When Lightning Strikes!

#95 - Hannah Cruz

Fri, 24 Apr 2026 09:52:00 -0000

Hannah Cruz currently stars opposite Aaron Tveit, Lea Michele, and Nicholas Christopher in Chess on Broadway, directed by Michael Mayer. Her other credits include her Broadway debut in Suffs, standout roles in Only Gold and The Connector, the Peacock TV series The Copenhagen Test, and Richard Linklater's upcoming film, Merrily We Roll Along.

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#94 - Nicole Travolta

Mon, 20 Apr 2026 04:00:00 -0000

Nicole Travolta is an actor and writer whose TV credits include recurring roles on Anger Management, Two and a Half Men, and,The Middle. She wrote and stars in her solo show Nicole Travolta Is Doing Alright, where she shares her Hollywood dreams—alongside her struggles with compulsive shopping, credit card debt, and the pressure of having a famous last name. After runs in Los Angeles and at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, Nicole Travolta Is Doing Alright is now playing Off-Broadway at SoHo Playhouse.

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#93 - Rebecca De Mornay

Sun, 19 Apr 2026 09:31:00 -0000

Rebecca De Mornay stars in John Patrick Shanley's play The Pushover at The Chain Theatre. The play is directed by Kirk Gostkowski and also stars Di Zhu, Christina Toth, and Christopher Sutton. De Mornay first gained widespread recognition with her screen debut in Risky Business and went on to deliver memorable performances in films including The Hand That Rocks the Cradle and Runaway Train, along with an extensive body of television work. In addition to her prolific performing career, De Mornay is also a writer, director, and producer.

This episode was recorded on April 17, 2026.

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#92 - Irene Sofia Lucio

Sat, 18 Apr 2026 19:54:00 -0000

Irene Sofía Lucio recently starred on Broadway in Bess Wohl's play Liberation, directed by Whitney White. After a successful run Off-Broadway, Lucio reprised her acclaimed role as Isadora—an Italian immigrant navigating identity, love, and citizenship—with fire and vulnerability. Lucio is also known for her work in Slave Play and is the creator of the award-winning Spanish-language children’s series SúperEllas. Born and raised in Puerto Rico, Lucio trained at Princeton and Yale, and is committed to telling stories that expand representation in the arts.

This episode was recorded on April 17, 2026.

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#91 - Carey Renee Sharpe

Sun, 05 Apr 2026 12:12:00 -0000

Carey Renee Sharpe stars in Blood/Love, a vampire pop opera she also wrote. Now playing Off-Broadway at Theater 555, Blood/Love was co-written by Dru DeCaro, features choreography by Natalie Malotke, and Dancing with the Stars pros Jonathan and Oksana Platero, and was directed by Hunter Bird.

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#90 - Society Theatre Company Founders And 'Entangled' Playwrights Mona Mansour and Emily Zemba

Wed, 25 Mar 2026 13:09:00 -0000

Prolific playwrights Mona Mansour and Emily Zemba recently debuted Entangled: 12 Scenes in a Circle K off the I-40 in New Mexico. The play, which was directed by Scott Ilingworth, premiered at HERE Arts Center and is presented by SOCIETY Theatre Company. SOCIETY is a collective of theatre makers creating new research-driven, radically collaborative works.

This episode was recorded March 23, 2026.

Read the New York Times piece about quantum entanglement, https://www.nytimes.com/2022/10/10/science/black-holes-cosmology-hologram.html Dan Hooper's podcast that was mentioned is Why This Universe?

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#89 - Kit Buchan and Jim Barne, writers of Two Strangers Carry a Cake Across New York

Sat, 21 Mar 2026 07:24:00 -0000

Kit Buchan and Jim Barne wrote the book, music, and lyrics for the New York Times Critic’s Pick musical Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York), currently running on Broadway at the Longacre Theatre. The longtime collaborators are known for their witty, contemporary storytelling and catchy, character-driven scores, that bring a fresh, modern voice to musical theater. Audiences will soon be able to experience their music beyond the theater when the show’s cast album is released on March 20. Two Strangers stars Sam Tutty and Christiani Pitts and is directed and choreographed by Tim Jackson.

This episode was recorded on March 17, 2026.

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#88 - The Monsters cast and creative team

Tue, 10 Mar 2026 14:13:00 -0000

Writer/director Ngozi Anyanwu says that her play The Monsters is “a love letter to strong bodies, soft hearts.” Now playing at Manhattan Theatre Club, this intimate production is also a riveting sibling love story about what it takes to reconnect, forgive, and truly confront your inner demons. The Monsters cast members Okieriete “Oak” Onaodowan and Aigner Mizzelle, along with Anyanwu, choreographer Rickey Tripp, and MMA consultant Sijara Eubanks, share insights about the show’s mixed martial arts backdrop and why it feels so relevant, especially now.

This episode was recorded January 13, 2026.

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#87 - Andréa Burns

Sat, 21 Feb 2026 04:54:00 -0000

Andréa Burns is a beloved Broadway star whose many credits include In the Heights, The Notebook, On Your Feet!, Dear World, The Light in the Piazza, Songs for a New World, West Side Story, and more. She is currently starring as Diane in Come from Away at Paper Mill Playhouse.

This episode was recorded February 20, 2026.

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#86 - Heather Christie

Thu, 12 Feb 2026 03:10:00 -0000

Heather Christie created and hosts LoveNotes! The storytelling event also inspired Heather's popular book of the same name. LoveNotes! mines all kinds of love stories, including first love, last love and all the messy love in-between. This Valentine's Day, on February 14th, LoveNotes! returns to New York and will be performed for three special shows at Symphony Space. LoveNotes! has also been seen in in cities across the country and is currently expanding to other markets.

This episode was recorded on February 10, 2026

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#85 - Linus Karp and Joseph Martin

Wed, 14 Jan 2026 12:15:00 -0000

Linus Karp and Joseph Martin are actors, writers, and theater makers. They created Awkward Productions to bring ridiculous genre-mixing comedy, niche pop culture references, audience participation, and queer joy to the stage. Their shows include Gwyneth Goes Skiing, Diana: The Untold and Untrue Story, The Fit Prince, and How to Live a Jellicle Life: Life Lessons from the 2019 Hit Musical 'Cats.' These shows have all been performed for sold-out audiences at the Edinburgh Fringe. As they say, "An Awkward Productions show isn’t performed for you—it’s performed with you, making each show unique."

In January 2026, Gwyneth Goes Skiing and Diana: The Untold and Untrue Story will be performed in select U.S. cities. Diana: The Untold and Untrue Story made its New York debut at SoHo Playhouse. Gwyneth Goes Skiing will be presented in Aspen for Gay Ski Week from January 14 to 17 at the Wheeler Opera House. Afterward, the show will be performed at the Elysian Theater in Los Angeles from January 21 to 24, followed by Diana from January 25 to 28.

For more information about Awkward Productions and tickets to the shows, visit awkwardprods.com and www.instagram.com/awkwardprods.

This episode was recorded November 21, 2025.

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#84 - Samuel D. Hunter

Wed, 17 Dec 2025 05:40:00 -0000

Samuel D. Hunter is a playwright and screenwriter whose work includes the critically acclaimed play The Whale and its Oscar-winning film adaptation. This past fall he made his West End debut with Clarkston, and he is currently making his Broadway debut with Little Bear Ridge Road at the Booth Theatre. Drawing deeply from his upbringing in Idaho, Samuel's work, including the plays A Case for the Existence of God, A Bright New Boise, and Greater Clements, is celebrated for its humanity, humor, and intimate portraits of life.

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#83 - Crystal Skillman

Sat, 26 Jul 2025 00:12:00 -0000

Crystal Skillman is an award-winning dramatist. Her play Open, which was awarded a New York Times Critics’ Pick, has been running Off-Broadway at WP Theater through July. Her next play, The Rocket Men, is about to receive a National New Play Network Rolling World Premiere across the country.

This episode was recorded on July 25, 2025

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#82 - Jak Malone

Mon, 02 Jun 2025 11:58:00 -0000

Jak Malone co-stars in the hit new musical, Operation Mincemeat, which is nominated for four Tony Awards, including Best Musical and a nomination for Jak. He also received Oliver, Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle awards for his show-stopping performance as Hester Leggatt and other characters. Operation Mincemeat is based on the unlikely, but completely true, story of how during WW2 the allies deceived the Nazi's by attaching fake war-plan documents to a corpse and washing him up on the shores of Spain. The success of the mission transformed the war.

Operation Mincemeat is now playing at the John Golden Theatre. In 2026, the production will be launching a world tour going around the globe throughout the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, China, Mexico and New Zealand.

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#81 - Jesse Eisenberg

Wed, 26 Feb 2025 20:26:00 -0000

Jesse Eisenberg wrote, directed and co-stars in A Real Pain. In the film two mismatched cousins embark on a Holocaust tour through Poland to understand the history of their late grandmother who is a Holocaust survivor. It's a beautiful, honest, poetic and hilarious film that is listed as one of the ten best movies of 2024 by the New York Times, Los Angeles Times, and the National Board of Review. As Owen Gleiberman wrote in Variety "Eisenberg has scripted with an ear for the music of ideas and for contrasting voices, he presents the story of these two cousins — how they interact, what they mean to each other, how their past intersects with the present — in a way that’s so supple you can touch their reality."

I sat down with Jesse at the Ram's Head Inn, a seaside hideaway in Shelter Island. The historic property was the site of several famous physics conferences that hosted J. Robert Oppenheimer and Stephen Hawking over the years. The Ram's Head continues the tradition of being an incubator for great talents. Jesse took part in a new film series there called, The Ram Film Society.

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#80 - Susan Jaffe

Fri, 07 Feb 2025 19:22:00 -0000

Susan Jaffe is the artistic director of American Ballet Theater. Called “America’s quintessential American ballerina," and “born to dance,” by the New York Times, Susan was a principal dancer at American Ballet Theatre. She performed on stages around the world for 22 years. This summer American Ballet Theatre celebrates its 85th anniversary at the Metropolitan Opera House. Their anniversary season also marks 30 years of ABT Studio Company and two decades of the ABT Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis School.

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#79 - Jenny Lyn Bader

Thu, 09 Jan 2025 03:56:00 -0000

Jenny Lyn Bader is a prolific playwright whose stage plays include None of the Above, Equally Divine: The Real Story of the Mona Lisa, In Flight, and The Whole Megillah. She also wrote the audio works Tree Confessions and Communal Table. Jenny Lyn's play, Mrs. Stern Wanders the Prussian State Library, produced by Luna Stage, is currently presented off-Broadway at the WP Theater.

This episode was recorded December 23, 2024.

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#78 - Daniel Roy

Sat, 21 Dec 2024 18:26:00 -0000

Daniel Roy is a magician and mentalist who has headlined at the Hollywood Magic Castle, appeared on Penn & Teller: Fool Us and performed throughout the country. In his latest show, The Parlour of Deceptions, he intertwines sleight-of-hand, misdirection, and storytelling before an intimate crowd of 50 guests. Using his neuroscience degree from the University of Pennsylvania, Roy provides a peek behind the curtain into how magic tricks the brain. The Parlour of Deceptions is currently playing at the Salmagundi Club in New York City.

This episode was recorded December 16, 2024.

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#77 - Shanda Sawyer

Wed, 11 Dec 2024 20:31:35 -0000

Shanda Sawyer is a prolific director, choreographer and executive producer. She has directed shows for Marvel, FOX, ABC, Disney, and Comedy Central. Her work has garnered many awards, including two Emmys, a Gracie and a Peabody. Most recently she has been the creative director of the 2024 Big Apple Circus show, Hometown Playground, now playing through January 5, 2025.

This episode was recorded December 6, 2024.

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#76 - Rachel Routh and Andrew Lippa

Sat, 12 Oct 2024 03:21:00 -0000

The Dramatists Guild Foundation or DGF is a nonprofit devoted to American theater. For more than six decades they have supported writers at all stages of their careers. DGF offers grants, free spaces to create new works and emergency aid for immediate support. On the show is Rachel Routh is DGF's executive director and DGF's president, writer/composer Andrew Lippa. In 2024, DGF received a 2024 Tony Honors for Excellence in the theater. On October 28 DFG will have its gala, hosted by Amber Ruffin. The gala will honor Pulitzer Prize winning composer Tom Kitt and producer Mindy Rich.

This episode was recorded October 8, 2024.

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#75 - April Ortiz

Wed, 21 Aug 2024 17:25:58 -0000

April Ortiz is a prolific actress who has performed on Broadway, off Broadway in film and television. She currently stars in the musical Empire at New World Stages. Just a few of April’s other credits include In the Heights, Cats, Between 2 Knees, Uncoupled, Fosse/Verdon, The Golden Girls, Elementary, Everybody Loves Raymond, Mad About You and on and on.

This episode was recorded on August 8, 2024.

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#74 - Matthew August Jeffers

Mon, 06 May 2024 17:41:00 -0000

Matthew August Jeffers currently stars in An Enemy of the People now playing at Circle In the Square Theatre. A prolific actor, some of his other credits include Richard III at the Delacorte Theater, the film Unidentified Objects and the TV shows New Amsterdam, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, and The Walking Dead.

This episode was recorded on April 5, 2024.

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#73 - Bobby Conte

Mon, 22 Apr 2024 04:00:00 -0000

Bobby Conte currently plays Cousin Kevin in The Who’s Tommy on Broadway. Some of his other theater credits include Company, A Bronx Tale, My Fair Lady, A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, Starting Here, Starting Now and A Comedy of Tenors.

This episode was recorded on April 9, 2024.

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#72 - Lee Sunday Evans

Thu, 18 Apr 2024 21:34:19 -0000

A two-time Obie Award-winning director and choreographer, Lee Sunday Evans is the Artistic Director of Waterwell. She recently directed The Poisoner, currently playing at La MaMa. Some of Lee's other credits include Oratorio for Living Things, Dance Nation, the Courtroom, Sunday, In the Green, Miller, Mississippi, Home and Porto. Lee is also directing the Broadway-bound musical adaptation of A Wrinkle in Time.

This episode was recorded April 12, 2024.

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#71 - Brian d'Arcy James

Wed, 06 Mar 2024 22:47:00 -0000

In this episode When Lightning Strikes! goes on location to the theater at Studio 54. Jeryl Brunner talks to Brian d’Arcy James who currently stars in Days of Wine and Roses with Kelli O'Hara. Adapted from the 1962 film and original 1958 teleplay by J.P. Miller, this new musical features a book by Craig Lucas, Adam Guettel's music and lyrics and direction by Michael Greif. In this extensive conversation Brian talks about the epic journey to bring Days of Wine and Roses to the stage and why the show is so important to him.

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#70 - Patrick Page

Mon, 26 Feb 2024 18:12:00 -0000

A Broadway and off-Broadway veteran who has starred in dozens of productions, Patrick Page is currently performing in the hit play All the Devils Are Here at the DR2 Theatre. Directed by Simon Godwin, this riveting show explores Shakespeare's most fascinating villains. A Tony nominee for his portrayal of Hades in Hadestown, some of Patrick's other credits include Saint Joan, Casa Valentina, A Time to Kill, Spring Awakening, Spider-Man Turn Off the Dark, A Man for All Seasons, Julius Caesar, The Lion King and on and on. This Grammy-winning gifted actor has also appeared on TV and film in The Gilded Age, Elementary, Spirited, In the Heights, Estella Scrooge, and much more.

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#69 - Sheryl Kaller and Sean Daniels

Thu, 22 Feb 2024 05:00:00 -0000

Sean Daniels and Sheryl Kaller are some of the forces behind The White Chip, the hit autobiographical comedy currently playing at MCC Theater. Daniels, who wrote the White Chip, is a prolific theatermaker who leads The Recovery Project for Florida Studio Theatre. The Recovery Project commissions new works that destigmatizes recovery. The White Chip's director, Sheryl Kaller, has directed on and off Broadway. Some of her credits include Next Fall, for which she was nominated for a Tony and Mothers and Sons by Terrence McNally. The White Chip's production team includes Jason Biggs, John Larroquett, Hank Azaria, Annaleigh Ashford, recovery activist and author Ryan Hampton and the The Recovery Project. The production stars Joe Tapper, Crystal Dickinson and Jason Tam.

This episode was recorded on February 20, 2024.

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#68 - Warren Carlyle

Mon, 18 Dec 2023 12:03:40 -0000

Warren Carlyle is a Tony winning and Emmy nominated Director and Choreographer. Most recently he directed and choreographed the musical Harmony, now playing on Broadway. Just a few of his other credits include After Midnight, Chaplin, Hugh Jackman: Back On Broadway, Finian’s Rainbow, A Tale of Two Cities, Kiss Me Kate, The Music Man, Hello, Dolly!, She Loves Me, On The 20th Century, The Mystery Of Edwin Drood, A Christmas Story, Stephen Sondheim’s Follies and more!

This episode was recorded on December 7, 2023

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#67 - Marty LaSalle

Mon, 04 Dec 2023 05:00:00 -0000

Marty LaSalle is the CEO of the Big Apple Circus. Their latest show, Journey to the Rainbow, created in collaboration with Circus-Theater Roncalli, is now playing at Lincoln Center through January 1.

This episode was recorded on November 21, 2023.

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#66 - Zalmen Mlotek & Avram Mlotek

Fri, 01 Dec 2023 15:29:00 -0000

Zalmen Mlotek is the Artistic Director of the National Yiddish Theatre Folksbiene. He and his son, Avram Mlotek are the forces behind Amid Falling Walls: Unveiling Resilience and Hope During the Holocaust. Arranged by Zalmen with a libretto by Avram Mlotek, this Off-Broadway production presents songs created and performed in ghettos, cabarets, concentration camps, and theaters. The musical is currently playing at the National Yiddish Theatre Folksbiene at The Museum of Jewish Heritage.

This episode was recorded November 27, 2023.

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#65 - Sade Lythcott

Mon, 20 Nov 2023 05:00:00 -0000

Sade Lythcott is a Tony and Emmy-nominated producer and the Chief Executive Officer of the National Black Theatre. Founded in 1968, by her mother Dr. Barbara Ann Teer, National Black Theatre is the nation’s first revenue-generating Black arts complex. National Black Theatre, also called NBT, is one of the longest-running theaters by a woman of color. Most recently, National Black Theatre co-produced Fat Ham and Purlie Victorious on Broadway and (Pray) off-Broadway. All three shows have been New York Times Critic’s picks.

This episode was recorded on November 1, 2023.

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#64 - Leigh Silverman

Tue, 07 Nov 2023 19:37:00 -0000

A prolific director on Broadway and off, some of Leigh Silverman's credits include Violet, Grand Horizons, The Lifespan of a Fact, Chinglish, Well, SUFFS, The Search for Signs of Intelligent Life in the Universe, Soft Power, Sandra, Hurricane Diane,The Wild Party and Really Rosie. A Tony award nominee, Leigh has directed over 60 world premieres and musicals. Her latest show, Merry Me, is now playing at New York Theatre Workshop. Leigh will soon be reuniting with Billy Crudup directing him in the Berkeley Rep production of Harry Clarke. He performed the show at the Vineyard and Audible theaters.

This episode was recorded on October 26, 2023.

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#63 - Alex Michaels

Mon, 23 Oct 2023 04:00:00 -0000

Fresh off of their appearance on RuPaul's Drag Race All-Stars Season 8, Alex Michaels, also known as Alexis Michelle, has had a hit cabaret show at Joe’s Pub and appeared at Disney’s Gay Days in Anaheim. An accomplished theater performer, Alex appeared off-Broadway and in tours of Big Apple Circus, Field of Mars, Chapter One, Hair, Little Shop of Horrors and Oklahoma! In addition to their album "Lovefool" on Broadway records, Alex also has a series of music releases including, "If You Want My Apples" and "Lulu's Shoes." Look out for Alex's upcoming Witch Perfect tour with fellow drag stars, Scarlet Envy and Tina Burner.

This episode was recorded September 15, 2023.

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#62 - Andrea Syglowski

Mon, 09 Oct 2023 04:00:00 -0000

Andrea Syglowski is a riveting actress who has thrived on stage in film and TV. Just a few of Andrea's credits include Pass Over, Halfway Bitches Go Straight to Heaven, Queens. Lost in Yonkers. Venus in Fur, A Doll’s House and Dear Elizabeth. Andrea currently stars in the hit play Dig by Theresa Rebeck. Presented by Primary Stages, Dig is playing at 59e59 Theaters.

This episode was recorded on October 3, 2023.

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#61 - Brendan George

Mon, 25 Sep 2023 06:00:00 -0000

Brendan George wrote and starred in A Eulogy for Roman. The riveting immersive show had a successful run at 59 E 59 Theaters. Directed and conceived by Peter Charney, A Eulogy for Roman was also a hit at Edinburgh Festival Fringe. Brendan is a New York City-based actor-writer-improviser and singer.

This episode was recorded on September 12th, 2023

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#60 - Marcia Cross

Mon, 18 Sep 2023 17:20:00 -0000

Marcia Cross stars with Ron Canada and Bryan Batt in Pay the Writer. Written Tawni O’Dell and directed by Karen Carpenter, Pay the Writer is now playing at The Pershing Square Signature Center. Cross, who starred as Bree Van de Kamp on Desperate Housewives and was on the series Everwood and Monarch, is a graduate of the Juilliard School. She has performed at Williamstown Theatre Festival, the Hardford Stage Company and the Old Globe.

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#59 - Valisia LeKae

Wed, 30 Aug 2023 19:33:00 -0000

Valisia LeKae stars as LaVern Baker in Rock & Roll Man. The hit musical is playing at New World Stages. Valisia was nominated for Tony and Grammy Awards playing Diana Ross in Motown: The Musical. Some of her other Broadway and off-Broadway credits include Three Penny Opera, 110 in the Shade, Ragtime, Book of Mormon, Superhero and Almost Heaven: The John Denver Musical. On TV Valisia has been seen in The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, FBI: Most Wanted, The Blacklist, and Blue Bloods. On March 15 Valisia will be making her Carnegie Hall debut in the show Hittsville: Celebrating Motown with the New York Pops.

This episode was recorded August 10, 2023

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#58 - Marilee Talkington

Fri, 21 Jul 2023 17:31:00 -0000

Marilee Talkington stars as Morgan Le Fey in the musical Camelot now playing at Lincoln Center Theater. A prolific actress on stage and screen, some of her other theater credits include A Nervous Smile, The Middle Ages, The Last Day and her solo show, Truce. She has acted in film and on TV in The Home, Extrapolations, SEE, FBI: Most Wanted, NCIS, New Amsterdam and Law & Order SVU. Marilee, who is legally blind, founded Access Acting Academy which offers actor training for blind and low vision adults and children.

On July 26 1990 the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was signed into law to commemorate that date, July is Disability Pride Month. In the court of Camelot at Lincoln Center Theater Marilee is one of two disabled actors in the company. Anthony Michael Lopez, a congenital above-knee amputee, plays one of the main knights, Sir Dinidan. Both these roles were not written to be played by disabled actors. They are non-disability specific. In this episode Marilee reflects on her struggles and triumphs.

This episode was recorded on July 17, 2023

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#57 - From the Vault: Alex Edelman

Tue, 11 Jul 2023 15:45:00 -0000

Alex Edelman is a comedian and writer whose Orthodox Jewish upbringing has informed his critically and commercially acclaimed work for the stage and screen. He is known for both his TV writing and his solo stage shows, all three of which have been award-winning, sell-out hits in London’s West End and the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. His current solo show, Just For Us, is now playing at the Hudson Theatre on Broadway through August 19, 2023. Visit https://www.justforusshow.com/.

This episode was recorded on December 21, 2021.

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#56 - Joel Thurm

Fri, 23 Jun 2023 21:01:00 -0000

Joel Thurm is known as one of Hollywood's most accomplished casting directors. He played a key role casting some of the most important shows and films including Cheers, Hill Street Blues, Taxi, Grease, Airplane!, and The Rocky Horror Picture Show. He has worked with celebrities ranging from Judy Garland, Pearl Bailey, and Ethel Merman to Ted Danson and John Travolta. His new book is Sex, Drugs And Pilot Season: Confessions Of A Casting Director.

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#55 - Arian Moayed

Tue, 20 Jun 2023 14:55:00 -0000

Arian Moayed was nominated for a Tony Award for his dazzling performance playing Torvald in A Doll's House opposite Jessica Chastain. An Emmy and Tony nominated actor, writer and director, in 2002, he co-founded Waterwell, (www.waterwell.org) a risk-taking and civic-minded non-profit theater company. Some of Arian's other theater credits include The Humans, Guards at the Taj and Bengal Tiger at the Baghdad Zoo. His TV and film credits include playing Stewy in the HBO hit Succession, Love Life, Spider-Man: No Way Home, Inventing Anna, Ms. Marvel and most recently, A24's You Hurt My Feelings.

This episode was recorded June 15, 2023.

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#54 - Martyna Majok

Wed, 07 Jun 2023 20:59:00 -0000

Martyna Majok was recently nominated for a Tony award for her riveting, profound and funny play "Cost of Living." The play delves into the lengths we go to care for others and what it means to fight for ourselves. Presented by Manhattan Theatre Club, "Cost of Living" was nominated for five Tony Awards and has already won a 2018 Pulitzer Prize for Drama. Martyna's work, which also includes the plays "Sanctuary City," "Queens" and "Ironbound," has been performed in theaters around the world. Martyna is currently writing a musical adaptation of "The Great Gatsby," with music by Florence Welch and Thomas Bartlett.

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#53 - NaTasha Yvette Williams

Tue, 30 May 2023 15:00:00 -0000

NaTasha Yvette Williams was just nominated for a Tony Award originating the role of band leader Sweet Sue in the new Broadway musical Some Like it Hot. She is also featured in the musical's original cast recording. NaTasha's other Broadway credits include Tina: The Tina Turner Musical, Chicken and Biscuits, Waitress, Chicago, A Night with Janis Joplin, The Gershwin’s Porgy and Bess and The Color Purple. You can see NaTasha in the historical thriller Alice, the Disney+ movie Better Nate Than Never and Partner Track on Netflix. NaTasha is also a founding member of Black Theatre United. This episode was recorded on May 23, 2023.

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#52 - Stephen McKinley Henderson

Wed, 03 May 2023 17:57:00 -0000

A most prolific actor, just a few of Stephen McKinley Henderson's credits include Fences, A Raisin In The Sun, A Doll's House Part 2, Lincoln, Manchester By The Sea, Lady Bird, Dune, Causeway, Beau Is Afraid and the upcoming Dune: Part 2. He was last on Broadway at Second Stages' Helen Hayes Theater in the riveting play Between Riverside and Crazy by Stephen Adly Guirgis. Directed by Austin Pendleton, Stephen was just nominated for a Tony Award for his riveting performance. Returning to the role that he originated back in 2014, Stephen played Pops, a retired police officer and devoted widowed father, who is doing his best to hold on to his beloved and massive rent-controlled Riverside Drive apartment.

This episode was recorded on April 26, 2023.

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#51 - Steven Boyer

Thu, 27 Apr 2023 20:23:00 -0000

Steven Boyer currently stars in the dazzling hit musical Kimberly Akimbo now playing at the Booth Theatre. He also received a Tony nomination for the play Hand To God. Some of his other credits include Time and the Conways, I'm Not Rappaport, Assassins, Moscow, Moscow, Moscow, Moscow, Moscow, Moscow, WeCrashed, Love Life, Borderlands, Hustlers, Chicago Fire, Trial & Error and more! He also plays lead guitar for the band the US Open.

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#50 - Gwendolyn Warnock and Kirjan Waage

Mon, 27 Mar 2023 19:34:00 -0000

Gwendolyn Warnock and Kirjan Waage both wrote and directed The Immortal Jellyfish Girl at 59E59 Theaters. This dazzling out-of-the-box show is presented by Wakka Wakka and Nordland Visual Theatre. Gwendolyn and Kirjan are part of Wakka Wakka Productions, a non-profit visual theater company based in New York City and Oslo. Their mission is to stretch the limits of the imagination and create daring and unpredictable theater. This episode was recorded on February 13, 2023

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#49 - Leo Reich

Wed, 08 Mar 2023 16:01:00 -0000

A comedian and writer, Leo Reich’s comedy show, Literally Who Cares?!, is currently playing at Greenwich House Theater in New York City. With sold-out runs at both Edinburgh Fringe and London’s Soho Theater, the show, which is directed by Adam Brace and features music composed by Toby Marlow, has been called "biting" and "brilliantly funny." Literally Who Cares?! is a New York Times Critics Pick. For more information visit leoreich.com.

This episode was recorded on March 6, 2023

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#48 - Mitchell Winter

Wed, 08 Mar 2023 03:03:00 -0000

Mitchell Winter currently plays Wolf, a little boy, in Wolf Play at MCC Theater. Written by Hansol Jung and directed by Dustin Wills, the play, which had a sold-out run at Soho Rep, is presented by MCC Theater in collaboration with Ma-Yi Theater Company. A graduate of Yale School of Drama, some of Mitchell's other credits include Dracula, The Importance of Being Earnest and Mr. Robot. For more information and tickets visit, mcctheater.org.

This episode was recorded on February 28, 2023.

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#47 - Christine Pedi

Thu, 02 Mar 2023 18:00:00 -0000

Called the “Lady of 1,000 Voices," actress Christine Pedi is known for her fierce impressions of countless performers including Angela Lansbury, Bernadette Peters, Liza Minnelli and Elaine Stritch in the hit show Forbidden Broadway. Some of her other credits include Chicago, Talk Radio, Little Me, Dr. Death and The Sopranos. This March Christine stars in The Rewards of Being Frank from New York Classical Theatre. The new play, written by Alice Scovell, is a sequel to Oscar Wilde’s The Importance of Being Earnest and will run at Mezzanine Theatre at ART/New York Theatres. (Tickets are complimentary.)

Learn more at https://nyclassical.org/frank.

This episode was recorded February 22, 2023.

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#46 - Bonnie Milligan

Tue, 21 Feb 2023 19:45:00 -0000

Bonnie Milligan stars in the hit musical Kimberly Akimbo at the Booth Theater on Broadway. The show began at the Atlantic Theater Company with Milligan winning the Lucille Lortel Award and getting nominated for a Drama Desk, Outer Critics Circle and Drama League award for her enthralling and utterly brilliant performance as Aunt Debra. Bonnie's other credits include Head Over Heels, Kinky Boots and Search Party. Just this month the gorgeous "Kimberly Akimbo: Original Broadway Cast Recording" debuts on Ghostlight Records.

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#45 - Jinkx Monsoon

Thu, 09 Feb 2023 21:03:00 -0000

Actress, vocalist, and comedian Jinkx Monsoon is the first person in history to win Ru Paul’s Drag Race twice, earning the title “Queen of All Queens” on RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars. Jinkx recently made her Broadway debut playing “Matron ‘Mama’ Morton” in the jazzy hit musical Chicago at the Ambassador Theatre. She will be in Chicago through March 12.

This episode was recorded on January 31, 2023

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#44 - Ray Mercer

Fri, 09 Dec 2022 17:03:00 -0000

For nearly two decades Ray Mercer has been a cast member of 'The Lion King' on Broadway. One of the longest-running male dancers in Broadway history, Mercer, who plays one of the iconic 14 foot giraffes at the top of the show, is also the show's fight captain. This past November 'The Lion King' celebrated its 25th Anniversary. Mercer is also a prolific choreographer creating pieces and working with companies and universities around the world.

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#43 - Melissa Etheridge

Wed, 12 Oct 2022 18:22:00 -0000

Melissa Etheridge is a ferociously talented rock music icon. This Grammy and Oscar-winning singer, songwriter and guitarist is known for her deeply passionate, raw and honest lyrics and smoky, distinctive voice. With a career that has spanned more than three decades, this month she is debuting her new solo show, My Window - A Journey Through Life, which combines great music and storytelling. The intimate show at New World Stages, brings us from her childhood in Kansas to becoming a golden voiced rock music force. The show will run for just 12 performances. For tickets visit, www.MelissaEtheridge.com/MyWindow

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#42 - Katy Sullivan

Mon, 10 Oct 2022 20:01:00 -0000

Katy Sullivan is reprising her role as Ani in Martyna Majok's Pulitzer Prize-winning play, 'Cost of Living,' which opened on Broadway October 3rd. Just a few of her other acting credits includes 'Dexter: New Blood,' 'My Name is Earl' and 'Last Man Standing.' A double below the knee bilateral amputee and four-time U.S. Paralympian champion, Katy is the first female amputee and only the second amputee actor ever to appear in a Broadway production. Manhattan Theatre Club's 'Cost of Living' is playing at the Samuel J. Friedman Theatre.

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#41 - Carl Moellenberg

Mon, 12 Sep 2022 20:17:00 -0000

Carl Moellenberg has produced more than 70 shows worldwide and won 13 Tony awards. Just a few of his Broadway credits includes Spring Awakening, Hair, Death of a Salesman, Pippin, All the Way, Dear Evan Hansen, Angels in America, The Band's Visit, Oklahoma, Hadestown, The Minutes, Company and many more. His memoir, Broadway and Spirituality as a Path to Survival, debuts on October 1.

carlmoellenberg.com/memoir

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#40 - Eugene Pack

Tue, 28 Jun 2022 22:28:00 -0000

Eugene Pack is an Emmy nominated writer and winner of the Drama Desk award for creating the hit international comedy Celebrity Autobiography. The beloved show where stars act out other celebrity memoirs live on stage, has run on on and off Broadway. Eugene’s short original comedies are now featured on a unique podcast, called The Pack Podcast, https://www.thepackpodcast.org Just a few of the stars who have performed on the podcast have included Sarah Jessica Parker, Blair Underwood, Matthew Broderick, Stockard Channing, Marisa Tomei Annette Bening, Brian Stokes Mitchell,Martin short. Renée Fleming, Dick Cavett and many more. “A compelling work of art” says Variety about the plays which is listened to in 100 countries. The Pack Podcast also raises money for The Entertainment Community Fund, https://entertainmentcommunity.org (Formerly called, The Actors Fund). As acting legend Eva Marie Saint who has performed in three of his plays says “Eugene’s work is so honest. I’ve lived long enough to know what’s honest and what isn’t and Eugene’s plays are."

This episode was recorded on January 21, 2022

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#39 - Sharon Wheatley

Wed, 01 Jun 2022 17:02:00 -0000

Sharon Wheatley is an original cast member in the the hit Broadway musical, Come From Away. She has the distinction of being the only actress to appear in Cats, Les Miserables and the Phantom of the Opera on Broadway. When the pandemic shut down Come From Away, Wheatley and her family hit the road in 30-foot RV. A gifted writer, she chronicles her adventures in her riveting new book, "Drive: Stories from Somewhere in the Middle of Nowhere."

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#38 - Miriam Pultro

Wed, 06 Apr 2022 18:36:00 -0000

Miriam Pultro is an actor, singer, composer, lyricist musician, director, filmmaker and theater artist who wrote and stars in Glass Town which played at the Tank in New York City. The rock musical spotlights the Brontë-siblings as rock band.

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#37 - Nick Blaemire

Sat, 12 Mar 2022 13:20:00 -0000

Actor-musicians Van Hughes and Nick Blaemire wrote and are performing in “Space Dogs” at MCC theater. The new musical tells the heartbreaking, mind-blowing true story of the first living beings to go into outer space, even before humans. The musical centers on a stray dog named Laika and the top-secret Russian scientist who sent this pup and other dogs to space during the Cold War. “Space Dogs” is now playing at MCC until March 20th.

Nick and I talked about birthing “Space Dogs” from Van’s Bushwick basement studio, what it was like to play Jonathan Larson in the off Broadway musical “Tick, Tick… Boom!” and more.

Learn more about Space Dogs at https://mcctheater.org/tix/space-dogs/.

This episode was recorded on March 8, 2022.

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#36 - Clare Barron

Mon, 07 Mar 2022 21:23:00 -0000

Clare Barron is a prolific writer who has written the plays “Baby Screams Miracle,” “Dirty Crusty,” “I’ll Never Love Again,” “You Got Older” and the Pulitzer-nominated “Dance Nation." Her gripping play “Shhhh,” which has been called “illuminating” and "raw" recently had a very successful run at the Atlantic Theater Company. Not only did Clare write Shhhh she also directed and starred in the play. Clare is working on an adaptation of Anton Chekhov’s “Three Sisters” for New York Theatre Workshop’s (NYTW) 2022/2023 season. Directed by Sam Gold the cast includes Greta Gerwig, Oscar Isaac, Steve Buscemi, Quincy Tyler Bernstine, Emily Davis, Chris Messina, Lola Kirke, John Christopher Jones, Michael Benjamin Hernandez, Anthony Michael Lopez, Matthew Maher, Chris Messina, Aaron Clifton Moten, Ben Sinclair and Virginia Wing.

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#35 - Jeannette Bayardelle

Fri, 18 Feb 2022 08:00:00 -0000

Jeannette Bayardelle is a Grammy-nominated performer who has traveled to more than 50 countries to share her exceptional gifts. Most recently she starred on Broadway as Mrs. Nielsen in Girl From The North Country featuring the songs of Bob Dylan. Her additional credits include Hair, The Color Purple, Rock of Ages, Deaf West’s Big River and she wrote the book, music, lyrics and stared in her own musical Shida. Jeannette created the online class, Broadway To Wall Street - https://broadwaytowallstreet.com/. The course is a fun introduction to the stock market and includes music and animation.

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#34 - Alex Edelman who stars in 'Just For Us' at the Cherry Lane Theatre

Tue, 18 Jan 2022 20:39:00 -0000

Alex Edelman is a comedian and writer whose Orthodox Jewish upbringing has informed his critically and commercially acclaimed work for the stage and screen. He is known for both his TV writing and his solo stage shows, all three of which have been award-winning, sell-out hits in London’s West End and the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. His current solo show, Just For Us, is playing at the Cherry Lane Theatre in New York City from January 24th to February 19, 2022. Visit, https://www.justforusshow.com/.

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#33 - The Broadway opening of the Roundabout Theatre Company production of Trouble In Mind

Thu, 16 Dec 2021 16:09:00 -0000

When Lightning Strikes! goes to the opening Night and Broadway premiere of Alice Childress’ play Trouble in Mind. Directed by Charles Randolph-Wright, the cast includes LaChanze, Michael Zegen, Chuck Cooper, Danielle Campbell, Jessica Frances Dukes, Brandon Micheal Hall, Simon Jones, Alex Mickiewicz and Don Stephenson.

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#32 - Jacquelene Acevedo from David Byrne's American Utopia

Mon, 08 Nov 2021 18:42:00 -0000

Jacquelene Acevedo is a Grammy award winning percussionist and dancer who stars in David Byrne's American Utopia currently on Broadway at the St James Theatre. She has recorded or toured with Jeremy Pelt, Alicia Hall Moran and her mentor/father, Memo Acevedo. Jacquelene also recorded on the In The Heights movie soundtrack.

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#31 - Playwright Martyna Majok

Wed, 06 Oct 2021 14:31:00 -0000

Martyna Majok is a playwright who won the 2018 Pulitzer Prize for Drama for Cost of Living. Her newest play, Sanctuary City from New York Theatre Workshop is now playing at The Lucille Lortel Theatre. Her plays, including Queens and Ironbound, have been performed throughout the United States and abroad. She studied playwriting at the Yale School of Drama and Juilliard School. She is currently writing two musical librettos and developing an original series and film for HBO. Martyna is also adapting The Great Gatsby for the Broadway stage with Florence Welch and Thomas Bartlett writing music.

This episode was recorded on September 24, 2021.

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#30 - Pamela Moller Kareman, executive director, The Neighborhood Playhouse

Wed, 29 Sep 2021 15:10:00 -0000

Pamela Moller Kareman is the executive director of the Neighborhood Playhouse School of Theatre. Just a few of their alumni includes Tony Randall, Mary Steenburgen, Robert Duvall, Jasmine Cephas Jones, Gregory Peck, Christopher Lloyd, Chris Noth, Dylan McDermott, Allison Janney and Joanne Woodward. For more than two decades Pamela has taught the Meisner Technique in New York and she continues to nurture new generations of actors. The school just reopened their famed red doors for in-person classes in September.

This episode was recorded September 15, 2021.

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#29 - At the red carpet premiere of The Show Must Go On

Fri, 20 Aug 2021 16:54:00 -0000

When Lightning Strikes goes to the premiere of the new documentary, The Show Must Go On. For the first time since the March 2020 shut down, an audience filled the Majestic Theatre that is home to Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Phantom of The Opera. Co-directed and produced by Dori Berinstein and Sammi Cannold, The Show Must Go On is an inspiring film about how two productions in South Korea kept theater alive in the midst of the pandemic.

The premiere was held on August 9, 2021 and benefitted The Actors Fund.

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#28 - Russell Granet, President and CEO of New 42

Fri, 13 Aug 2021 07:00:00 -0000

Russell Granet is the president and CEO of New 42, New 42 is a nonprofit organization behind the New Victory Theater, the New 42nd Street Studios and the Duke on 42nd Street. Their mission is to make performing arts a vital part of everyone’s life from the earliest years onward. Celebrated for providing accessibility and inclusion in the performing arts, New 42 is recognized as one of the largest providers of youth employment of cultural organizations in New York City. Their New Victory Theater presents international productions and serves more than 40,000 children in New York City with free arts education. New 42 Studios, an architectural icon, is one of Broadway’s great rehearsal incubators.

This episode was recorded July 22, 2021.

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#27 - Dan O’Brien

Fri, 06 Aug 2021 15:38:00 -0000

Dan O’Brien is a playwright and poet whose work has been produced off-Broadway at Primary Stages, throughout the United States and in the United Kingdom. Some of his plays include The House in Scarsdale: A Memoir for the Stage and The Body of an American. O'Brien has been awarded the Guggenheim Fellowship in Drama, the Horton Foote Prize, the Edward M. Kennedy Prize and two PEN America Awards. Most recently, he published a collection of essays in his book, A Story that Happens...On Playwriting, Childhood, & Other Traumas. O'Brien reflects on theater, family, what it takes to be an artist in a fractured world and keeping hope alive.

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#26 - Mandy Gonzalez

Fri, 04 Jun 2021 04:00:00 -0000

Mandy Gonzalez is an Obie and Drama Desk-winning singer, actress and author. She is so ferociously talented and has such a fierce belt that she was nicknamed “The Beast.” Mandy stars on Broadway in Hamilton as Angelica Schuyler and also originated the role of Nina Rosario in the Tony–winning Broadway musical In The Heights. Mandy played Elphaba in the Broadway production of Wicked and is also a Warner Music artist and released her chart-topping debut album, “Fearless.” She can also be seen as Lucy Knox in Madam Secretary. Mandy is the proud founder of #FearlessSquad, a social media movement for inclusiveness and positivity which connects millions of people around the world. She just released her first children's book, Fearless about twelve-year-old Monica Garcia who travels to New York City with her grandmother to pursue her Broadway dream. For more visit https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Fearless/Mandy-Gonzalez/Fearless-Series/9781534468955

This episode was recorded on April 29, 2021

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#25 - Casting team James Calleri, Erica Jensen and Paul Davis of Calleri Jensen Davis

Thu, 06 May 2021 15:35:00 -0000

James Calleri, Erica Jensen and Paul Davis make up the casting team Calleri Jensen Davis. The winners of 15 Artios Awards, they have a vast repertoire casting for Broadway, Off-Broadway, major motion pictures and television series. Among the agency’s upcoming theatrical projects are the Broadway productions of “For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide/When the Rainbow is Enuf,” “Thoughts of a Colored Man,” and “Blue.” They also cast the television hit “Dickinson” on AppleTV+. The trio recently won another Artios Award for Excellence in Casting for the “Pride Plays” which played Off-Broadway last season.

This past February the agency went from being Calleri Casting to Calleri Jensen Davis to better reflect the equal partnership that has been central to the company’s success over these past 15 years. They have reaffirmed their commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion to ensure equal access to opportunity for all performers.

This episode was recorded March 18th, before the team won their 15th Artios Award for "Pride Plays."

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#24 - Mark Armstrong, Artistic Director of The 24 Hour Plays

Mon, 19 Apr 2021 04:00:00 -0000

Mark Armstrong is the Artistic Director of The 24 Hour Plays which brings together creative communities to produce plays and musicals that are written, rehearsed, and performed in 24 hours. Highlights from his tenure include annual productions of The 24 Hour Plays on Broadway, the Broadway and Los Angeles debuts of The 24 Hour Musicals, the growth of The 24 Hour Plays Nationals, (a free professional intensive for young theatermakers), and The 24 Hour Plays: Viral Monologues. A socially-distanced sensation, The 24 Hour Plays: Viral Monologues has brought more than 400 free new theater pieces to millions of viewers since onset of the pandemic in March 2020. As a director, Mark has worked with countless playwrights including Dan O’Brien, Emily Mann, Christopher Shinn and many more.

Learn more at www.24hourplays.com.

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#23 - Christina Papagjika

Mon, 22 Mar 2021 04:00:00 -0000

Christina Papagjika is a Tony and Olivier Award-winning producer who creates film, television and theater. Just a few of her productions includes the six-time Tony Award-winning Best Musical "Kinky Boots" and the film, "Lee Daniels' The Butler" starring Forest Whitaker, Oprah Winfrey, and Jane Fonda. Her movie, "Six Minutes to Midnight,” with Judi Dench and Eddie Izzard, will debut worldwide on March 26. She is also producing the film “Worth” with Michael Keaton, Stanley Tucci, and Laura Benanti. "Worth" had its premiere at the Sundance Film Festival and was acquired by Netflix and Barack and Michelle Obama's Higher Ground Productions. Worth will be released this September.

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#22 - Nina Meehan and Khalia Davis

Sat, 20 Feb 2021 05:00:00 -0000

Meet two forces from the Bay Area Children’s Theatre: Nina Meehan, the theater’s founder and CEO. And artistic director, Khalia Davis. Bay Area Children’s Theatre is one of the leading theaters for young audiences in California. Since its inception in 2004, this theater has served more than 750,000 children and adults in the Bay Area and beyond with their musicals and Academy program. They have produced over 37 new musicals for young audiences including an adaptation of Chelsea Clinton's book "She Persisted."

This month as part of their new Sunday Spotlight series they are sharing the performance of Khalia’s adaptation of A Kids Book About Racism by Jelani Memory. The show, A Kids Play About Racism, uses the power of theatrical storytelling to give children the tools to participate in the conversation with grown-ups.Part of the theater’s mission is to help create conversation and inspire positive social change.

To quote from A Kids Book About Racism, “Racism is one of the worst kinds of mean someone can be. Because racism thinks someone being different is bad. BUT being different is actually good. Like REALLY, REALLY, REALLY, REALLY REALLY, REALLY, REALLY GOOD. 1000 percent good.”

The play will be available all day on February 20th and 21st, and February 26th and 27th. To RSVP to see the show visit https://www.bactheatre.org/#/outreach-program. (CAN YOU HYPERLINK THE WEBSITE? THANKS!)

The premiere of their Sunday Spotlight series with Khalia Davis will run as an interactive companion piece to the play. On Sunday, February 28th, 10:30 am PST/1:30pm EST, Davis will reunite with the cast as they tackle some difficult topics, share their experiences working on the show, answer questions from young people, and lead everyone in some critical thinking and interactive storytelling activities related to the show. To RSVP for this Sunday Spotlight series go here. CAN YOU PLEASE HYPERLINK THIS? https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSef0rVuUHpR0YyYmDLu3YFDH6WgU39XwXB2VWqqbV8V7ILbtg/viewform)

Future Sunday Spotlights will include a focus on Women’s History Month in March, Autism Awareness Month in April and Mental Health Awareness Month in May.

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#21 - John Lloyd Young

Mon, 08 Feb 2021 13:27:00 -0000

A Tony and Grammy Award-winning force, John Lloyd Young played Frankie Valli in the Original Broadway Cast of Jersey Boys. He also starred as Valli in Clint Eastwood's Warner Bros. movie adaptation of the show.

Young is the only American actor to have received four major awards for a Broadway musical: the Tony, Drama Desk, Outer Critics Circle and Theatre World Award.He has performed concerts at The White House, Carnegie Hall and all around the world.

On February 12 John Lloyd Young will performing at The Space Las Vegas in John Lloyd Young’s Vegas Valentine. His intimate show will be streamed live as he sings beloved Jersey Boys favorites along with luscious and romantic classic tunes. Visit, https://www.johnlloydyoung.com/live for more information.

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#20 - Frank DiLella

Mon, 25 Jan 2021 05:00:00 -0000

Frank DiLella is the host of “On Stage” on Spectrum News NY1. He won a Best News Magazine Emmy Award for his special on the musical “Come From Away.” Frank has interviewed everyone including James Earl Jones, Vanessa Redgrave, Bono, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Jane Fonda, Lady Gaga, Andrew Lloyd Webber and on and on and on. Most recently Frank played himself as a theater reporter in the Netflix film “The Prom” getting his close-up opposite Meryl Streep.

This episode was recorded on January 4, 2021.

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#19 - Jonah Platt

Sun, 13 Dec 2020 01:39:00 -0000

Jonah Platt is a prolific performer and creator who has appeared on stages around the country. On Broadway he played Fiyero in Wicked. He did Hair at the Hollywood Bowl and was also in Floyd Collins, BARE, A Walk on the Moon and Found. Platt is also co-writing the music and lyrics to the musical The Giver with Andrew Resnick with a book by Martin Zimmerman. The musical is based on the wildly popular novel by Lois Lowry. Go on his instagram and watch him sing “Wish,” one of the songs originally in the show as part of Lincoln Center’s #HumanityInConcert series.

On television, Platt’s TV credits includes Jesus Christ Superstar Live, the Netflix animated series, Trolls: The Beat Goes On, Curb Your Enthusiasm, Parenthood and The Office.

This episode was recorded on May 26.

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#18 - David Lindsay-Abaire

Wed, 25 Nov 2020 05:00:00 -0000

David Lindsay-Abaire is a Pulitzer Prize winning playwright, screenwriter, lyricist and librettist. He won the Pulitzer Prize for his devastatingly beautiful play Rabbit Hole. As the Hollywood Reporter said about his play Good People: “It is that rare play that is both timeless and completely keyed into a specific moment in American life…Bringing the same clear-eyed emotional observation that distinguished his Pulitzer winner, Rabbit Hole, David Lindsay-Abaire has crafted another penetrating drama about deeply relatable issues.” Some of his other plays include Fuddy Meers, Kimberly Akimbo, Wonder of the World, A Devil Inside and Ripcord.

David wrote the book for the musical High Fidelity and the book and lyrics for Shrek the Musical. And if that’s not enough, he is also a very prolific screenwriter. Some of his film credits include Robots, Inkheart, Rise of the Guardians, Poltergeist, The Family Fang and the film versions of Rabbit Hole and Shrek The Musical. Most recently he has written a plethora of monologues for The 24 Hour Plays: Viral Monologues writing pieces for Rachel Dratch, Marcia Gay Harden, J. Smith Cameron, Johanna Day, Cynthia Nixon, Aymee Garcia, Michael Urie, David Hyde Pierce, Marylouise Burke, T.R. Knight and Jake Gyllenhaal. He will also be writing a play for the 20th Annual The 24 Hour Plays Broadway Gala. The virtual performance will stream LIVE on Tuesday, December 1st at 8:00 PM. Learn more at http://www.24hourplays.com/broadway David’s home is called “the most impressive halloween house in Brooklyn.” Just Google him and the word “halloween.”

This episode was recorded November 2, 2020.

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#17 - Shaina Taub and Roz Lichter

Fri, 20 Nov 2020 05:00:00 -0000

By the time she was a student at Bennington College, Elizabeth Swados was already a force, considered an exceptional talent as a writer, composer and director. In 1978 when she was in her twenties her musical Runaways, about teenage runaways began at the Public Theater, moved to Broadway and earned her four Tony nominations.

Swados had a gift for introducing new forms to the mainstream. She wrote in a variety of musical genres including world, folk, rap and experimental music. She delved into topics not usually seen in musical theater like racism, murder and mental illness. In 2016, Swados passed away after battling esophageal cancer.

This past May, “The Liz Swados Project,” a tribute album devoted to Swados and her legacy debuted on Ghostlight Records. The album includes 20 songs from Swados work and is performed by some of the theater's most inspiring artists working today. To stream or download the album, or order the CD, visit ghostlightrecords.lnk.to/lizswadosproject.

On Tuesday, November 24 at 8pm, Ghostlight Records and Joe’s Pub will present a free virtual celebration of “The Liz Swados Project.” The event will feature several artists who appear on the album who will perform and personal insights into Swados’ work. Learn more here, https://publictheater.org/productions/joes-pub/2020/j/the-liz-swados-project---joes-pub-live

Guests Roz Lichter, is one of the executive producers on the album and was also Liz’s longtime partner. Also with us is singer, composer and musician Shaina Taub, who was a student of Swados at New York University and then a collaborator. Taub also performs on “The Liz Swados Project.”

Produced in part by the Broadway Podcast Network.

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#16 - Christine Ebersole

Mon, 09 Nov 2020 05:00:00 -0000

For more than three decades Christine Ebersole has dazzled on stage, screen, in television series, concert appearances, recordings and on and on. A two-time Tony winning actress, her eclectic career includes everything from joining the cast of Saturday Night Live to being in the films The Wolf Of Wall Street, Amadeus and Tootsie to starring on Broadway playing Dorothy Brock in 42nd Street, captivating audiences in the dual role of ”Little” Edie Beale/Edith Bouvier Beale in Grey Gardens and playing Elizabeth Arden in War Paint. Ebersole is currently starring as Bob’s mom Dottie in the CBS hit comedy, Bob Hearts Abishola. The second season premieres November 16, 2020.

This episode was recorded September 21, 2020.

Produced in part by the Broadway Podcast Network.

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#15 - Krista Detor

Wed, 07 Oct 2020 18:23:00 -0000

Rolling Stone magazine calls Krista Detor’s soul-nourishing music "A small miracle.” A singer/song-writer, her solo albums have reached national and international prominence on the Euro-Americana and Folk and Independent Music charts. She was one of the few artists to perform in the Emmy nominated TV concert Wilderness Plots for PBS where she wrote and sang songs inspired by the book Wilderness Plots by American College of Arts & Letters inductee Scott Russell Sanders.

Krista has performed extensively throughout the United States and Europe. She has been commissioned to write musical theater and choir pieces around the world from the Indiana Arts Commission to the U.S. Department of State in New Delhi. Krista and her partner, David Weber created the non-profit theater residency The Hundredth Hill Artist Residency in Bloomington, Indiana. From August to October The Hundredth Hill hosted an emerging theater residency, housed New York University graduates who created two new theater pieces, which are being safely staged outside on the majestic property. For more information visit https://www.thehundredthhill.org.

Produced in part by the Broadway Podcast Network.

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#14 - James Sampliner

Mon, 21 Sep 2020 19:53:00 -0000

There are musicians, composers, arrangers, orchestrators and then there is James Sampliner. He is a pianist, composer, arranger, orchestrator, conductor, music producer, percussionist and music copyist.

Much beloved by the New York theater community, James has collaborated with Audra McDonald, Billy Porter, Leslie Odom Jr., Patina Miller, Chuck Cooper, Shoshana Bean, Annaleigh Ashford, Norm Lewis, Sara Ramirez, Lillias White, Mandy Gonzalez, Rob McClure, Tracie Thoms, Eden Espinosa, James Naughton, Debra Monk, Tituss Burgess, Will Swenson, Bebe Neuwirth, Jason Robert Brown, Susan Stroman, Hal Prince and many others. Most recently he co-produced, arranged and music directed the album “Along the Way” with Bobby Conte Thornton.

This episode was recorded on June 2, 2020.

Produced in part by the Broadway Podcast Network.

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#13 - Patrick Boll

Wed, 16 Sep 2020 18:13:00 -0000

In his thirty year career Patrick Boll has performed on Broadway, off Broadway and around the country. For nearly three years he starred as Bill Austin in Mamma Mia! on Broadway. Patrick was also in the Coen Brothers film Burn After Reading with George Clooney and Brad Pitt and How to be Single with Dakota Johnson and Rebel Wilson. A few of his TV credits include FBI, Gossip Girl, Law and Order and their many spin-offs. Patrick has taught acting at Universities and conservatories like Playwrights Horizons at New York University, Western Michigan University and the New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts. Patrick is also an author. His first book, Product: You - The Workbook and Guide To An Actor's Life, is all about what it takes to be an actor.

This episode was recorded on June 5, 2020.

Produced in part by the Broadway Podcast Network.

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#12 - Marin Ireland

Sat, 05 Sep 2020 04:00:00 -0000

As New York Times theater critic Ben Brantley wrote, Marin Ireland is “one of New York theater’s most inspired and entertaining interpreters of people programmed to self-destruct.” Just a few of her theater credits include Happy Talk, Blue Ridge, Summer and Smoke, Ironbound, On the Exhale, Kill Floor, Marie Antoinette, The Big Knife, Three Sisters, Miss. Julie, A Lie of the Mind, Reasons to Be Pretty, Far Away and Nocturne. On TV, Ireland starred in the series Sneaky Pete and the Umbrella Academy. She was also in Mildred Pierce, Homeland, The Divide, Girls and on and on and on. Next up Ireland stars in The Dark and the Wicked, The Empty Man and the highly anticipated TV series based on the comic, Y: The Last Man.

This episode was recorded on June 17, 2020.

Produced in part by the Broadway Podcast Network.

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#11 - Astrid Van Wieren

Sat, 29 Aug 2020 04:00:00 -0000

Astrid Van Wieren is an original cast member of the the hit Broadway musical, Come From Away. She has been in the show since it opened in 2017. Van Wieren also co-wrote, co-produced and stars in the indie feature film, The River You Step In. Her other credits include This Wide Night, Belles Soeurs, The Musical, The Colony of Unrequited Dreams, Myth of The Ostrich, The Way Back to Thursday and Baal. This episode was recorded in May, 2020, when the world was in a much different place.

Produced in part by the Broadway Podcast Network.

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#10 - Charlotte Moore and Ciarán O’Reilly (Irish Repertory Theatre)

Wed, 12 Aug 2020 04:00:00 -0000

Charlotte Moore and Ciarán O’Reilly founded Irish Repertory Theatre in 1988. Ever since they have been passionately devoted to bringing Irish and Irish-American works to the stage. The Irish Rep presents everything from classics to contemporary works as they nurture new generations of Irish and Irish-American playwrights. Now in its 31st season, Moore serves as Artistic Director and O'Reilly is Producing director. They have won the Drama Desk Award, Outer Critics Circle Award, the Lucille Lortel Award and the Jujamcyn Theatres Award for their excellence. In 2019, Moore and O’Reilly were both inducted into the Irish America Hall of Fame and received Ireland’s Presidential Distinguished Service Award for the Irish Abroad. Irish Repertory Theatre has presented over 190 productions and worked with more than 500 company members. The theater now has entire online component and thriving online summer season. Love Noël: The Songs And Letters of Noël Coward, starring Steve Ross and KT Sullivan and directed by Charlotte Moore, will be online from August 11 to August 15. For more details visit, https://irishrep.org/show/irish-rep-online-2020/love-noel-2/

This episode was recorded May 19, 2020.

Produced in part by the Broadway Podcast Network.

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#9 - Michael Zegen

Mon, 10 Aug 2020 04:00:00 -0000

Michael Zegen stars as Joel Maisel in the beloved Amazon hit series, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel. His vast theater resume includes Bad Jews, The Spoils, A View From The Bridge and most recently Bob and Carol and Ted and Alice with The New Group. On Television he had a recurring role as Benny Siege' on HBO's Boardwalk Empire and has also been in The Walking Dead, Girls, How To Make It In America, Happyish and Rescue Me. His film credits includes Frances Ha, Brooklyn, Adventureland, Taking Woodstock and the film adaptation of Anton Chekhov's The Seagull. Earlier this year, he wrapped production on the independent feature The Stand-In.

This episode was recorded May 19, 2020.

Produced in part by the Broadway Podcast Network.

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#8 - Tedra Millan

Mon, 03 Aug 2020 04:00:00 -0000

Tedra Millan appeared on Broadway in Present Laughter. Her Off-Broadway credits include: Happy Talk,The Wolves, On the Shore of the Wide World, Nassim. On television you can see her in Fosse/Verdon, Tales of the City, Almost Family, Katy Keene and The Goldbergs. She is directing the upcoming short film, We Can Voyage There, written by David Lerner Schwartz.

This episode was recorded May 11, 2020.

Produced in part by the Broadway Podcast Network.

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#7 - Katie Brayben

Mon, 27 Jul 2020 04:00:00 -0000

Katie Brayben won a Olivier Award playing Carole King in the West End premiere of Beautiful. Just a few of her theater credits include Girl from the North Country, Honour, A Walk on The Moon, The Spoils, My Mother Said I Never Should, King Charles III and American Psycho. On television she has appeared in Luther, The Alienist, Doctor Who, King Charles III and Vera, You can see her in the riveting film, A Serial Killer’s Guide To Life which is now streaming online.

This episode was recorded May 18, 2020.

Produced in part by the Broadway Podcast Network.

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#6 - Aneesa Folds

Tue, 21 Jul 2020 21:30:00 -0000

Aneesa Folds shares how she went from being a student at the Freestyle Love Supreme Academy to starring on Broadway a few months later in Freestyle Love Supreme. Her other theater credits includes Sistas The Musical, Seussical, Freaky Friday and Ragtime. She has performed at North Shore Music Theatre, Goodspeed Opera House, Arrow Rock Lyceum. Aneesa also appears in the new documentary, We Are Freestyle Love Supreme, which premiered July 17th on Hulu.

Produced in part by the Broadway Podcast Network.

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#5 - Jonathan Marc Sherman

Thu, 09 Jul 2020 07:00:00 -0000

Jonathan Marc Sherman has been a professional playwright since he was a teenager. At 18 his play, Women and Wallace, was part of the Young Playwrights Festival and directed by James LaPine and then Don Scardino. The play was made for television audiences for PBS-TV's American Playhouse with a cast that included Josh Hamilton, Debra Monk and Cynthia Nixon. Sherman has been writing ever since. (He also has a long list of acting credits which started when he played the Artful Dodger at the Pittsburgh Civic Light Opera). Most recently Sherman wrote the book for The New Group’s production of Bob and Carol Ted and Alice with music and lyrics by Duncan Sheik. Sherman co-founded Malaparte theater company with Josh Hamilton and Ethan Hawke. His work has been presented at The Public Theater, Playwrights Horizons, Williamstown and around the world from Australia to Istanbul to Japan. He has written several pieces for 24 Hour Plays, Viral Monologues including The Conversationalist, the musical Fear of Frying, and Painting

This conversation was recorded May 15, 2020.

Produced in part by the Broadway Podcast Network.

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#4 - Asmeret Ghebremichael

Fri, 19 Jun 2020 16:50:00 -0000

Asmeret Ghebremichael is a force on Broadway, off Broadway and the West End. A Drama Desk winner, she has been working on Broadway for twenty years. Just some of her credits include The Book of Mormon, Elf, In The Heights, Legally Blonde, Spamalot, Wicked, Dream Girls on the West End. She was nominated for both the Lucille Lortel and Chita Rivera Awards for playing Nikkie in Sweet Charity and was in The Wiz Live! on NBC. Watch her in the web series Submissions Only or on the BBC television show Get Even. Asmeret recently wrote a powerful opinion piece for Broadway News called “I’m tired of being the token Black friend.”

https://broadwaynews.com/2020/06/04/opinion-im-tired-of-being-the-token-black-friend/

Produced in part by the Broadway Podcast Network.

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#3 - Anika Larsen

Thu, 11 Jun 2020 04:00:00 -0000

There are singers and then there is Anika Larsen. Known for her ferocious belt, she made her Broadway debut in Rent and was nominated for a Tony award playing prolific songwriter Cynthia Weil in Beautiful: The Carole King Musical. Her other theater credits include Avenue Q, All Shook up, Xanadu and Closer Than Ever. Larsen’s autobiographical musical Shafrika, the White Girl, is based on her own experiences growing up one of ten siblings in a family where six children were adopted from all over the world. She is currently artistic director of Plays in the House Teen Edition. The play reading series benefits organizations which brings theater to underserved youth. It is part of Stars in the House, created by Seth Rudetsky and James Wesley.

Larsen will next star in the Broadway bound Almost Famous. Based on the Cameron Crowe film, the musical is directed by Jeremy Herrin. Crowe wrote the book and lyrics, Tom Kitt composed original music. Larsen is Elaine Miller, the conflicted mom, who Frances McDormand played in the film.

Larsen does volunteer virtual Q&As inspiring students from around the world from Amarillo to the Netherlands to Iowa City. With her husband, professional trumpet player Freddie Maxwell, she also created socially distant porch concerts which she performs for her community in the suburbs outside New York City. “Art will not be stopped. It can’t be,” says Larsen. “A government can try to oppress it. Or a pandemic can try and shut it down. But artists are going to make their art. Whether it’s floating out their windows or coming out of the woodwork. We can’t stop doing the thing we do.”

Produced in part by the Broadway Podcast Network.

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#2 - Tiler Peck

Fri, 29 May 2020 04:00:00 -0000

Tiler Peck was dancing before she could walk. By the time she was four-years-old she had a talent for remembering three minute dance solos. “I was dancing all the time,” says Peck who has been a principal dancer with the New York City Ballet for over a decade. "My mother put me in soccer and I would leap and dance down the field.”

Working professionally since she was a child, Peck made her Broadway debut when she was 11 in Susan Stroman's revival of The Music Man. Currently living in her family's home in Bakersfield, California, she is hosting daily ballet classes on her @tilerpeck Instagram.

Peck also has a new children’s book, Katarina Ballerina, (Simon & Schuster), which she cowrote with Kyle Harris (The Inheritance). In the book Katarina has a love for dance but her feet turn in and her curly hair doesn’t always fit into a sleek bun. Katarina isn’t perfect, but at every turn, people tell her she is beautiful. “Katarina has one thing that you can't teach. She has a light within her that makes people want to watch her dance,” says Peck. “While technique can be taught, love and passion can’t. The message is for kids to own their unique gifts. That makes you stand out.”

Produced in part by the Broadway Podcast Network.

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#1 - Annie Golden

Mon, 18 May 2020 19:20:00 -0000

Annie Golden got her start in the 1970s as the lead singer of the CBGB headlining band, The Shirts.

In the 1970s director Milos Forman “discovered” Annie Golden singing at CBGBs with her band The Shirts. He cast her in his 1979 film adaptation of Hair.

She has been working and thriving ever since.

Click here to see Annie Golden shared her "work station" which contains her "fancy schmancy" microphone to record the new Bleeding Love podcast.

You may know Golden from playing Norma Romano in Orange Is the New Black. You may know her from countless roles on and off Broadway. Her vast credits include Hair, Leader of the Pack, Ah, Wilderness!, On the Town, The Full Monty, Xanadu, Violet, Assassins and Broadway Bounty Hunter. You may know her playing Jeannie Ryan from Milos Forman’s film adaptation of Hair. You may know her from Desperately Seeking Susan, Baby Boom, Longtime Companion, Strictly Business, Prelude to a Kiss, 12 Monkeys or I Love You Phillip Morris. Golden currently co-stars in the new Broadway Podcast Network series, Bleeding Love. The Post-Apocalyptic musical takes place in a world where it’s too dangerous to go outside. Golden stars with Rebecca Naomi Jones, Marc Kudisch, Sarah Stiles, Taylor Trensch and Tony Vincent

Be More Chill composer Joe Iconis even wrote the musical Broadway Bounty Hunter as a love letter to Golden. (The original cast recording was just released last month, https://ghostlightrecords.lnk.to/broadwaybountyhunter). “She has been my muse,” says Iconis. “The thing that has always comes through is her authenticity. She is such a real New Yorker and so authentically herself. And I love that she has had such a wild life.”

Produced in part by the Broadway Podcast Network.

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