & Co-Founder Jaclyn Lindsey, as well as the Kindlab team- Dr. Oliver Scott Curry & Dr. Chloe San Miguel about the org & the science of kindness. Tune in as they introduce a groundbreaking kindness measurement tool (KQ) and engage in a little friendly competition.

It's World Kindness Week. Do you know your KQ? Visit kindness.org/KQ to get your KQ today!

This podcast is one of the many ways we live out our organization's mission to educate and inspire people to choose kindness. Visit our site kindness.org and sign up to become a part of our global community which spans more than 100 countries. It's free to join and when you do you'll be the first to get access to our latest research, tools, and even episodes of this podcast. Let's build a kinder world, together. Contact us at podcast@kindness.org or on social at @kindnessorg. 

Important links from this week's episode:

kindness.org

kindness.org/kq

Credits

• Host: Robert Peterpaul
• Guests: Jaclyn Lindsey, Dr. Oliver Scott Curry, Dr. Chloe San Miguel
• Producer: Melissa Malone
• Music Composition: Chris Christiana
• Design: Ben Gibson, Christine Do, Smithfield Studio
• 
  

Transcript available at this link. https://why-kindness.simplecast.com/episodes/team-kindness/transcript

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IAIN ARMITAGE is most recognized for his role as the title character in the hit CBS comedy YOUNG SHELDON, the prequel to THE BIG BANG THEORY which wrapped its 7th and final season in May 2024. He was nominated for a Critic’s Choice Award for Lead in a Comedy Series and in 2018 he received a Teen Choice Award nomination for his portrayal in the Breakout TV Star category. Iain first burst onto the scene appearing as Shailene Woodley's son, Ziggy Chapman, in the HBO series and cultural phenomenon, BIG LITTLE LIES. He reprised his role in the second season and was nominated at the SAG awards with the cast for Best Ensemble in 2019.  

On film, he has appeared with Jane Fonda and Robert Redford in OUR SOULS AT NIGHT for Netflix, in THE GLASS CASTLE for Lionsgate with Woody Harrelson and opposite JK Simmons and Mandy Moore in independent film IM NOT HERE. Iain can also be heard as the voice of Young Shaggy in Scooby Doo animated feature origin story, SCOOB!, and can be heard as the voice of lead pup Chase in Paramount’s animated PAW PATROL feature.

A special thank you to the nonprofit Matt's Kindness Ripples On for awarding us their Kindness Grant + Annie Potts for participating in our kindness surprise!

Learn more about your KQ at kindness.org.

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Host Robert Peterpaul talks with the all-star cast, including: Kevin McHale (Glee, American Horror Stories) as William Barfee, Philippe Arroyo (& Juliet, Aladdin) as Chip Tolentino, Alex Joseph Grayson (Parade, Into the Woods), Noah Galvin (Dear Evan Hansen, Booksmart) as Leaf Coneybear, Leana Rae Concepcion (Merrily We Roll Along) as Marcy Park, Beanie Feldstein (Drive-Away Dolls, Booksmart) as Logan Schwartzandgrubenierre, Nina White (Queen of Versailles, Kimberly Akimbo) as Olive Ostrovsky, Taran Killam (Spamalot, Saturday Night Live) as Vice Principal Douglas Panch and Tony Award® winner Bonnie Milligan (Kimberly Akimbo, Encores! Titanic) as Rona Lisa Peretti.

Directed and choreographed by Danny Mefford (Kimberly Akimbo, Dear Evan Hansen) with musical direction by Roberto Sinha (New York, New York; Hamilton), Spelling runs at The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts from October 11 - 20. Click here for more I-N-F-O!

Special shoutout to Broadway Podcast Network sound wizard Sarah Goodman. Hear you soon!

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Paul Feig is a DGA-winning and Emmy-nominated filmmaker, writer, producer, author, and founder of production company Feigco Entertainment. He most recently served as the director, producer, and co-writer of The School for Good and Evil, which debuted as the #1 film on Netflix in 88 countries worldwide upon release. Up next, Feig directed and produced the action-comedy film Jackpot starring John Cena, Awkwafina and Simu Liu for Amazon MGM Studios, which will be released on August 15, 2024. Additionally, he recently wrapped production on A Simple Favor 2, a sequel to the 2018 thriller of the same name. He has a proven track record of films that have grossed over one billion dollars worldwide including Bridesmaids, Last Christmas, The Heat, Ghostbusters, Spy, and A Simple Favor. Feig created and launched his own award-winning gin brand, Artingstall’s., which won Best Gin and Double Gold at the 2019 WSWA competition, and a cocktail book titled “Cocktail Time!” that was released by William Morrow.

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Music:

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Kevin Del Aguila currently plays Mr. Mushnik in Little Shop of Horrors. He received a Tony nomination and a Drama Desk Award for his performance as Osgood in Some Like It Hot on Broadway. Other Broadway credits: Frozen (Oaken), Peter and the Starcatcher (Smee), Rocky (everybody in Philadelphia). Off-Broadway: Love’s Labour’s Lost (Shakespeare in the Park), Jacques Brel, God Bless You Mr. Rosewater (Encores!). Film/TV: “Peg+Cat,” “Law & Order: SVU,” “Deadbeat” and Disney’s Frozen. In his spare time, Kevin is an Emmy-winning TV writer, lyricist for the stage and screen, and book-writer of the musicals Diary of a Wimpy Kid, Dog Man, Madagascar and Altar Boyz.

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Music:

"Awake" by Ricky Alvarez & "Sunshine" by Lemon Music Studio.

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This interview was originally recorded in July of 2021.

Laurie Hernandez

Laurie Hernandez is a two-time Olympic medalist, earning gold and silver at the Olympic Games Rio 2016 as part of the Final Five US women's gymnastics team. During a break from competition, she authored two New York Times bestselling books and dazzled us on 'Dancing with the Stars.' Laurie is also a UNICEF USA Ambassador, advocating for children's rights and well-being. Now a retired gymnast, Laurie serves as a commentator for this year's Olympics, bringing her expertise and insight to the sport she loves. She is a true beacon of light and an inspiration to all. 

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Music:

"Awake" by Ricky Alvarez & "Sunshine" by Lemon Music Studio.

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Noah J. Ricketts stars as Frankie in the Golden Globe, SAG and Critics Choice-nominated Showtime series “Fellow Travelers.” Additional TV/Film: “American Gods” (Starz), “High Fidelity” (Hulu); Summoning Sylvia. Broadway: Kristoff in Disney’s Frozen, Beautiful: The Carole King Musical and of course The Great Gatsby. Off-Broadway: Omar in To My Girls. CCM Graduate. @noahjrkts

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*This episode was originally recorded in July of 2023*

Jessie Mueller is a Tony and Grammy Award-winning actress and singer. She was last seen on Broadway in Tracy Lett’s The Minutes. Other recent credits include the Kennedy Center’s Guys & Dolls, The Music Man, Julie Jordan in the Broadway revival of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Carousel (Tony & Grammy nominations, Drama Desk Award), originating the roles of both Jenna in Waitress, for which she received Tony, Drama Desk & Grammy noms, and Carole King in Beautiful - The Carole King Musical, for which she won Tony, Grammy & Drama Desk Awards. I saw her in Waitress and Beautiful and she was well… BEAUTIFUL! She’s done concert appearances at Carnegie Hall, Chicago’s Lyric Opera, and Jazz at Lincoln Center.  

Jessie is also no stranger to shining bright in the Film and Television world. You can watch her in Steven Spielberg’s The Post, Madam Secretary, Blue Bloods, Hulu’s Candy, and Lifetime’s Patsy & Loretta. Like Javier Munoz who was previously on the AOK (go listen if you haven’t already), Jessie is in the new musical concept album My Heart Says Go - which you can stream everywhere.

Jessie is an Arts Education champion for groups such as Rosie’s Theatre Kids (rosiestheaterkids.org) and a long-time supporter of The Entertainment Community Fund (entertainmentcommunity.org) & Broadway Cares Equity Fights Aids (broadwaycares.org).

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We are supported by the Broadway Podcast Network.

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Guests in this episode include: multi-platinum singer Josh Groban (Sweeney Todd), Back to the Future star Casey Likes, Dear Evan Hansen star Andrew Barth Feldman, Kenny Ortega (High School Musical, Hocus Pocus), Tony-winner James Monroe Iglehart, Telly Leung (Aladdin), Adam J. Levy (Moulin Rouge), Christopher Wheeldon (MJ), Ross Rayburn, Casting Director Stephanie Klapper, Jimmys directors Van Kapplan, Keisha LaLama and Jimmys alum: English Bernhardt (Mean Girls), Stephen Telsey (Harmony), Kendall Becerra, Langston Lee, Lauren Marchand, and Nicholas Barron.

We also hear from "Inspiring Teacher" Award winners: Jacqueline McLean, Le Roy Jr. Sr. High School (Rochester, NY) and Paul Fillingim, Ronald Reagan High School (San Antonio, TX). The National High School Musical Theatre Awards® (NHSMTA®) is a celebration of student achievement in high school musical theatre across the country culminating in the annual Jimmy Awards® ceremony. 

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"Awake" by Ricky Alvarez & "Sunshine" by Lemon Music Studio.

This episode was edited by Carli Sanger.

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Be sure to also check out the amazing work our friends at Born This Way Foundation are up to: https://bornthisway.foundation/

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In this episode you'll hear from stars like Leslie Rodriguez Kritzer (Spamalot), Shaina Taub (Suffs), Corbin Bleu (Little Shop, High School Musical), Brody Grant (The Outsiders), Liam Pearce (How to Dance in Ohio), Cole Escola (Oh, Mary!), the cast and crew of Stereophonic and many more live from the red carpet.

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In this episode, you will hear Robert chat with: Golden Globe winner Debbie Allen (Grey's Anatomy), Norm Lewis, Diana Byer, David Peterson, Joe Laneteri, The Who's Tommy choreographer Lorin Latarro and star Ali Louis Bourzgui, Water for Elephants choreographers Jesse Rob and Shayna Carol, Marina Tamayo, The Outsiders dancer Tilly Evans-Krueger, Suffs choreographer Mayte Natalio, Hell's Kitchen stars Shoshanna Bean, Onyxx Noel and Timothy Edwards, choreographers Rick and Jeff Kuperman, iconic shoe designer Phil LaDuca, and Bernadette Peters, who received the evening's Lifetime Achievement Award.

The Chita Rivera Awards is a star-studded annual event, recognizing dance and choreographic excellence on Broadway, Off-Broadway and in film. The evening nurtures an ongoing sense of community by honoring the past, celebrating the present and investing in the future generations.

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Hannah Cruz is thrilled to be making her Broadway debut. Off-Broadway: The Connector (Robin, MCC), Only Gold (Camille, MCC), Suffs (Ruza, The Public). Tour: Hamilton (IRNE Best Actress, Eliza), Bullets over Broadway (Ellen). Regional: The Da Vinci Code (American Premiere, Ogunquit Playhouse, Sophie Neveu) and Young Frankenstein (OP, Inga).

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In this order, Broadway star guests talk what makes a great leader, kindness tips and more: Tony-nominated Stereophonic stars Will Brill and Eli Gelb, Tony-nominated Hell's Kitchen Choreographer Camille A. Brown and star Shoshana Bean, The Who's Tommy star Allison Luff, Tony-nominated Appropriate star Corey Stoll, Tony-nominated Suffs star Nikki M. James, Tony-nominated The Outsiders director Danya Taymor and star Brody Grant.

Ps. this just so happens to be coming out on my dear sister Julia's birthday - happy birthday!

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Jelani Remy is a NJ native and Broadway performer known for shows like Ain't Too Proud The Life and Times of The Temptations and Disney’s The Lion King. The talent now lights up Broadway in the blockbuster musical Back to the Future as Goldie Wilson and Marvin Berry. His number Gotta Start Somewhere truly stops the show!

For tickets and more: www.backtothefuturemusical.com

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@itsjelaniremy

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FRANCIA RAISA recently starred in the hit Hulu sitcom HOW I MET YOUR FATHER which ran for 2 seasons. As an entrepreneur, Raisa shared her family salsa recipe with the world in partnership with the La Victoria brand which had a limited run before selling out in Fall of 2023. She can also be seen as ‘Ana Torres,’ a first-generation Cuban-American and roommate to Yara Shahidi’s ‘Zoey Johnson,’ on Freeform’s GROWN-ISH, the BLACK-ISH spinoff. Francia has come a long way from her first role as young cheerleader ‘Leti’ in the film BRING IT ON: ALL OR NOTHING. Continuing the development of her acting prowess in projects such as THE SECRET LIFE OF THE AMERICAN TEENAGER and Netflix’s DEAR WHITE PEOPLE, she’s been primed to tackle all that is ahead of her. In between roles that have won her awards such as a Gracie Award and La Femme Film Festival Rising Star, and nominations for Teen Choice, IMAGEN and an ALMA, Raisa is dedicated to assisting organizations dear to her heart like Unlikely Heroes, whose mission is to provide safe homes and restoration to victims of sex trafficking worldwide. Born and raised in Southern California, bi-lingual Raisa is of Honduran and Mexican decent.

Modelo has partnered with Francia to celebrate the launch and expansion of Modelo Spiked Aguas Frescas, a line of vibrant, spiked, flavored malt beverages expanding to new markets across the country – and for the second year in a row, Modelo pays homage to the street vendors that helped inspire it and keep the beloved Mexican street drink tradition alive. 

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Sherz, which is pronounced like “more than one Cher,” is an Iranian American actor, singer, and vocal coach. Originally from Southern California, Sherz is based in Manhattan and is currently appearing in the hit Broadway revival of Stephen Sondheim and George Furth's Merrily We Roll Along alongside Jonathan Groff, Daniel Radcliffe, and Lindsay Mendez. She has been seen on stage at The Kennedy Center, Lincoln Center, Ars Nova, as Lalume in Kismet (directed by Lonny Price for the Santa Barbara Symphony), Aldonza in Man of La Mancha (Triad Stage), in Archetypes (Prospect Theater Company), Spring Alive (Dixon Place, cast album available) and the 2022 Off Broadway revival of Merrily We Roll Along (NYTW). She is frequently seen in concerts around New York City and is often part of readings and workshops of new and developing works at theater companies like Playwrights Horizon, The York, and Musical Theatre Factory. As a voice over artist, she has recorded work for Netflix and Age of Learning among others. Her on-camera work includes appearances on "Powerbook III: Raising Kanan," “The Detour,” “The First Wives Club,” “Three Trembling Cities,” “Wing Women,” "Insomnia," and numerous commercials.

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@morethanonecher

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CHILINA KENNEDY most recently played Billie Jean King in Love All by Anna Deavere Smith. Broadway: Paradise Square, Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, and Jesus Christ Superstar. Film/TV: “The 2015 Kennedy Center Honors,” With Me. Other: The Band’s Visit (International Tour), This Ain’t No Disco (Atlantic Theater Company), Mamma Mia! (1st National Tour), A Gentleman’s Guide To Love And Murder. Chilina is the composer of the new musicals Wild About You and Silk, and is Artistic Producer of Eclipse Theatre Company. chilinakennedy.com

A SIGN OF THE TIMES is a totally original story with such classic songs as “Downtown,” “Gimme Some Lovin’,” “Rescue Me,” and “I Know A Place,” plus dozens more, A SIGN OF THE TIMES explodes with the music you love and the spirit that shaped a generation—and our own. For tickets and more info: asignofthetimes.com.

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Jonathan Bennett skyrocketed to fame after playing heartthrob Aaron Samuels in "Mean Girls." The GLAAD Award winner and five-time nominee broke new ground at Hallmark Channel starring in and executive producing “The Holiday Sitter,” the network’s first gay-led romantic comedy. Fans have dubbed him “The Gay King of Christmas,” for his many hit holiday movies on the network including “The Christmas House” franchise and most recently, “Christmas on Cherry Lane.” The talented actor also hosts the ratings powerhouses “Halloween Wars” and “Cake Wars” on Food Network, “Times Square New Year’s Eve,” and “Battle of the Decades” on Discovery Plus. His work to bring more LGBTQ+ storylines to television and movies earned him the Equality Visibility Award. Other fan-favorite roles include taking on the iconic character Van Wilder in National Lampoon’s Van Wilder: Freshman Year, as Steve Martin’s antagonistic son-in-law in Cheaper By the Dozen 2, and roles on popular shows such as “Station 19,” “Law & Order: SVU,” “Fantasy Island,” and more.

Get tickets to Spamalot and more at spamalotthemusical.com.

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Sharon Azrieli is a philanthropist and award-winning opera singer. Born in Montreal, Sharon’s voice has soared around the world, gracing Carnegie Hall, the Metropolitan Opera, and the Opéra Bastille de Paris, to name a few. She’s recorded a string of albums, including her latest Secret Places: A Tribute to Michel LeGrand. Most importantly, Sharon is a passionate philanthropist for arts education. She sits on the boards of several organizations, including the Azrieli Foundation for which she created the Azrieli Music Prize to celebrate rising stars in music. 

Speaking of, the Azrieli Music Prizes, Sharon and the AMP are celebrating a decade of championing exceptional music creation in NYC with a very special concert. See Sharon shine alongside world-renowned talent on Thursday, March 28th at 7:30 PM in the Starr Theater of Alice Tully Hall, which is at the iconic Lincoln Center.

More on Sharon:

sharonazrieli.com

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This bonus episode features interviews with the stars and production team of the show including Ingrid Michaelson, Bekah Brunstetter, Joy Woods, Ryan Vasquez, Maryann Plunkett, Dorian Harewood, Jordan Tyson, John Cardoza, and Andrea Burns to name a few. Plus we chat with attendees including the man who started it all, Nicholas Sparks. 

The Notebook is a new musical based on the best selling novel that inspired the iconic film. Allie and Noah, both from different worlds, share a lifetime of love despite the forces that threaten to pull them apart, in a deeply moving portrait of the enduring power of love.

The Notebook is directed by Michael Greif (Dear Evan Hansen, Next to Normal, RENT, Spring Awakening) and Schele Williams (The Wiz, Aida) and features music and lyrics by multi-platinum singer-songwriter Ingrid Michaelson, book by Bekah Brunstetter (NBC’s This Is Us), and choreography by Katie Spelman. Buy tickets to the show here! 

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@survivaljobspod/ @sammytutz/ @jasonacoombs

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J. HARRISON GHEE won the 2023 Tony Award for Best Leading Actor in a Musical, making history as the first non-binary actor to be nominated and win in this category for their role as “Daphne/Jerry” in SOME LIKE IT HOT, a role which also garnered them Grammy, Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle Awards, as well as Drama League and Chita Rivera Award nominations. Ghee was selected by Billy Porter to star as “Robyn/Kevin” on the hit FOX series ACCUSED, and previously played the series regular of “Kwame” on Netflix’s RAISING DION. On Broadway, they starred as “Lola” in KINKY BOOTS, created the role of “Andre Mayhem” in MRS. DOUBTFIRE, and have dazzled audiences in roles such as “Velma Kelly” in CHICAGO and “Johnny Hooker” in THE STING, opposite Harry Connick, Jr. 

To learn more about Maestra Music and get tickets to their Amplify 2024 event, please visit: maestramusic.org/amplify/

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Jasmine Amy Rogers (she/her) recently finished a run as the titular role of “Betty Boop” in the World Premiere of BOOP! THE MUSICAL at Chicago’s CIBC Theatre, directed by Jerry Mitchell. Prior to that she was seen as “Gretchen Wieners” in the First National Tour of MEAN GIRLS, “Melody Green” in Paper Mill Playhouse’s production of THE WANDERER, and as “Francis Bassey” in the world premiere of BECOMING NANCY, also directed by Jerry Mitchell, at the Alliance Theatre. On television she has appeared in EVIL on Paramount+.

To learn more about Maestra Music's Amplify 2024 and get tickets, please visit: maestramusic.org/amplify/

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John Cardoza returns to Broadway with The Notebook, after originating Younger Noah in its world premiere production in Chicago. John starred as Christian in the National Tour of Moulin Rouge! The Musical and made his Broadway debut in the original cast of Alanis Morissette’s Jagged Little Pill. He received his BFA in Musical Theatre from the Boston Conservatory of Music.

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Carminho is a Portuguese superstar fado singer. Daughter of fado legend Teresa Siqueira, Carminho was immersed in music from a young age. Despite early interest in fado, she pursued a degree in marketing and traveled the world, returning with a newfound commitment to music. Her 2009 debut album "Fado" achieved platinum status and international recognition.

Carminho has since released several critically acclaimed albums, most recently including "Portuguesa," which received a Latin Grammy nomination. Her captivating performances and deft storytelling has solidified her as the fado singer of her generation. In 2023, Carminho's trajectory continued to soar. She performed for the Pope, joined Coldplay onstage and had a cameo role in the Oscar-nominated film "Poor Things” starring Emma Stone. 

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ANNALEIGH ASHFORD is making her producing debut with The White Chip and believes in supporting plays that provide an act of service to the community. As an actor she has received a Tony, two Drama Desks, the Drama League, an Outer Critics Circle and Clarence Derwent Awards, Emmy and Grammy nominations. Broadway: Sweeney Todd, Sunday in the Park with George, You Can’t Take It With You, Sylvia, Kinky Boots, Hair, Legally Blonde, Wicked. Select TV: “American Crime Story,” “Welcome to Chippendales,” “B Positive,” “Masters of Sex.” She will soon begin production on the true crime drama series “Happy Face” for Paramount+, and will next star in Searchlight Pictures’ horror thriller, DUST, opposite Sarah Paulson and Ebon Moss-Bachrach.

JOE TAPPER stars in The White Chip. Broadway: You Can’t Take It With You. Off Broadway: Manahatta, Socrates, Henry V (The Public Theater); The White Chip (59E59); A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Delacorte Theater); Gym at Judson; Cherry Lane Theatre; Mabou Mines/La MaMa. Regional: Shakespeare & Co., Berkshire Playwrights Lab, Huntington Theatre Company, Pioneer Theatre, Yale Repertory Theatre. TV: “Chicago Med,” “Blue Bloods,” “Masters of Sex,” “Odyssey,” “Brooklyn Taxi,” “Law & Order: SVU.” Training: Ithaca College BFA, Yale School of Drama MFA.

Get tickets to The White Chip at whitechipplay.com.

Recover Together at recovertogether.withgoogle.com.

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Isha Blaaker is an actor and model who was raised in the Netherlands. He broke into the entertainment industry as a model, starring in major international luxury brand campaigns for Hugo Boss, L’Oreal, Ralph Lauren, and an Estée Lauder to name just a few. As he became more known in the fashion world, he developed a love for a different art - acting. After making his mark on screen in Fear the Walking Dead and Tyler Perry’s A Madea Homecoming, Isha booked the incredibly important film we are here to spotlight today: Ava DuVernay’s Origin. Isha plays real-life trailblazing anthropologist Dr. Allison Davis in the sprawling drama, exploring the notion of caste in America. His character embarks on a landmark journey with his wife, portrayed by Jasmine Cephas Jones, from the segregated U.S. South to Nazi-era Berlin.

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Join us live from Black Theatre Coalition's inaugural gala honoring the National Black Theatre at the Rainbow Room in New York City. Hear from: BTC co-founder Warren Adams, Chadwick Boseman's brother Kevin Boseman, Tony-winner Laura Benanti, Hell's Kitchen star Shoshanna Bean, Grammy-winner BeBe Winans, performer Anthony Wayne, Public Theatre's Alexa Smith, Broadway Stage Manager Cody Renard Richard and Jaja's African Hair Braiding director Whitney White.

Learn more about the Black Theatre Coalition:

blacktheatrecoalition.org

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Alonzo King is a dancer, choreographer, teacher and true thought leader. Born in Georgia to civil rights activists and now thriving in San Francisco, Alonzo remains a beacon of artistic innovation and social consciousness, especially in the world. Founding Alonzo King LINES Ballet in 1982 and the San Francisco Dance Center in 1989, he has tirelessly championed the transformative potential of movement, believing that dance is a universal language capable of fostering human connection.

With his choreography, King seamlessly blends classical technique with contemporary vision, captivating audiences with works that delve deep into the human experience. His impact extends globally, as his artistry enriches the repertoires of prestigious dance companies around the world. Recognized with accolades such as the Kennedy Center Master of Choreography and the Dance Magazine Award, he holds Honorary Doctorate Degrees from The Juilliard School, California Institute of the Arts, and Dominican University of California.

Learn more about Alonzo King LINES Ballet:

linesballet.org

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Caesar Samayoa is a performer who's been seen in the original broadway companies of Come From Away (Kevin J./Ali), Sister Act (Pablo), The Pee-wee Herman Show and now, How to Dance in Ohio (Dr. Emilio Amigo). Off-Broadway/Regional credits include: Evita (Perón, A.R.T./STC); Los Otros (Carlos, A.R.T./New York); Love’s Labour’s Lost (Don Armado, The Delacorte Theater); Bernstein’s Mass (Carnegie Hall); Yale Rep, La Jolla Playhouse, Goodspeed Musicals, Tectonic Theater Project, Seattle Rep. Film/TV credits: Come From Away (Apple TV+); “Ray Donovan” (Showtime), “The Blacklist” (NBC). Awards: HOLA José Ferrer Tespis Award.

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Music:

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Born and raised just outside Atlanta, GA, Jocelyn Shelfo began acting in high school. She soon found herself lighting up the screen. I first saw Jocelyn as spunky debutante Marissa on Amazon's The Summer I Turned Pretty. However, she is perhaps most known as the K-Pop loving, boarding school student Madison in Netflix's Xo, Kitty, the spinoff series of Jenny Han's To All The Boys I've Loved trilogy. Jocelyn also has a supporting role in a film buzzing through this awards season: May December starring Julianne Moore and Natalie Portman. 

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@jocelyn.shelfo

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Music:

"Awake" by Ricky Alvarez & "Sunshine" by Lemon Music Studio.

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Aryan Simhadri is a performer with credits spanning stage and screen. A California native, the talent has been seen in films like Netflix and WWE’s The Main Event and television series such as NBC’s Will & Grace. The big mouse loves Aryan - huh huh! He’s been a part of many Disney projects over the years. Recently including, the Disney+ reboot of “Cheaper By The Dozen” alongside Zach Braff and Gabrielle Union, and Spin, the first Disney Channel Original Movie to feature a Southeast Asian-Indian lead cast. 

Aryan also starred in a filmed version of the off-Broadway production of Trevor: The Musical, which was later released on Disney+. He got to flex his improv skills when he was cast on Disney’s “Just Roll With It” and has carved out a vibrant voiceover career, with credits like Disney’s Mira, The Royal Detective.

While we’re on the Disney monorail here, we should probably park to talk about Aryan’s biggest role to date: He plays the ‘Grover’ in the Disney+ series “Percy Jackson and the Olympians,” based on the popular “Percy Jackson” novels by Rick Riordan, which I used to devour growing up. Grover is considered the empathetic “heart of the series,” making him a wonderful character to break down on the AOK.

Follow Aryan:

@aryansimhadri

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Music:

"Awake" by Ricky Alvarez & "Sunshine" by Lemon Music Studio.

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Born This Way Foundation, co-founded and led by Lady Gaga and her mother, Cynthia Bissett Germanotta, supports youth mental health and works with young people to build a kinder and braver world. Through youth-driven research, programs, and strategic partnerships, Born This Way Foundation aims to make kindness cool, validate the emotions of young people, and eliminate the stigma surrounding mental health. Born This Way Foundation’s programs include #BeKind365, Channel Kindness, the Be There Certificate, and Please Stay – all aimed at connecting young people (and anyone!) with resources to build communities that understand, prioritize, and foster good mental health. Learn more at bornthisway.foundation.

Mariah Karis is a Program Associate for Born This Way Foundation, where she helps assist with Channel Kindness, Please Stay, and other programs. Previously, she has worked for Missoula Children’s Theatre, traveling and teaching over 3,000 youth around the U.S. and world a musical theatre production in a week. A recent University of Montana graduate in Journalism and Entertainment Management, and a Blackstone Launchpad/Future Founders Fellow, Mariah launched her small business, The Giddy Thrifter, in the summer of 2021 and went on to place in three collegiate pitch contests, most recently winning third as the only woman semi-finalist in the traditional venture category of MSU50k. Originally from small-town Wisconsin, Mariah is passionate about the arts, female entrepreneurship, and creating a world where kindness and mental health awareness is at the heart of all that is done. You can follow Mariah on Instagram at @mariahkaris.

Got kindness tips or stories? Email us:

artofkindnesspodcast@gmail.com

More on BTWF:

bornthisway.foundation

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Tune in for interviews with star guests Skyla Astin (Pitch Perfect), Tovah Feldshuh (Funny Girl), and Montego Glover (Into the Woods), as well as the stars of Harmony on Broadway: Chip Zien, Sierra Boggess, Julie Benko, Sean Bell, Danny Kornfeld, Zal Owen, Eric Peters, Blake Roman, Steven Telsey, Allison Semmes, Andrew O’Shanick, Zak Edwards, Dan Hoy, Bruce Landry, RhonniRose Mantilla, Daniel Z. Miller, Benjamin H. Moore, Matthew Mucha, Constantine Pappas, Kayleen Seidl, Kyla Stone, Bronwyn Tarboton, Kate Wesler, Stuart Zagnit, and Lee Zarrett. Also featuring Producers Tom D'Angora, Michael D'angora and performer Maya Days (Aida).

Harmony is an original musical, from Barry Manilow and Bruce Sussman, based on the true story of the musical group, The Comedian Harmonists. The six-membered German vocal group rose to popularity in the late 1920s only to be completely erased from history because it featured Jewish members.

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Episode editor:

Carli Sanger

Music:

"Awake" by Ricky Alvarez & "Sunshine" by Lemon Music Studio.

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Lesli Margherita is an Olivier Award-winning performer who earned the aforementioned award on the West End in Zorro. She made her Broadway debut in the original cast of Matilda in 2013, getting LOUD as the ICONIC and devilishly dazzling Mrs. Wormwood. She more recently appeared in Dames at Sea on Broadway and Off-Broadway in the one-woman show Who's Holiday, where she played a grown up Cindy Lou Who and then the musical Emojiland, as The Princess emoji. She's also got tons of incredible onscreen credits, from starting out in FAME LA to new movie The Many Saints of Newark to The Fairly OddParents reboot on Paramount!

Thank you all for listening and being a part of our kindness community! Audio hugs all around, friends.

Got kindness tips or stories? Email us:

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@queenlesli

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About Nik Walker:

Nik Walker is a Boston native, theme park nerd, NYU professor, and NYU Tisch alumni (Adler, Classical and Stonestreet), who’s been earning a living in “The Industry” for a decade and counting. He’s been seen on Broadway as Aaron Burr in Hamilton, Otis Williams in Ain’t Too Proud, and as Sir Galahad in the revival of Spamalot; onscreen in Blue Bloods, Law and Order SVU, and in the upcoming AppleTV+ film The Instigators, alongside his hometown hero Matt Damon. Cleaners, the animated series that he created and wrote with writing partner Alex Brightman, is in development at Warner Bros. Animation, and his musical Whiskeyland, is in workshops after a successful breakout performance at Orlando Fringe. He is the co-host of the arts/activism show The Chaos Twins, and his movie podcast, Little Justice, is streaming wherever podcasts are imbibed.

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@nikkywalks

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Music:

"Awake" by Ricky Alvarez & "Sunshine" by Lemon Music Studio.

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More about ANDREW KEENAN BOLGER:

Broadway: Jesse Tuck in Tuck Everlasting (Drama League Award nominee), Crutchie in Newsies (Outer Critics Circle nominee), Mary Poppins, Seussical, Beauty and the Beast, A Christmas Carol. 1st Nat'l Tours: Spelling Bee, How The Grinch Stole Christmas. Off-Broadway: Seven Deadly Sins. TV: The Undoing, The Blacklist, The Other Two, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, Nurse Jackie, Looking. Film: The Rewrite, Marci X, Upcoming: On Swift Horses, V13. Co-creator of the series Submissions Only. Co-author of the book series Jack & Louisa (Penguin Random House). @KeenanBlogger

More about "DRACULA, THE PODCASTULA":

Broadway Podcast Network has launched Broadway’s first ever weekly companion podcast, “Dracula, The Podcastula,” hosted by Andrew Keenan-Bolger. A first of its kind for theater, this companion podcast allows fans to uncover behind-the-scenes content about the creation of a Broadway show, and the ever-changing life on stage in New York. Episodes will cover topics including navigating the 8 show-a-week grind, the actors maintaining their humor, keeping the show fresh, on and off stage mishaps, questions from fans, and more. The podcast was developed by Keenan-Bolger and Broadway Podcast Network co-founder and CTO, Alan Seales.

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@keenanblogger

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James Monroe Iglehart is a multi-award-winning actor of stage and screen. You may have seen him light up Broadway in shows like Hamilton, where he played the dual roles of Lafayette and Jefferson, Chicago as Billy Flynn, and the Broadway hit Freestyle Love Supreme. Of course, James is perhaps best known for his Tony Award-winning performance as the Genie in Disney's Aladdin on Broadway. The California native has been booked and busy this season, starring as Louis Armstrong in the new musical A Wonderful World and then going straight into the Broadway revival of Spamalot. James plays King Arthur in the musical comedy lovingly ripped off from the film classic Monty Python and the Holy Grail. We, of course, dive into both of these shows!

On screen, you may have seen James in series like “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel”, “Maniac”, “Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt” or "Sesame Street", and films like “Disenchanted.” He has also voiced many animated characters in shows like Disney’s “Rapunzel’s Tangled Adventures” and “DuckTales”, as well as “Blues Clues.” Fun fact: James is a self proclaimed comic book nerd who has written three comic book stories for Marvel Comics and co-hosts the Marvel Comic podcast “This Week in Marvel” on SiriusXM. When he’s not on stage, he’s usually watching pro wrestling or Disney+ while chilling out with his wife of over 20 years, Dawn.

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@jmiglehart

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Music:

"Awake" by Ricky Alvarez & "Sunshine" by Lemon Music Studio.

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Harmony is an original musical, from Barry Manilow and Bruce Sussman, based on the true story of the musical group, The Comedian Harmonists. The six-membered German vocal group rose to popularity in the late 1920s only to be completely erased from history because it featured Jewish members.

More on Harmony:

harmonyanewmusical.com

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Music:

"Awake" by Ricky Alvarez & "Sunshine" by Lemon Music Studio.

We are supported by the Broadway Podcast Network. 

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What can be said of the beloved icon Carol Burnett that hasn’t been said? Carol is, of course, an award-winning actress, producer, comedic genius and best-selling author, widely recognized for her work in Broadway shows like Once Upon A Mattress, films like Annie and television, most notably The Carol Burnett Show. Named in 2007 by TIME magazine as one of “100 Best Television Shows of All Time,” The Carol Burnett Show ran for 11 years, averaged 30 million viewers per week, and received 25 Emmy Awards, making it one of the most honored shows in television history. It put Carol and her friends opposite legendary guest stars like Lucille Ball, Betty White, Cher, and her good friend Julie Andrews. 

Carol’s remarkable journey to stardom started with humble beginnings. Born in San Antonio, Texas, in 1933, she was predominantly raised by her mother and grandmother. The family moved to a less-than-glamorous part of Hollywood in the late 1930s, seeking a better life and eventually putting Carol in the halls of Hollywood High School. As time went by, the family’s modest means made going to college a far away dream for Carol. However two acts of kindness soon intervened and changed her path forever… which, of course, we discuss in today’s conversation.

Carol now has a permanent steak in the grounds of Los Angeles, with the intersection of Highland Ave. and Selma directly adjacent to Hollywood High School, named Carol Burnett Square.

This is merely one accolade the star has racked up over the years. As a highly acclaimed actress, Carol has been honored with Emmys, Golden Globes, People’s Choice Awards, the Peabody, a Grammy, a SAG Lifetime Achievement Award. and many more. She is a Kennedy Center Honoree, the recipient of the Kennedy Center Mark Twain Prize for Humor and the Presidential Medal of Freedom; was inducted into the Television Hall of Fame, and has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. In 2019, the Hollywood Foreign Press Association created The Carol Burnett Award which is an honorary Golden Globe to celebrate outstanding contributions to television on or off the screen.

Offscreen, Carol enjoys spending time with her husband Brian, her two daughters Jody and Erin, her grandsons, and her cat, Nikki. As a passionate supporter of the arts and education, she established several scholarships around the country, including the Carol Burnett Musical Theatre Competition at her alma mater, UCLA, and the Carrie Hamilton Foundation, to honor her daughter’s memory.

A major thank you to our 100th episode sponsors:

Schmackary's Cookies, Relativity Ventures, Sticker You, Rapid Press, NAJ Captured, Scott Appel Media, Jennifer Laski PR, Deanna Giulietti and Factory Underground, where this episode was recorded.

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New York Restoration Project: At New York Restoration Project (NYRP), we believe that everyone deserves access to high-quality public green space. Over 1.6 million New Yorkers live within 10 blocks of an NYRP park or garden. Since our founding in 1995 by Bette Midler, we have been making clean, green open space accessible to all New Yorkers by planting trees, renovating gardens and restoring parks in communities across the five boroughs with the greatest need for access to nature. To learn more please visit www.nyrp.org.

I Put A Spell On You: The Witches Era: The Sanderson Sisters bewitched Sony Hall as part of Jay Armstrong Johnson’s annual Halloween concert-meets-party benefiting Ali Forney Center. Audiences can stream the spooktacular at Broadway on Demand through November 1.

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Pasadena Playhouse, the official State Theater of California and recipient of the 2023 Regional Theatre Tony Award, is one of the most prolific theaters in the country. The Playhouse has staged thousands of original productions since its founding in 1917 including premieres of works by Tennessee Williams, Eugene O’Neill, Suzan Lori Parks and hundreds more. For decades, its pioneering School for Theater Arts was a training ground for actors and theatermakers who went on to make significant contributions to the entertainment industry. Under the leadership of Producing Artistic Director Danny Feldman since 2016, Pasadena Playhouse’s productions and community programs are centered on its founding idea of being a living force in its community, making theater for everyone.

Find out more on Pasadena Playhouse:

www.pasadenaplayhouse.org

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Daniel Yearwood is a born and raised New Yorker who fell in love with performing at a young age. He burst onto the Broadway with Once on This Island and gained much recognition for his portrayal of John Laurens / Philip Hamilton in Hamilton. Daniel is now waltzing down Fleet Street in the hit Tony-winning revival of Sweeney Todd. He plays the ever-hopeful and in love ANT-O-KNEE Hope, opposite the titular Josh Groban and Annaleigh Ashford.

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Adrianna Hicks fell in love with performing at a young age, singing in church choirs in Texas. The musical theatre bug bit her bad in high school, prompting her to study it at University of Oklahoma.

After racking up a slew of regional credits and tours under her belt, Adrianna made her Broadway debut in 2015 as a swing in The Color Purple. You’ll find out during our discussion that this was truly a magical full circle moment. She went on to perform in Aladdin on Broadway and more recently, to originate the role of Catherine Aragon in the hit musical Six.

Adrianna is currently (well depending on when you listen to this) playing the iconic role of Sugar in the Tony-winning sensation Some Like It Hot. You may know the part as being minted in Hollywood history by Marilyn Monroe during the late 50’s MGM film, but Hicks brings her own joy and magic to the updated story.

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@missadriannahicks

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As a university student, Kevin’s innate business sense led him along several different paths – including some very unusual, very entrepreneurial ways of making a profit. Not long after he finished his MBA, Kevin had a meeting that changed his life forever. He met a man who had a strange idea for a software product – an idea with huge, high-profit potential that Kevin immediately recognized. After years of ups, downs, sacrifices, challenges, and lessons learned, the opportunity that Kevin saw eventually turned into a computer software giant that was acquired for more than $4 billion dollars.

 After his extraordinary success at the software company he founded, Kevin eventually found himself on television, quickly becoming a sought-after host and personality on a range of shows – including Discovery’s Project Earth, CBC’s Dragons’ Den, and ABC’s Shark Tank. Kevin has since launched O’Leary Funds, an investment fund company; O’Leary Fine Wines; and a best-selling book series on financial literacy. In 2014, Kevin founded O’Leary Financial Group – a group of brands and services that share Kevin’s guiding principles of honesty, directness, convenience, and above all, great value.

Use the below service Sandboxx to send a letter to my brother Will Peterpaul at Coast Guard Bootcamp in Cape May, NJ. His Company name is "Hotel.” And his company #204:

https://link.sandboxx.us/referral/WV4TUH7K

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This special live podcast is presented by the Broadway Podcast Network.

Got kindness tips or stories? Please email us:

artofkindnesspodcast@gmail.com

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Music:

"Awake" by Ricky Alvarez & "Sunshine" by Lemon Music Studio.

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Megan Hilty is probably most recognizable for her portrayal of Ivy Lynn in the NBC Musical Drama “Smash.” Before that, Hilty started her career on Broadway, playing Glinda in “Wicked,” Doralee Rhodes in “9 to 5 The Musical,” and Brooke Ashton in “Noises Off,” which earned her a Tony Award Nomination. Other stage credits include Audrey in “Little Shop of Horrors” (Kennedy Center), Annie Oakley in “Annie Get Your Gun” (Encores/NY City Center) and Lorelei Lee in “Gentlemen Prefer Blondes” (Encores/NY City Center). 

Her numerous television credits include “Sean Saves The World” with Sean Hayes, “Difficult People,” “Braindead,” “The Good Fight,” playing the iconic Patsy Cline in “Patsy and Loretta” and Lily in NBC’s “Annie Live!” Megan’s voiceover work spans from audiobooks to kids animated favorites on Disney, Nickelodeon, Netfilx, Hulu & Cartoon Network. Hilty continues to tour her cabaret show with her band, led by Grammy Nominated Matt Cusson, which has been taped for “Live from Lincoln Center” on PBS, and regularly appears with world renowned orchestras including the NY Pops, Boston Pops and the National Symphony Orchestra.

Got kindness tips or stories? Please email us:

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Music:

"Awake" by Ricky Alvarez & "Sunshine" by Lemon Music Studio.

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Arielle Jacobs has been lighting up the stage since she studied ballet at the age of three. She went on to star in Broadway blockbusters, playing Princess Jasmine in Disney’s “Aladdin”, Nessarose in “Wicked”, and Nina Rosario in “In the Heights” alongside Lin-Manuel Miranda. More recently she dazzled Off-Broadway in “Between The Lines.” Now, Jacobs channels Filipina First Lady Imelda Marcos in the aforementioned show "Here Lies Love." The immersive disco pop musical has transformed the Broadway Theatre into a dance club where actors perform amongst audiences.

Most importantly, when not performing, Arielle gives back: supporting her company “The Broadway Pup”, which sells punny Broadway-themed pet bandanas and donates 100% of profits to animal rescue charities.

Got kindness tips or stories? Please email us:

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@ariellejacobs

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Sheryl J. Anderson is the showrunner of Netflix's Sweet Magnolias. She began her writing journey as a playwriting major at William & Mary. Lured to Los Angeles by the intrigue of television and the promise of 300 sunny days a year, she worked as a television studio executive, screenwriter, and half-hour series writer on shows like Parker Lewis Can’t Lose and Dave’s World. She then moved to writing and producing hour-long series, working on a wide range of series from Charmed to Flash Gordon to When Calls the Heart. She has sold pilots to Netflix, SyFy, Lifetime, UPtv, and Disney, and written movies for NBC, UPtv, and Lifetime.

If you love this episode be sure to go back and listen to our chats with Sweet Magnolia stars JoAnna Garcia Swisher and Carson Rowland!

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@sheryljanderson

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Jessie Mueller is a Tony and Grammy Award-winning actress and singer. She was last seen on Broadway in Tracy Lett’s The Minutes. Other recent credits include the Kennedy Center’s Guys & Dolls, The Music Man, Julie Jordan in the Broadway revival of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Carousel (Tony & Grammy nominations, Drama Desk Award), originating the roles of both Jenna in Waitress, for which she received Tony, Drama Desk & Grammy noms, and Carole King in Beautiful - The Carole King Musical, for which she won Tony, Grammy & Drama Desk Awards. I saw her in Waitress and Beautiful and she was well… BEAUTIFUL! She’s done concert appearances at Carnegie Hall, Chicago’s Lyric Opera, and Jazz at Lincoln Center.  

Jessie is also no stranger to shining bright in the Film and Television world. You can watch her in Steven Spielberg’s The Post, Madam Secretary, Blue Bloods, Hulu’s Candy, and Lifetime’s Patsy & Loretta. Like Javier Munoz who was previously on the AOK (go listen if you haven’t already), Jessie is in the new musical concept album My Heart Says Go - which you can stream everywhere.

Jessie is an Arts Education champion for groups such as Rosie’s Theatre Kids (rosiestheaterkids.org) and a long-time supporter of The Entertainment Community Fund (entertainmentcommunity.org) & Broadway Cares Equity Fights Aids (broadwaycares.org).

Got kindness tips or stories? Please email us:

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From advice for dreamers to kindness tips, we hope this episodes inspires you, friends! Apologies for any whack audio levels as this was a live event.

About the Jimmy Awards:

The Broadway League Foundation presents the 14th annual Jimmy Awards​ ​ceremony taking place on Monday, June 26, 2023 at 7:30pm at the Minskoff Theatre.​ ​This year’s host is star of stage, television, and film, Corbin Bleu (High School Musical). The Jimmy Awards​ ​features dynamic ensemble and solo performances and culminates with the​ ​presentation of a Best Performance by an Actress and Best Performance by an Actor​ ​award, as well as other honors and scholarships. Winners will be chosen by a panel of​ ​industry experts.​ ​This year there are 96 nominees from 48 high school musical theatre awards​ ​competitions across the U.S. For more visit: www.jimmyawards.com

Got kindness tips or stories? Please email us:

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Music:

"Awake" by Ricky Alvarez & "Sunshine" by Lemon Music Studio.

Special thank you to Carli Sanger for editing this episode!

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Desi Oakley is a self-prescribed artist, creator, people person, go-getter and true jane of all trades. One of the Kansas native's first roles was ironically Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz. She then brought her Oztastic sparkle to her Broadway debut in Wicked, starting as a swing and then taking over ensemble and understudy tracks as Nessarose and Elphaba. Since then she's appeared on Broadway in the 2014 Les Miserables revival and earned much attention for her beautiful portrayal of Jenna in Waitress both on the first national tour and West End. More recently, Desi's name was on everyone's lips as she played Roxie Hart in Chicago on Broadway.

About the Jimmy Awards:

The Broadway League Foundation presents the 14th annual Jimmy Awards​ ​ceremony taking place on Monday, June 26, 2023 at 7:30pm at the Minskoff Theatre.​ ​This year’s host is star of stage, television, and film, Corbin Bleu (High School Musical). The Jimmy Awards​ ​features dynamic ensemble and solo performances and culminates with the​ ​presentation of a Best Performance by an Actress and Best Performance by an Actor​ ​award, as well as other honors and scholarships. Winners will be chosen by a panel of​ ​industry experts.​ ​This year there are 96 nominees from 48 high school musical theatre awards​ ​competitions across the U.S. For more visit: www.jimmyawards.com

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Celebrated stage and screen actress Laura Benanti burst onto the scene at 18-years-old with a captivating performance as Maria in "The Sound of Music," on Broadway. Her talent was undeniable, setting the stage for a remarkable career. About a year after do-re-mi-ing... she earned a Tony Award nomination for her role in Swing! on Broadway. From there flowed a cascade of phenomenal performances and glittering awards, racking up 5 Tony noms total. She notably won the Drama Desk, Outer Critics Circle, and Tony Award in 2008 for a revelatory portrayal of Gypsy Rose Lee opposite Patti LuPone's Mama Rose in Stephen Sondheim's Gypsy. Other Broadway highlights include: her acclaimed starring role in of Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown; originating the role of Julia in The Wedding Singer, starring opposite Antonio Banderas in Nine, and her acclaimed performance of Cinderella in Stephen Sondheim’s Into the Woods. Most recently the star lit up Broadway in She Loves Me, My Fair Lady and Meteor Shower, which also starred her future TV collaborator Amy Schumer.

Laura recently worked with Schumer onscreen in Hulu's Life & Beth... which brings us to her illustrious career on screen. I simply don't have time to name everything, but I'm gonna run by a bunch - let me just take a breath. *Inhale.* Ok... Laura’s past television credits include staple shows like Law and Order: SVU, Royal Pains, The Big C, Nashville, and Elementary. She's had arcs on series like Supergirl, The Good Wife and Nurse Jackie. You may recognize her as Quinn on TV Land's hit show Younger and for her role in HBO Max's Gossip Girl reboot. Or perhaps she's Melania to you, thanks to Late Night with Stephen Colbert.

On the film front, Laura's appeared in movies like Worth and Lin-Manuel Miranda’s tick, tick... BOOM! on Netflix. She starred opposite Billy Crystal and Tiffany Haddish in the comedy Here Today. She also created and executive produced Homeschool Musical: Class of 2020 for HBO Max... or I guess MAX now? Which has such a beautiful origin story that we discuss. We also discuss Laura's latest movie No Hard Feelings, where she stars opposite the likes of Jennifer Lawrence, Andrew Feldman and Matthew Broderick.

I mean from countless additional regional theatre credits to touring prestigious venues around the country with her concerts, Laura's resume is truly longer than a CVS receipt.

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Host Robert Peterpaul speaks with Jimmy's founder and director Van Kaplan, choreographer Kiesha LaLama, President of The Broadway League Charlotte St. Martin, and high school nominees: Omar Andre Real (Palm Springs, CA), Helena Engberg (Columbus, OH), Lance Toppin (Charlotte, NC), Hannah Jenkins (San Antonio, TX), Will Gonzalez (Chicago, IL), Samantha Nelson (Orlando, FL), Kaitlyn Majewski (Pittsburgh, PA), and Christian Strong (Columbus, OH).

About the Jimmy Awards:

The Broadway League Foundation presents the 14th annual Jimmy Awards​ ​ceremony taking place on Monday, June 26, 2023 at 7:30pm at the Minskoff Theatre.​ ​This year’s host is star of stage, television, and film, Corbin Bleu (High School Musical). The Jimmy Awards​ ​features dynamic ensemble and solo performances and culminates with the​ ​presentation of a Best Performance by an Actress and Best Performance by an Actor​ ​award, as well as other honors and scholarships. Winners will be chosen by a panel of​ ​industry experts.​ ​This year there are 96 nominees from 48 high school musical theatre awards​ ​competitions across the U.S. For more visit: www.jimmyawards.com

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Javier Muñoz is an actor and activist whose impressive body of work spans theater, film and television. He is best known for starring and co-creating the role of "Alexander Hamilton'' in the hit musical HAMILTON on Broadway for two years after Lin-Manuel Miranda departed the show (and was his alternate prior to that). He got his break starring as “Usnavi” in IN THE HEIGHTS on Broadway, also created by Miranda.

Javier starred in the dark comedy indie feature, MONUMENTS, opposite David Sullivan & Marguerite Moreau, the indie feature LOVE RECONSIDERED and stars in THREE MONTHS, opposite Troy Sivan and Judy Greer, on Paramount+. He voices a lead character in the Disney Jr. animated series, Eureka! Other TV credits include recurring role on Shadowhunters, Blindspot and Full Frontal with Samantha Bee. Javier is also an outspoken activist for LGBTQ+ rights, a Global Ambassador for (RED), which fights to end HIV/AIDS, and supporter of GMHC.

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Sonja Warfield has churned out an impressive 20-year career in the entertainment industry. Born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio, Sonja was far from the lights of Hollywood, and yet surrounded by stardom. Fun fact: her father Paul Warfield is an NFL Hall of Famer. Sonja’s own star has shone bright over the years, with her writing on a diverse range of shows, including: Will & Grace, Disney Channel’s Liv and Maddie; BET’s Zoe Ever After, which featured pop star Brandy; the animated series She-Ra for Dreamworks/Netflix, where she also penned an original song; and the ABC comedy Jake in Progress. She’s developed and written pilots/projects for ABC, NBC, Netflix, Nickelodeon, Lifetime, Universal TV, Sony Pictures Television and HBO. Speaking of… she’s currently a writer and Executive Producer for HBO’s hit series The Gilded Age.

In addition to writing for television and film, Sonja is author of the empowering book Get Your Butt Off My Couch (And Your Hand Outta My Wallet), a woman’s guide to getting rid of her deadbeat husband, boyfriend or boo-thing. Sonja is the mother of a college student who’s following their own creative passion. When she isn’t writing scripts or trying to reach the top of the leaderboard on her Peloton, Sonja is a part-time stand-up comedian. She’s performed at The World Famous Comedy Store, The Laugh Factory and The Ice House. These days, though, she performs mostly in her kitchen. Sonja has a B.A. in Cinema/Television-Critical Studies from the University of Southern California where she has taught television writing.

More on the Writer's Strike:

wga.org

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Rob McClure is an actor and singer, who’s become a magical fixture on the Broadway scene. Growing up in NJ, Rob was a bonafide theatre kid, winning the Paper Mill Playhouse Rising Star Award his senior year. Consequently his first professional gig was at the Playhouse shortly after graduation. Rob made his Broadway debut in 2002 as an understudy in I'm Not Rappaport. From 2006 to 2009, he went on to play several roles in Avenue Q, both on Broadway and on the show's national tour. He spent the next three years working on a musical that would put him centerstage: Chaplin. The title role earned him a Theatre World Award and his first Tony Award nomination. 

Following Chaplin, Rob racked up a list of dazzling Broadway credits - not to mention various concerts and regional credits in between. You may have seen him in Honeymoon in Vegas or Noises Off. Or perhaps you caught his portrayal of Nick Bottom in Something Rotten on Broadway, which he continued for the first national tour alongside his wife Maggie Lakis. I’m such a sucker for a theatre love story. I most recently watched him day-ooo-ing his heart out in Beetlejuice on Broadway.

Rob last lit up Broadway as the lead role in Mrs. Doubtfire… a marathon performance that earned him his second Tony nomination. Speaking of… it was just announced that the writer’s strike will be affecting the Tony’s live telecast this year. Please stay tuned after the interview for your kindness tip of the week where we’ll chat a bit more about the writer’s strike.

Back to Rob! His screen credits include: The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, The Good Fight, and Blue Bloods.

One of the things I love most about him is the childlike sense of play and wonderment he seems to exude throughout all his projects. We cover so much ground from balancing your passions and your personal life to keep your mindset in a positive space. Of course Rob regales us with tons of fun Broadway stories along the way.

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Not that he needs a bio, but... LIN-MANUEL MIRANDA is a Pulitzer Prize, Grammy, Emmy and Tony award-winning songwriter, actor, director and producer. Creator and original star of Broadway’s Tony-winning Hamilton and In the Heights. His additional Broadway credits include Freestyle Love Supreme (Co-Founder, Producer, 2020 Special Tony Award Recipient), Bring It On: The Musical (co-composer/co-lyricist, Tony nomination for Best Musical), and West Side Story (2009 revival, Spanish translations). Miranda is the recipient of the 2015 MacArthur Foundation Award, the 2018 Kennedy Center Honors and the 2019 Portrait of a Nation Prize. He has received stars on both the Puerto Rico Walk of Fame and the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Mr. Miranda, and the Miranda Family, are active supporters of initiatives that increase people of color’s representation throughout the arts and government, ensure access to women’s reproductive health, and promote resilience in Puerto Rico. TV/Film credits include: tick, tick… BOOM!, Vivo, In the Heights, Hamilton (2021 Emmy Award), His Dark Materials, “Fosse/Verdon,” We The People, “Brooklyn Nine-Nine,” “Curb Your Enthusiasm” (2018 Emmy Nomination, Guest Actor), “Saturday Night Live” (2017 Emmy Nomination, Guest Actor), Sesame Street, The Electric Company, House, DuckTales, 200 Cartas, Moana (2017 Oscar nomination, Grammy Award for Best Original Song), Mary Poppins Returns and Encanto (2022 Oscar nomination for Best Original Song).

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Modelo partnered with Juixxe, a changemaker known for gifting hundreds of thousands of dollars to street vendors who struggled during the pandemic, to honor the roots of its new product. Furthering his commitment to being a force for good, Modelo and Juixxe bought out hard working, Southern California-based street vendors’ carts earlier this month. Modelo flew and hosted the merchants in Las Vegas to be among the first to try the new beverage – that they helped inspire – at the Modelo Spiked Aguas Frescas launch celebration.

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This episode features: Scandal stars Bellamy Young and Tony Goldwyn, Broadway icon Donna Murphy (Tangled), Broadway star and friend of the pod Ilana Levine (You're A Good Man Charlie Brown), Robin De Jesús (tick, tick... BOOM!), Andréa Burns (In The Heights), Simone Recasner (The Big Leap), Antoinette Chinonye Nwandu (Passover), and The Thanksgiving Play writer Larissa FastHorse and director Rachel Chavkin.

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Join us as we chat with: Tony winner Audra McDonald, Will Swenson (A Beautiful Noise), Javier Muñoz (Hamilton), Broadway director Kenny Leon, Tra’Lynn Husbands (The Lion King), National Black Theatre Artistic Director Jonathan McCory, Gia Love, Eric Bergen (Chicago, Madam Secretary), Kadeem Ali Harris (Harlem), Pulitzer Prize-winning Fat Ham playwright Jamies IJames, Fat Ham director Saheem Ali, Amber Iman, Phoenix Best (Dear Evan Hansen), Antwyan Hopper (A Strange Loop), Law & Order: Special Victims Unit's Molly Burnett, Danielle Moné Truitt, Jasmine Batchelor, and friend of the pod Jay Armstrong Johnson.

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Tiny Beautiful Things is now streaming on Hulu providing a funny, yet poignant look at a woman who becomes an esteemed advice columnist, all while her own life falls apart. It stars the always-amazing Kathryn Hahn and is produced by Reese Witherspoon’s Hello Sunshine in conjunction with ABC Signature.

Liz is a writer and producer who has truly worked on all your favorite shows. She got her start as a writer’s assistant on the CW drama Dawson’s Creek. Over the years the honed her craft on popular shows like Brothers & Sisters, Once Upon a Time, Revenge and Bates Motel. Her most recent hit wasn’t tiny, but little… as she was the showrunner on Little Fires Everywhere… eh see what I did there? She’s also served as an executive producer on series like The Morning Show, Casual and Nashville.

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In this episode you will hear from celebrity guests like: Alex Brightman, Amber Gray, Carson Kressley, Loosey LaDuca, Wendell Pierce, and the cast and creative team of Bad Cinderella including: Linedy Genao, Grace McLean, Sami Gayle, Cameron Loyal, Christina Acosta Robinson, Savy Jackson, Raymond Baynard, Lauren Boyd, Tristen Buettel, Ben Lanham, Angel Lozada, Sarah Meahl, Michael Milkanin, Larkin Reilly, Julio Rey, J Savage, Dave Schoonover, Tregony Shepherd, Paige Smallwood, Lucas Thompson, Alena Watters and more.  

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With a career spanning over two decades, Stephanie J. Block-Arcelus is one of Broadway's most versatile talents. You may have been lucky enough to see her starring opposite Hugh Jackman in The Boy from Oz or perhaps she is your Elphaba! Stephanie actually originated Elphaba in the early workshops of Wicked and later went on to play her both in the first national tour and on Broadway. She has earned acclaim for starring turns in shows like Little Miss Sunshine, The Mystery of Edwin Drood, Falsettos and Dolly Parton’s 9 to 5 The Musical. In 2019, Stephanie won the Drama Desk Award, Outer Critics Circle Award and Tony Award for playing the title role in The Cher Show. 

In addition to her stage and screen work, Stephanie has also taken her incredible voice to symphony orchestras across the US. Her solo concerts have earned her critical acclaim in both New York City and London, and her recording work includes several original cast albums, as well as her own album, This Place I Know. She also lends her voice to her own beautiful podcast Stages. Onscreen you’ve seen in her shows like Orange is the New Black, Homeland, Madame Secretary and the new film iModercai.

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Ilana is a Broadway star best known for playing “Lucy Van Pelt” in You’re A Good Man Charlie Brown. She has also starred in the Broadway productions of Jake’s Women, Wrong Mountain and The Last Night Of Ballyhoo. In addition, she has appeared in many TV shows and films including: Tanner ’88, Law and Order, Damages, The Job, Cashmere Mafia, Confessions of a Shopaholic, Failure To Launch, The Nanny Diaries, Friends With Kids and Five Flights Up. Seinfeld fans will also recognize her from the infamous episode “The Contest.”

Ilana is also a podcast superstar with her show Little Known Facts. Her latest podcast venture is for all those out there who have ever dreamed of winning a Tony Award or Oscar. And the Award Goes To… sees Ilana interview some of the best and brightest in this business as they take a trip down memory lane and relive their winning moment. Guests include Kristin Chenoweth, Patti Lupone, Judith Light and so much more.

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Keeley Karsten recently starred as Natalie Fabelman in Steven Spielberg’s film The Fabelmans, co-written by Tony Kushner. The movie premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival where it won the top prize of People’s Choice Award. Additionally, the film received seven nominations at the 95th Academy Awards, including Best Picture, five nominations at the 80th Golden Globe Awards, winning Best Motion Picture Drama, along with 11 nominations at the 28th Critics' Choice Awards (including Best Picture) and two nominations at the 29th Screen Actors Guild Awards, one being for Best Ensemble Cast of a Motion Picture. On stage, Keeley recently starred as Small Alison in the Coachella Valley Repertory’s adaptation of the Tony Award-winning musical Fun Home, alongside Broadway veteran Kristen Howe. Karsten also recently completed production on the upcoming title Entanglement, as well as the short film On Being Twelve, for which she received the accolade of Best Young Actress at the Snow Leopard International Film Festival. Karsten also won Best Child Actress at the Sydney Indie Short Festival. Her television credits include Amazon’s Hunters, alongside Al Pacino, and a starring role as the young Pam Sinclair in the documentary series Evil Lives Here. She has also written and starred in the short film Viceroy, released in 2020. Karsten is a skilled singer, and her passions include theater and writing.

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Melanie La Barrie is a Trinidadian performer and former DJ from Greater London who has made her mark as a bonafide stage star. On the West End, Melanie has been in shows like Wicked, Mary Poppins, Daddy Cool, Matilda and, most recently, the hilarious new musical & Juliet. The musical flips the script on the greatest love story ever told. & Juliet asks: what would happen next if Juliet didn't end it all over Romeo? Melanie has been with the show since its initial workshop and now stars as Juliet’s Nurse Angelique in the hit Broadway production - her Broadway debut - earning her much acclaim. 

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Today's guest is Performer, Director, Producer, Teacher, Activist and, overall, Broadway sensation Timothy Oliver Reid. Timothy or T. has spent the past 20 years working on Broadway in acclaimed musicals like Once On This Island, Sunset Boulevard, After Midnight, Sister Act, Mary Poppins, The Wedding Singer; Chicago, La Cage Aux Folles, Never Gonna Dance, Thoroughly Modern Millie, Follies, Kiss Me, Kate, and Hadestown.

T. is also an accomplished cabaret artist and multiple award winner for his solo show, “Drop Me Off In Harlem” which he directed, wrote, and starred in. He has produced and directed concerts for iconic places like Feinstein’s 54 Below. In addition, he has a glittering breadth of film and television work, as well. Most recently choreographing for films like Netflix’s White Noise and the rom-com Bros. 

Most importantly, T. gives back. He is a co-founder and artistic director for the Black Theatre Coalition, which aims to remove the “ILLUSION OF INCLUSION” in the American Theatre, by building a sustainable ethical roadmap that will increase employment opportunities for Black theatre professionals. He is also a regarded teacher and on faculty at Rider University, NYU-Tisch’s Grad Acting Program, and Columbia University School of the Arts’ Grad Acting program. He also sits on the Board of Visitors for the University of North Carolina School of the Arts. 

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Melissa Ponzio spent most of her childhood clowning it up at school and impersonating her beloved family. Then late one night, the New York native City saw Sigourney Weaver in “Alien” and knew right then and there what she wanted to be…an alien! But they said she couldn’t really be an alien, so on to the next best thing: acting!

Over the years, Melissa’s onscreen presence has captivated audiences across so many projects… seriously I could sit here naming them for the entire show: She’s notably had recurring roles in the hit NBC series, “Chicago Fire,” AMC’s “The Walking Dead,” HULU’s “The Girl From Plainville,” BET+’s “First Wives Club,” Cinemax’s “Banshee” and Lifetime’s “Army Wives,” as well as a never-ending list of guest star roles. On the film front, she’s been seen playing opposite Octavia Spencer and Melissa McCarthy in Thunder Force on Netflix, Hilary Swank in HBO’s original film Mary and Martha and their historical drama “Warm Springs,” with Kenneth Branagh and Cynthia Nixon, and - throwback - in the comedy, “Life As We Know It,” with Josh Duhamel and Katherine Heigl.

Of course, Melissa is now back on screen in the Paramount+ “Teen Wolf: The Movie” revival, reprising her beloved role as ‘Melissa McCall,’ the hard-working and devoted single mother to ‘Scott’ (played by Tyler Posey). She previously starred in the MTV “Teen Wolf” series for six seasons.

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Rupi Kaur is a Canadian poet, illustrator, photographer, and author. Born in Pinjob, India, Kaur emigrated to Canada at a young age with her family. She began performing poetry in 2009 and rose to fame on Instagram, eventually becoming a popular poet through her three collections of poetry. Rupi wrote, illustrated and self-published her first poetry collection, milk and honey. Next came its artistic sibling, the sun and her flowers. These collections have sold more than 10 million copies and have been translated into over 40 languages. Her latest collection, home body, debuted #1 on bestseller lists across the world. As she has done from the very beginning, Rupi self- produced Rupi Kaur Live, the first poetry special of its kind, which debuted on Amazon Prime Video in 2021. Rupi’s work touches on love, loss, trauma, healing, femininity and migration. 

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Chris Sarandon was born and raised in West Virginia to restaurateurs Chris and Cliffie Sarandon. He eventually earned a degree in speech at West Virginia University and then a master's degree in theater from The Catholic University of America. In 1968, Sarandon settled in New York City, where he obtained his first television credit on the series The Guiding Light, which led to some TV movie roles before he made his acclaimed turn in Dog Day Afternoon in 1975. The performance earned him nominations for Best New Male Star of the Year at the Golden Globes and even the coveted Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor.

Some of his other screen roles over the years include: the long-running series ER, co-starring with Dennis Hopper in the 1983 movie The Osterman Weekend, starring opposite Goldie Hawn in Protocol, and the cult classic horror film Fright Night. Of course, Chris is forever remembered for his endearing turn in The Princess Bride, leading the film Child’s Play and then voicing the main character of Jack Skellington for one of the most beloved holiday films of all time: Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas. Since it’s the Broadway Podcast Network, we also have to note that Sarandon has appeared on Broadway many times, including: The Rothschilds, The Two Gentlemen of Verona, and The Light in the Piazza.

Check out Chris' new podcast Cooking By Heart and find out more at www.chrissarandon.com.

Got kindness tips or stories? Please email us:

artofkindnesspodcast@gmail.com

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Music:

"Awake" by Ricky Alvarez, "The Nightmare Before Christmas" suite by Danny Elfman/Munich Radio Orchestra & "Sunshine" by Lemon Music Studio.

We are supported by the Broadway Podcast Network.

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Today’s guest is Broadway star, singer, actress and dancer Gabrielle Ruiz. The triple threat broke onto the Broadway scene starring in shows like If/Then with Idina Menzel, Evita with Ricky Martin and In The Heights with Lin-Manuel Miranda. Lin loved her work on the latter so much that he referred her to the team of a new CW pilot called Crazy Ex-Girlfriend. The rest of course is history as Gabrielle has become best known for bringing to life Valencia Perez on all four seasons of the Golden Globe and Emmy Award-winning musical comedy series Crazy Ex-Girlfriend. Gabrielle has also lent her voice to series like Star Trek: Lower Decks, a hit podcast called What Friends Are For and now new music! She released her first original holiday single this year called Twinkle Twinkle, which will give you all the holiday feels.

Got kindness tips or stories? Please email us:

artofkindnesspodcast@gmail.com

Follow Gabrielle

@gabrielleruiz

Follow us

@artofkindnesspod / @robpeterpaul

Support the show!

(https://www.buymeacoffee.com/theaok)

Music:

"Awake" by Ricky Alvarez & "Sunshine" by Lemon Music Studio

We are supported by the Broadway Podcast Network.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices