Thank You Half Hour! w/ Thom Christopher Warren

Shereen Pimentel was starring on Broadway before hitting her teen years. Where to go from there? Finish high school, attend the acclaimed Juilliard School and triumphantly return to Broadway as Maria in Ivo Van Hove's magnificent revival of the classic West Side Story, Jellylorum in the recent reinvention of Cats; The Jellicle Ball and working alongside Heather Headley in Encores' Into the Woods as Rapunzel and as Eva Peron in Evita at ART. Listen as Shereen and I chat about her experiences navigating Juilliard, as well as finding her artistic voice while playing iconic roles (stunningly) at the highest level, learning on the job from pillars of the American stage. It was a complete joy to reconnect with this extraordinary young woman who, even as a child,  always walked through the world with grace, humor, and fierce intelligence. I hope you enjoy the conversation even half as much as I did!

Today I had the opportunity to chat with the one and only Ann Harada; brilliant, golden-voiced, and hilarious in all she does! A graduate of Brown University, Ann made her broadway debut in David Henry Hwang's "M. Butterfly," and boasts a resume overflowing with Broadway and regional credits, including original companies of "9-5," "Seussical," "Rodgers and Hammerstein's Cinderella," and revivals of "Into the Woods," and "Les Miserables." But it is arguably her iconic performance as Christmas Eve in "Avenue Q" for which Harada is most lauded - including an Outer Critics Circle Award. Television audiences know her from "Smash" and of course her hysterical turn as Mayor Menlove's wife in "Schmigadoon" and in Season 2, Madam Frau in "Schmicago."  Have a seat and listen as we reminisce and gab about her extraordinary career and inspirations.

My guest today is someone I've called a "lifer, " or lifelong friend since nearly the day we met - back in the early 2000's when she brilliantly played Jo March in a production of "Little Women" I had the excellent fortune to direct at her alma mater, Cincinnati College Conservatory of Music. Since then, I have watched her star rise from her Broadway debut in "Cry Baby" to taking the country by storm, leading the National Tour of "Beautiful - the Carole King Musical" as Carole, a role I had already seen her magnificently play on Broadway. Today we sat and not only caught up, but re-charged...reminding ourselves of the true beauty of what we do and why we do it. I hope you enjoy the conversation even half as much as we did. 

I couldn't keep my fangirling at bay when chatting with my new pal, Julie Boardman; co-founder and Executive Director of the Museum of Broadway; a spectacular new experience in Times Square for theatre lovers and practitioners alike. A multiple TONY Award winning Broadway Producer, Julie is currently keeping busy with smash hit revivals of Romeo and Juliet, Sunset Boulevard, Cabaret at the Kit Kat Klub and boasts tremendously successful Broadway productions of Stephen Sondheim's Company, An American in Paris, Funny Girl, Head over Heels and (this is where my fan-girling came into play) two of the most remarkable nights I have ever spent in a theatre; the Broadway productions of Indecent and The Inheritence. During our time together (not nearly enough...she is a pure joy), Julie talks about the idea of entrepreneurship and bringing a devised concept to life out of nothing but determination and grit. Now a mentor for young thinkers - particularly women who hope to follow a similar path - Julie is a veritable font of knowledge, humor and positive energy and I hope you enjoy the discussion even half as much as I did! 

L. Steven and I first met over a decade and a half ago, while sharing the stage in the Broadway Company of The Lion King and traveling together with the National Tour, during which time he had the honor of performing at The White House. Always in demand, Steven's many credits include Ataria, Cutman, G Word, Miss Saigon, Songs For A New World, Godspell, and A Chorus Line. He's been seen on film and television in The Electric Company (Leo Watson), Last of The Ninth (HBO Pilot), Made For Each Other, Expiration Date, and Game Over. For the last decade, Steven's Mufasa has been the heart and soul of The Lion King on Broadway. It was wonderful to reminisce and hear about not only his extraordinary career but how it has been impacted by the burgeoning career of his remarkable son, Steven Jr., a recent college grad and certainly a star in the making. Sit back and enjoy!

Christy Altomare and I first met when I had the honor of directing her in her college production of Little Women. Immediately after graduating from Cincinnati College Conservatory of Music, she led the 1st National company of Spring Awakening, starring as Wendla, and her star has only continued to rise ever since. She originated the role of Anya in the Broadway production of Anastasia for which she received the Theatre World Award and was nominated for an Outer Critics Award and a Drama Desk Award for lead actress in a musical. She made her Broadway debut as Sophie Sheridan in Mamma Mia! Off-Broadway, Christy portrayed the role of Sue Snell in MCC's revival of Carrie the Musical. Christy can be heard on cast recordings of both Anastasia and Carrie. Regional credits include Jerusha Abbott in John Caird and Paul Gordon's production of Daddy Long Legs, Guinevere in Camelot, and most recently in two musicals with their sights set for Broadway, as Sue in The Wanderer the Musical at Papermill Playhouse and Scarlett in Noir the Musical at the Alley Theater.  Along with her passion for musical theater, she is a songwriter/recording artist who recently released her new album of original music, Wandering Bird. Tune in as we chat about her life and career, as well as her most recent role, that of mom to son Preston! Christy is truly one of the most remarkable humans I've ever known and every bit of that empathy, intelligence and fierce artistry is on display in our catch up session - so sit back and enjoy! 

Daria and I first crossed paths when she was a soon-to-graduate Senior at Otterbein University and her star power was immediately clear; fiercely intelligent, ever-mindful in her storytelling, and filled to brimming with joy and grace, she has continued to lead with an open heart and mind whether touring the country on the National Tour of Spongebob Squarepants; The Broadway Musical as Sandy Bottom, or starring as a radiant Maria Von Trapp in The Sound of Music, and Sarah in Ragtime at Utah Shakespeare Festival. Daria is currently lighting up the stage eight times a week at the Westside Theatre in the Off-Broadway smash, Little Shop of Horrors, in which she plays Crystal and covers the Audrey, one of musical theatres most iconic femme fatales. Listen in as Daria and I catch up, talking about her post-college career, her delightful fiance, and how the manifestation of joy continues to guide her as she lives her dream. Enjoy!

Sara and I met through my husband (then boyfriend) when they lived together post-college. A beloved classmate of Adam's, we followed Sara's career as she stunningly bounced from National Tour to Broadway to Paper Mill or Nyack or wherever the work brought her, and at every turn she was nothing short of brilliant. Currently starring in the magnificent Broadway production of "Water for Elephants," Sara sat with me between shows to chat about her journey; the ups and downs, heartbreaks and roses. No one can attest more to the nonlinear nature of this business, and I defy you to find someone who's navigated it with more grace, poise, humor or self-awareness than this extraordinary artist. Sara has created roles in the Broadway productions of "Water For Elephants," "Seussical," "Nine" (Broadway revival, replacing Jane Krakowski as Carla), "Dirty Rotten Scoundrels," and tours of "The Addams Family," "Fosse," and "101 Dalmations." Sit back and enjoy one of the most stimulating conversations I've had about this business we call "Show."

Most of America knows this rock star as the runner-up to Season 3 of American Idol, but I know Diana DeGarmo as the hard-working, empathetic, ferociously generous actor, singer/songwriter, philanthropist with whom I had the honor to share the stage in a Columbus production of "Into the Woods." In this episode, Diana shares her stories of Idol, song-writing, being married to someone who is frustratingly good at everything (the NERVE), and of course, her time spent starring in the Broadway productions of "Hairspray," and "Hair," off-Broadway in "The Toxic Avenger," and most recently in an Atlanta-based production of "Little Shop of Horrors." I had the privilege of watching Diana stunningly lead our production of "Into the Woods," and in this sweet and lovely catch-up chat, she just reinforces why she is one of the kindest and most generous humans out there. Sit back and enjoy my conversation with a true Idol, in every sense of the word. 

Brian d'Arcy James and I first crossed paths when we shared the stage in Barry Manilow and Bruce Sussman's glorious (and we thought Broadway Bound) Harmony nearly twenty years ago. Even then he'd already established himself as a bona fide Broadway and Off Broadway star (Titanic, Sweet Smell of Success, The Wild Party, Carousel) but his accomplishments since then in theatre, TV and Hollywood have catapulted him straight into the hearts of millions of musical theatre lovers. Most recently seen on Broadway in Days of Wine and Roses, Brian is doing the most extraordinary work of his career (and THAT is saying something) and so generously takes time to sit with me and share memories and stories from one of the most prolific careers out there. Please enjoy my chat with the nicest man in show business, Mr. Brian d'Arcy James!

Beth Malone and I met only recently under the most bizarre of circumstances, and I immediately recognized a kindred spirit. You will likely recognize Beth from her TONY nominated turn in the exquisite Fun Home, and in our time chatting she shared so many extraordinary details of how the piece came together. Sharing stories of the business, not only existing but thriving as a queer artist, and diving a bit into our political responsibilities in this current landscape, Beth leads with grace, humor and deep insight. Sit back and enjoy the absolute light that is Beth Malone!

Whether tap dancing on ceilings, delighting audiences as an ill-tempered anthropomorphic octopus, or robbing the citizens of French Revolutionary era Paris, Gavin Lee has been a mainstay on Broadway and the West End for decades. Creating the roles of Bert in both West End and Broadway productions of Mary Poppins, Squidward in the ever-produced Spongebob Squarepants and most recently seen (by me, anyway) in the stunning West End production of Stephen Sondheim's Old Friends, Gavin is a delight through and through. Neighbors for years during my time in Maplewood, NJ, Gavin and I stroll a bit down memory lane but many of the tales shared during the episode are new to me and I hope you'll be as ticked by them as I was!  As Gavin is currently touring the globe in an all new stadium concert production of Les Miserables, we shall keep our collective fingers crossed, that we here on this side of the pond will be able to witness this man's extraordinary talents back in New York very very soon!  Enjoy!

I first met John when my father-in-law asked if I would spend some time coaching one of hisstudents for his upcoming CCM audition. Self-aware, incredibly gifted, and kind as canbe...John (who was already marvelous and needed absolutely no coaching from me) attendedCCM and in no time was charming the city and lighting up the theater scene through star turnsas Raoul in Broadway's The Phantom of the Opera and creating the role of Hans of theSouthern Isles in Disney's Frozen. Have a listen as we talk shop, camp, and what it feels like toinspire others in a space where he once sought inspiration as a young actor. John was anabsolute joy to speak with....but see for yourself!

For decades, Tom Viola has been the face of Broadway Cares/Equity Fights Aids, and thus, theface of Broadway itself. The Executive Director of BC/EFA since 1998, Tom has been at theforefront of our Industry's war against the ravages of the AIDS epidemic, fighting on the frontlines against the backdrop of a rapidly changing Theatrical and political landscape, and helpingto raise over $300 million dollars for essential services for people living with HIV/AIDS,struggling with COVID-19 or facing other critical illnesses. A special TONY Award winner for hisservice to our community, Tom generously sat down with me to chat about all things gay andtheatrical! From his time as Colleen Dewhurst's assistant to talking about those who inspire himto keep doing the work he does so tirelessly, Tom is as magical and ebullient as the day I methim, decades ago. I so hope you enjoy the chat as much as I did!

From the moment we met, back in August of 1997, I knew that Patrick Wilson had that specialsomething which sets him apart from mere mortals. Gorgeous? Sure. Talented? Absolutely.Funny? Too funny for our own good.....but there's also that something special that makes a star.Twenty-seven years later, he's all of those things as well as one of Broadway's most soughtafter leading men, a remarkable husband, father, film-maker and (casually) a bona fide moviestar. Theatre audiences know Patrick from leading the original company of The Full Monty, aswell as Broadway revivals of Oklahoma! and All My Sons, while moviegoers will recognize himfrom a truly extraordinary resume; Insidious, The Conjuring, Angels in America, Aquaman andso much more. Give a listen as Patrick and I chat about the unexpected course of a remarkablecareer, raising kids, and the state of our industry...there might be a few anecdotes about acertain practical joke played on your old pal, Thom...but you'll have to tune in to learn more. Sitback and enjoy my chat with the delightful Patrick Wilson.

My guest today has a resume that one can only call ‘dizzying!'' Broadway, Film, Red Carpetsand TV hosting; all squarely in the wheelhouse of Haley Podschun, who hasn't stopped workingin decades! Familiar to Hairspray fans as Tammy in the film adaptation of the wildly popularmusical, Haley also appeared in the show on Broadway and on tour, as well as starring inBroadway and/or touring productions of Wicked (Glinda), Hello Dolly, Something Rotten,Chaplin, Anything Goes, Pal Joey and her Broadway debut at the age of 12 in The Sound ofMusic! THE AGE OF TWELVE! Haley has worked in all the A-list regional theatres and was kindenough to take some time to talk shop with me! Loved every moment of chatting with this gem,and I hope you'll give it a listen!

I was forewarned that today's guest was nothing short of a delight, and the rumors are TRUE!Grey Henson talks about his formative years as a little boy who loved (and excelled at) ballet inMacon, GA and how those years of dance and working in youth and community theatre helpedhim to be the award-winning stage actor he is today. Most recently seen as one of thestorytellers in Broadway's Shucked, Grey has stolen hearts far and wide in star turns as ElderMcKinley in both Broadway and touring (Helen Hayes Award) productions of The Book ofMormon, and in creating the role of Damien in the musical adaptation of Mean Girls, for whichhe was nominated for a TONY award for Best Actor in a Featured Role in a Musical. Never toogay to function, Grey is charming, whip-smart and hilarious as he speaks on family, school,queer culture and this roller coaster of a business. I can't wait to see more from this remarkableartist, but till then, sit back and enjoy the delightful Grey Henson!

Joining me today are the Lunts of Broadway - ok, if you don't know that reference, please headdirectly to google; Sandra Joseph and Ron Bohmer. Each of them a Broadway star in their ownright, they now spend much of their time inspiring others - particularly other creatives and youngartists - through teaching, keynote speaking and writing. Holding the world's record asBroadway's longest running leading lady, (not to mention an award-winning author), Sandraholds a place not only in Broadway history, but also in the hearts of all those fortunate enough towork with and learn from her! And Ron is the Broadway leading man that we all dream ofloving...having led companies of The Scarlet Pimpernel, The Phantom of the Opera, LesMiserables and Sunset Boulevard both in New York and on the road. Married for nearly 25years, Ron and Sandra share their time, their humor and their extraordinary wisdom with all ofus in what I hope you'll agree is an absolutely delightful conversation. We talk Broadway (duh),self-care, imposter syndrome and finding your most authentic voice as a creative human, and I'llkeep this chat close to my heart for years to come! Sit back and enjoy!!

When I think of the worker bees of Broadway - those actors whose faces show up in productionafter production and whose chameleon-like character skills allow them to seamlessly morph fromrole to role and show to show...Gaelen Gilliland is at the top of an imposing list! With a resumethat spans the length of a CVS receipt, Gaelen has appeared in Wicked, Legally Blonde, 9-5,Honeymoon in Vegas, Kinky Boots, and Spongebob Squarepants on Broadway, and taken theroad by storm in Seussical, The Addams Family, and most recently as the coolest mom ever inMean Girls, Gaelen was an absolute joy to chat with. Whether leading a company or raising herfamily, Gaelen so clearly leads with grace, poise, and a stunningly tuned sense of humor, and I hope you love our conversation as much as I did!

Robert Anthony Jones, or “Raj” as he's known among his friends - has a comedic mind andopen heart which sets him apart from mere mortals. I'd known OF Raj for decades due tomutual friends and finally had an opportunity to sit and laugh with him while he was in townstarring in “The Prom” at Columbus' own Short North Stage. A veteran of off-Broadway(“Bunnicula” by legendary playwright Charles Busch), Broadway (“Finding Neverland”) andtouring (“The Phantom of the Opera”), Raj is the embodiment of a life lived magnificently in thetheatre. Hilarious, kind as can be and a big ol' pussycat when speaking of his gorgeous littleboy, Raj was an absolute gem of a guest and I hope you enjoyed the chat as much as we did!

The Mark Fisher Fitness (or, MFF for those in the know) website leads with “Serious Fitness, Ridiculous Humans,” and the brand built upon that foundation is one of the most remarkable business ventures I have had the honor to witness. Mark is a dear old pal from his days as a working actor, during which time he began to train his friends as a side hustle. Over the past decade, Mark and his team of unicorns (IYKYK) have not only built an extraordinary fitness empire housed in midtown Manhattan but have also worked within the theatre community to affect positive change with a National impact. Rooted in service, Mark and his magnificent gym of artists, weirdos, and one-time outcasts; all of whom hold magic within them - have changed countless lives for the better. Theirs is a gym for those who hate gyms; a community of like-minded humans moving through space with the goal of functional movement and optimal health...all while laughing, singing along, and often opening countless doors of self-discovery along the way. Sit back and listen as Mark and I chat about his time as a working actor and how his community of magical beings works with an endless array of Theatre artists to have agency over their own health and well-being.

Stephanie Amber - one half of the Columbus-based Indie Soul band “Honey & Blue” sits down andtalks shop! Her history with musical theatre is what inspires her and her partner as they continueto build Honey & Blue's sexy, soulful catalog of music; all while doing much of the hands-onwork of recording, editing, mixing, and filming themselves. Steph and I met a few years backwhen I had the honor of directing her in a production of “Little Shop of Horrors,” and I havefound every SINGLE moment of sharing space with her to be inspiring. Sit back and enjoy, andshe'll surely inspire you as well!

Having only recently completed a star turn as Velma in the Broadway smash hit “Chicago,” I wasable to catch up with the magnificent Kimberly Marable just as she was catching her breathfrom back to back runs in “Chicago,” and the National Tour of “Hadestown,” in which Columbusaudiences will recognize her as the Lady of the Underworld herself, Persephone. Kimberly and Igo back to sharing the stage in “The Lion King,” and in this episode I was able to talk not onlyabout her theatrical journey, but also her extraordinary philanthropic work with the EntertainmentCommunity Fund, on the Board of Trustees for Broadway Cares/Equity Fights Aids and as afounding member of Broadway Serves. A native New Yorker, Kimberly has had an illustriouscareer in the theatre, with Broadway credits including “Lion King,” “Sister Act,” and “Chicago,” aswell as touring the country in “Hadestown,” “Hairspray,” “Dreamgirls,” and “Book of Mormon.”This was an opportunity for me to catch up with one of the finest human beings I have ever met,and I hope you enjoy the chat as much as I did!

When one considers the consummate interpreters of the work of Stephen Sondheim, it's impossible not to hear the voice of Pamela Meyers singing about the streets of New York - meeting one another “at parties through the friends of friends who they never know,” or “walk(ing) together past the postered walls with the crude remarks.” ANOTHER HUNDRED PEOPLE has become a part of Musical Theatre literature, and I had the most wonderful time sitting down with Pamela and chatting about all things theatre, Sondheim, and Broadway. Audiences will recognize Pamela not only from the original production of “Company,” but also revivals of “Into the Woods,” and “Sunday in the Park With George” and the original poor, sweet baby in “Snoopy!” I so enjoyed hearing Pamela's stories and I hope you do too!

You can see from the look on my face during the entirety of my time with Vashty Mompoint that I am simply in awe of her abundant talent, her ferocious intelligence and her unwavering poise. A Broadway and film actor, singer/songwriter, voiceover artist and director/choreographer, Vasthy is a true Renaissance Artist and my conversation with her runs the gamut of topics from being the child of Haitian immigrants to working with young artists today in every landscape of our industry. Her remarkable resume boasts eight...yes, EIGHT broadway shows; including SpongeBob Squarepants, Mary Poppins, Hot Feet, Soul Doctor, Rocky (I gush about that fight scene in the episode and I'm STILL gobsmacked thinking about it now, years after seeing the show!!! PEOPLE, they had an ENTIRE BOXING RING flown into the audience mid-show!!!), and The Prom (in a role she repeated on film, along with serving as Associate Choreographer). Vasthy joins me in the studio, as we were fortunate enough to have her in Columbus directing an acclaimed production of The Color Purple. I so hope you enjoy our chat as much as I did!

I don't often ‘fangirl,' but it was just too difficult to not sit in absolute astonishment when hearing Phylicia Pearl Mpasi talk about her remarkable star turn as Young Celie in the new film adaptation of “The Color Purple.” I was fortunate enough to spend some time with Phylicia on the road and on Broadway in “The Lion King,” so I sat in the darkened movie theater knowing how talented she is....nevertheless, I sobbed through her performance, having had no idea how truly exceptional her performance would be...a mistake I won't make again! Deeply moving and sweetly charming, Mpasi's interpretation of Celie clearly displays the magic that she possesses - and it was a joy to hear about her journey from Elon University to the Broadway stage and now the big screen, and a true testament to the resolve it takes to do what we do. Sit back and enjoy!!

Actor/Illustrator Justin “Squigs” Robertson joins me for a conversation that runs the gamutfrom Robin Williams to Sondheim and of course - renowned theatrical illustrator Al Hirschfeld;discussing the inspiration that leads him from stage to page...those moments in a theatricalnarrative which translates seamlessly into an illustration alive with dynamic movement, humorand often pathos. With his theatrical illustrative work appearing in The New York Times, TheLA Times, Variety, in advertising campaigns for Broadway Cares/Equity Fights Aids, ActorsEquity Association, the Theatre World Awards, and ten years of work for Broadway.com, Squigsis arguably the leading theatrical caricaturist on the current landscape, and undeniably a prettyfantastic guy. Enjoy!

Having exploded onto the Broadway scene in 1997 with his TONY and DRAMA DESK nominated star turn in The Scarlet Pimpernel, Sills has gone on to capture the hearts of Broadway (Little Shop of Horrors, On The Twentieth Century, Living on Love), touring (The Secret Garden, Into the Woods, The Addams Family) and regional audiences alike. More recently, Doug can be seen as the sometimes French chef, Monsieur Baudin in Max's The Gilded Age. Joining me today, Doug and I speak on all things Gilded Age, including being one of the earliest shows to return to production during the early days of COVID. As always, Doug's charm, sense of humor, and extraordinary kindness shine through in this laugh-filled chat!

“I was obsessed at 7 years old...I saw Cats at the Shubert Theatre in Chicago and .there wereadults dressed as cats, jumping and singing and dancing around life-sized trash and it lookedlike fun and I thought ‘that's a job!?' I wanna do that!” - Kate BaldwinPals for over a decade and a half, it was nothing but a joy to catch up with Broadway's KateBaldwin. Audiences will know her from starring roles on Broadway in Hello, Dolly!, Finian'sRainbow (TONY nominated for both), and Big Fish...Off-Broadway in John and Jen, Giant(DRAMA DESK nominated for both), Superhero, Songbird and Babes in Arms. A darling of theregional theater circuit for decades, Kate and I chat about our time with Barry Manilow andBruce Sussman's Harmony, being mother to a Pokemon expert, her formative time working intheatres across the country and the puzzle of creating and marketing art to a contemporary,post-pandemic audience.

A longtime pal and castmate of Disney's The Lion King, Kenny and I begin laughing the momentwe are in each other's presence. With a career taking him from the renowned Hubbard StreetDance Company to becoming a fixture in the Chicago theater scene, and eventually to Broadwayand beyond, Kenny is a singular creative voice in the current landscape; hilarious, unapologeticand fiercely protective of those fortunate enough to work with and learn from him. In our chat,Kenny speaks on working with the greats; Hal Prince, Susan Stroman, Mitzi Hamilton, MichaelBennett...the list goes on. I promise you that twenty years from now, young folks will speak withsimilar reverence for having been fortunate enough to work with Kenny Ingram.. Sit back andlisten as Kenny and talk all things Lion King, A Chorus Line, Showboat, potlucks, and workethic...you might even hear a Gwen Verdon imitation or two.

“It's like an act of God to create - it's spiritual to create something out of nothing” - Laura BellBundyLaura and I first worked together in a regional production of Gypsy, at NJ's PapermillPlayhouse, and even at the age of 17, Laura possessed a self-awareness and poise (not tomention an extraordinary talent) that would lead to starring roles on Broadway ( LegallyBlonde, Hairspray, Wicked, The Cottage and more), television and film (Guiding Light,Dreamgirls, How I Met Your Mother, How I Met Your Father) and currently stars in FairlyOddparents; Fairly Odder. In our chat, Laura and I recount the fun we had back in the old days,while speaking on the current landscape of theatre, art, education, queer culture, gender normsand societal expectations, as well as discussing her podcast Women of Tomorrow. Sit back andenjoy!

This past summer, after singing in a Sondheim concert at NY's 54 Below, a stunning, spritely,joy-filled woman approached with the kindest words and the request of a hug. I was immediatelyinfatuated and after introductions, I realized that Marty Lee and her husband George LeeAndrews were as wonderful as I had always hoped they would be! Married for over 50 years,George and Marty have navigated Broadway and Off-Broadway through its golden age andbeyond. With countless iconic productions behind them (The Fantasticks, Camelot, A LittleNight Music, Starting Here Starting Now...), George now holds the Guiness World's record forthe most performances played of a single production (The Phantom of the Opera) - but you'llhave to listen to learn the actual number...it's astounding! George and Marty were an absolutedelight to speak with and I truly look forward to having them on the show again...too manystories for one episode!

“Musical theatre was my entry point into understanding who I was” - Andrew LevittI learned about Nina West upon first moving to Columbus in 2017. Hilarious, political, unafraidto play the fool, all while supporting her humor with a fierce intelligence...Nina had been ananchor in the Columbus drag scene for a decade - thrilling audiences and working tirelessly toraise millions of dollars for various Ohio charities before landing a spot on season 11 of RuPaul'sDrag Race. Upon meeting Andrew, I immediately recognized that supporting the persona ofNina is one of the most engaging, dynamic, and big-hearted men I have had the privilege toknow. Today we talk about what it means to carry the mantle of responsibility to the LGBTQIA+community (my words, not his...he's far too modest), serving as a constant example of what itmeans to be a citizen of the world and the punk of drag. Have a seat and hear us chat aboutKermit the Frog, drag bans, Hairspray, Purlie Victorious and philanthropy. I am so honored tocount this man as a dear pal, and am thrilled to be able to share our conversation with ourlisteners.

“It's always music - and an abiding need to tell stories” - Andrew LippaBroadway composer Andrew Lippa joins me in conversation for the very first episode of “ThankYou, Half Hour - Conversations from the wings” Boasting a career spanning decades ofcomposing and performing for Broadway (Big Fish, The Addams Family, You're a Good Man,Charlie Brown) Off-Broadway (The Wild Party, John and Jen) and Concert halls (I Am HarveyMilk) around the world, Andrew and I became friends shortly after we both moved from NewYork City to Columbus, OH in 2017. Since then, there have been countless conversations aboutlove, life, theater, politics, aging (only on my part....Andrew is very much a spring chicken!) andthe inspiration for it all - “It's always music...and an abiding need to tell stories.” Today's chatleads us from Thanksgiving tablecloths to Fiddler on the Roof, Harvey Milk, and a still unwrittenmusical about the periodic table...and a very special thank you to Andrew for writing the themesong for this podcast! For now, sit back and enjoy the conversation with Columbus' own,Andrew Lippa.