Podcast appearances and mentions of Mary Testa

We march through a tribute to the composer/lyricist with a variety of performances--Mary Testa, Christian Borle, Malcolm Gets, Finn himself--with classics and rarities.

Dylan and Connor are joined by New York City drag LEGEND Marti Gould Cummings. Between being a drag artist, a television personality, and political activist, Marti is here to talk all things STAGE FRIGHT, their weekly show at Red Eye in Hell's Kitchen. Once you've downloaded your new episode of DRAMA on Wednesday, get yourself over to Red Eye to see Marti's incredible theatre talk show. The crossover guests? GAGGY. You're going to want to listen in to hear teases of who's to come, but prepare for Friend of the Pod, Mary Testa, and even… Orville Peck? Not a single pair of panties will be able to be located. Dip back into Marti's early days of drag in NYC nightlife, must-see plays that are on and off Broadway this season, and MORE. Stick around for fun chatter about Marti's friends Bronwyn and Wild Whitney Rose of The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City, The White Lotus White Boys of the Month, and even some Traitors talk. One final name: Rosie O'Donnell. See you at Red Eye for Stage Fright!Follow Marti on Instagram & TiktokFollow DRAMA. on Twitter & Instagram & TiktokFollow Connor MacDowell on Twitter & InstagramFollow Dylan MacDowell on Twitter & InstagramSubscribe to our show on iHeartRadio Broadway!Support the podcast by subscribing to DRAMA+, which also includes bonus episodes, Instagram Close Friends content, and more!

Mary Testa is a theater legend with a storied career spanning 50 years, and it is her natural grit, intuition, and boldness that contribute to her smarts - a part that has enabled her to stand in her power and to know exactly who she is- onstage and in life. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

U Guys, three-time Tony nominee Mary Testa is here! This week's BroadwayWorld Recap has some very exciting Bway news, brought to you by BroadwayWorld.com! Then I am joined by a true Broadway legend, Miss Mary Testa. Mary's career as a performer has spanned over 4 decades and has garnered her extensive recognition as one of Broadway's strongest voices. With thirteen Broadway credits and three Tony Award nominations, Mary's work has impacted countless people and has transcended genre. From standing by for Liza Minelli opposite Chita Rivera in the original Broadway production of The Rink, to originating roles like Melpomene in Xanadu, Mary has proven that she can truly do anything thrown her way. In this episode we talk about her road to the stage, and her long-time work relationships with critically acclaimed composers William Finn and Michael John Lachiusa. Mary shares about what draws her to new projects, and how she loves to take on pieces of art that challenge her. Mary is fiery and wonderful, U don't wanna miss this episode! Follow Mary on Instagram: @Marytesta.actress Follow the pod on Instagram: @ohmypoduguys Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I chat with Michael John LaChiusa, the American musical theatre and opera composer, lyricist, and librettist. He is best known for musically esoteric shows such as Hello Again, Marie Christine, and The Wild Party. We talk, primarily, about The Gardens of Anuncia, where he wrote music, lyrics, and book. The show is based on the life of Graciela Daniele, a prolific figure in modern musical theatre. The musical was performed Off-Broadway at the Mitzi E, Newhouse Theatre within Lincoln Center, running from October 19, 2023 until December 31, 2023. The cast included Priscilla Lopez, Eden Espinosa, Mary Testa, and Andréa Burns.

From loving TikTok to enjoying cold readings playing “delightfully stupid” characters, Mary Testa is a talented actress who's “not on a stardom path and never will be”. She starts off where her acting journey began: choosing between law school and performing. Ultimately, she pursued the latter and eventually moved to New York in 1976, explaining why she just likes working on interesting things with people she loves. She discusses self-taping auditions during the pandemic, and that while she believes it's better to be in the room for auditions, she understands the preliminary role of self-tapes. Known for playing strong-willed characters, Mary reflects on her career as a character actress. She recalls asking Michael John LaChiusa to write a role for her as “a very stupid character”, challenging the usual type casting she gets. She also admits to loving cold readings, the spontaneity, and the challenges that come with them. Reflecting on her journey, she gets real as she talks about perfectionism, how insecurities can lead to tyrannical behavior, and why self-awareness and being comfortable in your own skin is important to keep you grounded. Mary Testa is an actress with a phenomenal career spanning almost 50 years, which includes 12 Broadway shows such as “Oklahoma!”, “42nd Street”, and “On the Town”, resulting in her three Tony Award nominations. Her TV and film credits beginning in 1979 include “Cagney & Lacey”, “Sex and the City”, “Whoopi”, “The Battery's Down”, “Eat, Pray, Love”, and “The Good Fight”, “The Blacklist”, and many, many more. She's been a part of the “Ratatouille”, the TikTok musical, and is an experienced voiceover artist. She can be heard in the podcast comedy TWITS: A Streampunk Distraction available everywhere you find your podcasts. Connect with Mary: Instagram: @marytesta.actress Listen to TWITS: http://bpn.fm/twits Connect with The Theatre Podcast: Support the podcast on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast YouTube: YouTube.com/TheTheatrePodcast Threads, Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast TikTok: @thetheatrepodcast Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast TheTheatrePodcast.com My personal Instagram: @alanseales Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Connor and Dylan are joined by three-time Tony Award nominee Mary Testa (Oklahoma!, Xanadu). After dishing on the recent lab presentation of SMASH, the twins meet the icon herself, and dive into Mary's fabulous career. She's done it all, y'all! Mary reflects on her long and wonderful relationship with The Transport Group, especially her cherished leading role in Queen of the Mist. Mary shares memories from working on Marilyn the Musical with Kenny Ortega, learning from Chita Rivera, and the magic of Xanadu alongside Jackie Hoffman. We get into her creative collaborations with Michael John LaChiusa and Graziela Daniele, including Marie Christine, The Gardens of Anuncia, and more. Listen in for a touching story from when Mary's parents saw her go on for Liza Minnelli in The Rink, as well as insights into her knack for standing up against injustice (particularly in show business). Naturally, we get into Sexy Oklahoma, being directed by Daniel Fish, and the modern unruly audiences at the theater. This trio even chats about Wicked (the movie trailer too), Beyonce's foray into country, and Mary's Tiktok addiction. Mary is a truly authentic, distinguished force onstage and off. You'll be drawn into this episode with this legendary star.Follow Mary on InstagramFollow DRAMA. on Twitter & Instagram & TiktokFollow Connor MacDowell on Twitter & InstagramFollow Dylan MacDowell on Twitter & InstagramEdited by DylanSupport the podcast by subscribing to DRAMA+, which also includes bonus episodes, Instagram Close Friends content, and more!

Today, we're joined by Kevin McNaughton, an incredible musician who is currently on the road with the Mamma Mia tour. Kevin shares a behind-the-scenes look at the life of a touring musician.* Getting Started in Touring: Kevin's journey began in Florida, where networking and a timely opportunity launched his career with the national tour of South Pacific.* Musical Influences: From early experiences seeing the Chick Corea Electric Band to absorbing the works of Beethoven, Kevin's diverse musical influences shaped his approach to drumming.* Family Support: Despite the uncertainties of a music career, Kevin was fortunate to have unwavering support from his family, who encouraged him to pursue his passion.* Learning the Craft: His decision to take private lessons and the impact of his father's drumming was pivotal in Kevin's development as a musician.* Education and Career Choices: Kevin reflects on his education, opting for a jazz studies degree over classical percussion. He contemplates how different decisions might have directed his career path.* The Business of Broadway: Kevin emphasizes the importance of understanding the business side of Broadway, from contracts to Broadway grosses, offering advice for those aspiring to join the industry.* Touring Life: He contrasts the experiences of bus and truck tours with first national tours, discussing accommodations, the grueling schedules, and the unique challenges of performing in different venues.* Drumming Techniques and Influences: Kevin shares his top drumming influences and discusses how he incorporates various styles into his playing.* Aspirations and Advice for Newcomers: Looking towards the future, Kevin expresses his dream of playing on Broadway and offers advice for musicians aiming to make their mark in New York City or in touring productions.* Creative Ventures: The podcast concludes with a light-hearted discussion about potential creative projects, showcasing Kevin's passion for music and storytelling.This episode provides a comprehensive look at Kevin's experiences and insights into the world of touring Broadway shows. You don't want to miss it!Broadway Drumming 101 is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.Kevin honed his classical percussion and drum set skills under the guidance of Grammy™ nominated artist Brian Slawson, refined his vocal abilities with MET Opera singer Mark Baker, mastered the art of conducting with John C. Carmichael, and explored composition with Grammy™ nominated composer Chuck Owen.Throughout his career, Kevin has shared the stage with renowned artists such as Bobby Floyd, Laura Osnes, Jeremy Jordan, Carolee Carmello, Mary Testa, Bonnie Milligan, and Andrea Burns, among many others.Kevin has also subbed on the Broadway shows Be More Chill, The Easter Bonnet in 2019, the All-Female 1776, and Elephant and Piggie. He has toured with several hit musicals, including Pretty Woman, Elf, Dirty Dancing, Beauty And The Beast, Memphis, Shrek, and South Pacific.Kevin is currently the drummer for the Mamma Mia tour.For more: https://kpmdrummer.wixsite.com/kpmdrummerClayton Craddock is the founder of Broadway Drumming 101, a comprehensive online platform dedicated to providing specialized mentorship and a meticulously curated collection of resources.Clayton's Broadway and Off-Broadway credits include: tick, tick...BOOM!, Altar Boyz, Memphis The Musical, Lady Day At Emerson's Bar and Grill, and Ain't Too Proud - The Life And Times Of The Temptations. He has subbed for shows like Motown, Evita, Cats, Avenue Q, The Color Purple, Rent, Spongebob Squarepants - The Musical, Hadestown (tour) and many more. Clayton has appeared on The View, Good Morning America, Jimmy Fallon, The Today Show, the TONY Awards, and performed with legends like The Stylistics, The Delfonics, Mario Cantone, Laura Benanti, Kristin Chenoweth, Denise Williams, Chuck Berry, and Ben E. King.Clayton is a proud endorser of Ahead Drum Cases, Paiste Cymbals, Innovative Percussion drumsticks, and Empire Ears.For more about Clayton Craddock, click here: www.claytoncraddock.com Get full access to Broadway Drumming 101 at broadwaydrumming101.substack.com/subscribe

Em is an actor in New York and DC who brings us this most classic of musicals as revived St. Ann's Warehouse revival that ****s. There is really no other way to put it. That's how we all remember it. I bleep it every time but that's what we're saying. It's the Oklahoma! that ****s. Topics include: the buttery/flaky crust of nostalgia, Rebecca Naomi Jones doing no wrong, Mary Testa opening numbers, a moment of meta-textualism that brings things to a crashing halt, disappointing revivals, reclaiming Jud, and can one out-sexy Julie Andrews & Robert Goulet? Em Whitworth Dot Com Featured recordings: Oklahoma! - Broadway Cast Recording (2019) • Oklahoma! - Selections from the Theatre Guild Musical Play (1943) ORIGINAL CAST MERCH! Visit our Patreon for access to our monthly live stream The Original Cast at the Movies where 2024 is THE YEAR OF *BARBARA* celebrating the filmography of Tony winner and Oscar nominee Barbara Harris! Patreon • Twitter • Facebook • Email

In this episode we have a conversation with the three-time Tony nominee Mary Testa, as she shares insights from her incredible career in the industry. From her current role as Granmama in THE GARDENS OF ANUNCIA at Lincoln Center to her collaboration with Michael John LaChiusa, Mary provides a glimpse into the world of Broadway. She also discusses her thoughts on the current state of the industry and treats us to a fun behind-the-scenes moment from her first Tony-nominated role. Tune in to hear captivating stories and valuable perspectives from this seasoned performer. Don't forget to subscribe to our channel for all things theatre. Support the show If you liked this episode, don't forget to subscribe to this podcast and leave us a review. Share your thoughts with us on this episode below: On Instagram: @halfhourpodcast On TikTok: @halfhourpodcast On our website: www.twoworldsentertainmentllc.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, we discuss the captivating new off-broadway musical, THE GARDENS OF ANUNCIA. Join us as we delve into the intricacies of the plot and themes, the masterful direction and story by Graciela Daniele, the lush orchestrations, and the stellar performances by the talented cast. With Priscilla Lopez at the helm and standout performances by Eden Espinosa, Andrea Burns, Mary Testa, Kalyn West, Tally Sessions, and Enrique Acevedo, we explore all the elements that make this show a must-see. Tune in as we share our final thoughts on this enchanting production. Subscribe to our channel for all things theatre and stay up to date with the latest in the world of performing arts. Support the show If you liked this episode, don't forget to subscribe to this podcast and leave us a review. Share your thoughts with us on this episode below: On Instagram: @halfhourpodcast On TikTok: @halfhourpodcast On our website: www.twoworldsentertainmentllc.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“A New Brain” was produced off-Broadway in 1998 and an incredible production is currently running on Barrington Stage Company's Boyd-Quinson Mainstage in Pittsfield, Massachusetts, presented in association with the Williamstown Theatre Festival. Broadway stars Adam Chanler-Berat and Mary Testa play Gordon Schwinn and The Mother.

The talented Julian Lerner is quickly becoming a star to watch on not only on the stage, but the big screen. Lerner will next be seen starring as ‘The Artful Dodger' in New York City Center's production of Lionel Bart's “Oliver!” The show also stars Lilli Cooper, Raúl Esparza, Tam Mutu, Benjamin Pajak, and Mary Testa.Lerner can currently be seen in ABC's hit reboot “The Wonder Years.” Lerner plays ‘Brad Hitman,' lead character Dean's (Elisha Williams) best friend, a smart, good-natured kid with a sense of humor. He's described by Adult Dean as “the Pee Wee Reese to my Jackie Robinson. That is, if Pee Wee Reese were Jewish and Jackie Robinson couldn't catch a fly ball.” Set in the same era as the original, the series is a family comedy-drama that looks at how the Williamses, a Black middle-class family in Montgomery, AL, in the turbulent late 1960s made sure it was the Wonder Years for them too. The second season is set to premiere on June 14, 2023. In 2022, Lerner completed production on “Boys of Summer,” a fantasy-adventure film directed by David Henrie. The film, which is set in the summer of 1997, follows a trio of best friends (Lerner, Mason Thames, and Abby James Witherspoon) who team up with a retired detective (Mel Gibson) to confront a supernatural entity that has recently moved to Martha's Vineyard.  Early in 2021, Lerner starred in Netflix's hit film “Yes Day” opposite Jennifer Garner, Edgar Ramirez, and Jenna Ortega. Based on the novel of the same name, “Yes Day” follows Allison (Garner) and Carlos (Ramirez) who decide to give their kids a "yes day", where for 24 hours, the children make the rules. Lerner plays their son ‘Nando,' a fun, energetic kid who is slightly nerdy and has a love of science. The film was the streaming giant's second-biggest Kids & Family release – it was watched in nearly 53 million homes.  For the past three years, Lerner has played ‘Lucas' in the animated series “Alma's Way” for PBS. Written by Sonia Manzano, Maria from “Sesame Street,” the show is inspired by her childhood growing up in the Bronx. ‘Lucas' is one of ‘Alma's' best friends and is an aspiring pop singer. Lerner can also currently be heard playing the 12-year-old version of Brian Cox in “From Now,” a podcast series available on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. The podcast also stars Richard Madden, Erin Moriarty, David Dastmalchian, and more.  On the silver screen, Lerner has been seen in Netflix's “Pottersville” where he starred opposite Michael, Shannon, Judy Greer, Ron Perlman, Christina Hendricks, and more. He was also featured in Netflix's animated adaptation of the best-selling video game “Dragon Quest.”  On the stage, he starred in the out-of-town trial for a new Broadway show in Fall 2019 called “Last Days of Summer” as well as touring the country in the National Broadway Tour of Les Misérables.  Lerner currently resides in New York. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Oh what a beautiful morning because we are here with actor, singer, and three-time Tony-nominee, Mary Testa. You Might Know Her From Whoopi, Sex and the City, The Bounty Hunter, and the New York stage productions of Queen of the Mist,  Xanadu, 42nd Street, Barnum, On the Town, The Rink, A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, and Oklahoma. Mary gave us all the goods on developing Xanadu, and how it found its way to Broadway, accepting the role of Aunt Eller while Sally Struthers was watching the Golden Globes in her living room, and iconically covering for Liza Minnelli in The Rink opposite Chita Rivera. We also got into the collaborative relationship she has with Michael John La Chuisa and the significance of headlining Queen of the Mist. All that plus Mary took all (and we mean all) our hot gossip questions about 42nd Street, taking over for Terri White, and whether or not Jennifer Aniston did coverage! This one was just a beautiful way to ring in 2023. We love you all!  Follow us on social media: @damianbellino || @rodemanne Discussed this week L Word Gen Q is rough but Leisha Hailey has chemistry with everyone Leisha's Yoplait commercial  We love crab rangoon, sorry Kraft Philadelphia Cream Cheese cookbook NYT got dragged for pea guacamole Anne in Nxivm kick (The Vow, Seduced) Shelly Miscavige (wife of head of Scientology, David Miscavige) has been missing since 2007 Golden Globes hosted by Jarrod Carmichael who joked about Shelly's disappearance  We love you Leah Remini (Second Act is a great movie of women for a plane) Composer Michael John La Chiusa wrote Queen of the Mist for her (story of Anna Edson Taylor who went over Niagara Falls in a barrel in 1901) Mary's full interview with Transport Group  Bonnie Milligan is giving an incredible performance in Kimberly Akimbo on Broadway is  Mary was so good in 2007 Broadway production of Xanadu (bootleg) opposite Jackie Hoffman Appeared with Nathan Lane & Whoopi in A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum and her eponymous sitcom, Whoopi (2003)  Adriana Trigiani got Mary out to LA and on an ep of A Different World Starred as Aunt Eller in the 2019 production of Oklahoma (“Sexy Oklahoma”) directed by Daniel Fish Aunt Eller making Jiffy cornbread at the start of the show Stepped into Kander & Ebb's 1984 Broadway musical, The Rink for Liza Minnelli (Stockard Channing was supposed to go on when Liza left) Clips from The Rink She never really liked Sondheim and he never really liked her  Was a standby in Barnum and had to do a bunch of circus skills (and cover for Terri White) Stepped down from March of the Falsettos for Barnum (job was on Broadway and paid so much more) Carrie Bradshaw talked through her rendition of “All That Jazz” on Sex and the City (with Stanford's husband, Sean Palmer) 2001 revival of 42nd Street was thrilling (Kate Levering and Mary were both in Best Supporting) Yes, the tappers DID sing (maybe with sweeteners) Christine Ebersole is a 9/11 truther (here with Alex Jones) 9/11 was a Tuesday Was in the notorious flop, Marilyn: An American Fable (Frank Rich's review) Original star was Geralyn Petchel Jennifer Aniston (The Bounty Hunter) was nicer than Julia Roberts (Eat, Pray, Love) Mary's “When You're Good to Mama” Annie Golden calls them “nods from god” We love supermodels Patricia Velasquez interview (ep #84) was in two 90s supermodel docs to watch: Catwalk / Unzipped

Michael Rader (michaelrader.com)(IG:@mrmichaelrader)(TW:@mrmichaelrader) is a director, artistic director and arts consultant based in New York City who made his mark internationally as an Artistic Director for Cirque du Soleil. Her is the current Acting General Manager for Theatre Aspen. Prior to that, he served as the Artistic Director and then Producing Artistic Director for the historic Cape Playhouse where he was celebrated for leading the organization through a significant renaissance and securing the theatre's position in the American Theatre landscape. His diverse career in the arts has afforded him positions such as a Resident Director for Cirque du Soleil, Broadway Liaison and Arts Education Consultant to the New York City Department of Education and Director of Entertainment for Paul Newman's Hole in the Wall Gang Camp. During Rader's tenure with The Cape Playhouse, the organization flourished through a remarkable period of growth and advancement. During this five-year period, Rader was responsible for innovative advancements in programming, significant improvements to the quality of productions, implementing a new arts education wing, substantially expanding and overhauling all production and artistic departments, securing vital funding for infrastructure advancements and programming expansions, and modifying The Playhouse's performance calendar to allow for the implementation of higher quality and Broadway-caliber productions. These advancements resulted in substantial increases in ticket sales, a vast resurgence of patrons and subscribers, successful fundraising that set the theatre on strong financial footing, being named one of the “50 Best Small Stage Theatres in America", consistently being awarded "Best Cape Cod Theatre" each season under his leadership, the elimination of all preexisting debt, the generation of significant profits each season after a prolonged period of financial loss, and netting nearly one-million dollars in cumulative assets. Under his leadership, Cape Playhouse highlights included Gypsy starring Julia Murney, Steel Magnolias starring Judy Kuhn and Mary Testa, Little Shop of Horrors starring Andrew Keenan-Bolger, Noises Off with Heidi Gardner, The Importance of Being Earnest with Edward Hibbert and productions of Million Dollar Quartet, South Pacific and A Chorus Line that broke previous box office records. During the Covid-19 pandemic, Mr. Rader guided the transformation of programming to include outdoor concerts, New England centric lectures, a streaming production of A Christmas Carol, the creation of The Gertrude Lawrence Awards, and diverse digital content, including an array of online educational offerings. Rader was also responsible for forming and leading a national Covid Taskforce comprising senior leadership from arts organizations around the United States, designed to help theatres collaborate on successfully navigating the pandemic. The culmination of Rader's tenure at The Playhouse allowed for the launch of a master plan initiative and expansive capital campaign aimed at significant renovations and expansions for the 22-acre arts campus. The Cape Playhouse exists today as one of the great surviving icons of the American summer theater. Select additional highlights as a director, producer or associate include: A Christmas Story; The Musical(National Tour), Stalking The Bogeyman (NYTimes Critics Pick, Outer Critics Circle Nomination), Varekai(Cirque Du Soleil), The Testament of Mary, Deep Love (NYMF 2015), A Christmas Carol (National Tour), Mandela! with Norm Lewis, You are Not Alone with Betty Buckley and Lea DeLaria, and productions with Sacramento Music Circus, The ZACH Theatre, The York Theatre Company, The Actors Studio Repertory Theatre, The Human Race Theatre, The Dramatist Guild, The Huron Playhouse, The Forestburgh Playhouse, Joe's Pub and the critically acclaimed Off-Broadway benefit production of William Finn's Elegies: A Song Cycle. Michael's direction of the show, benefiting marriage equality, was acclaimed as "…profound and visionary".  Following the 2013 Broadway production, Rader was granted the exclusive rights to re-conceive Colm Tóibín's controversial hit play The Testament of Mary. Rader's reimagined version features five actresses sharing the title role – each woman representing a different cultural ideal of Mary. Michael is passionate about and committed to finding ways of utilizing the arts as a tool to empower the lives of those less fortunate, especially children in need. It was during his initial time working with chronically ill children that Michael fully realized his passion for humanitarian work, especially when it involved working within the arts. He regularly teaches acting and audition technique classes in NYC and has served on the faculty of SongFest at the Colburn School in Los Angeles and The Summit School near Washington, DC. Rader is a graduate of Wright State University, the esteemed Actors Studio MFA Directing Program, an alumnus of the Lincoln Center Theater Directors Lab and a proud member of SDC.

Michael Rader (michaelrader.com)(IG:@mrmichaelrader)(TW:@mrmichaelrader) is a director, artistic director and arts consultant based in New York City who made his mark internationally as an Artistic Director for Cirque du Soleil. Her is the current Acting General Manager for Theatre Aspen. Prior to that, he served as the Artistic Director and then Producing Artistic Director for the historic Cape Playhouse where he was celebrated for leading the organization through a significant renaissance and securing the theatre's position in the American Theatre landscape. His diverse career in the arts has afforded him positions such as a Resident Director for Cirque du Soleil, Broadway Liaison and Arts Education Consultant to the New York City Department of Education and Director of Entertainment for Paul Newman's Hole in the Wall Gang Camp. During Rader's tenure with The Cape Playhouse, the organization flourished through a remarkable period of growth and advancement. During this five-year period, Rader was responsible for innovative advancements in programming, significant improvements to the quality of productions, implementing a new arts education wing, substantially expanding and overhauling all production and artistic departments, securing vital funding for infrastructure advancements and programming expansions, and modifying The Playhouse's performance calendar to allow for the implementation of higher quality and Broadway-caliber productions. These advancements resulted in substantial increases in ticket sales, a vast resurgence of patrons and subscribers, successful fundraising that set the theatre on strong financial footing, being named one of the “50 Best Small Stage Theatres in America", consistently being awarded "Best Cape Cod Theatre" each season under his leadership, the elimination of all preexisting debt, the generation of significant profits each season after a prolonged period of financial loss, and netting nearly one-million dollars in cumulative assets. Under his leadership, Cape Playhouse highlights included Gypsy starring Julia Murney, Steel Magnolias starring Judy Kuhn and Mary Testa, Little Shop of Horrors starring Andrew Keenan-Bolger, Noises Off with Heidi Gardner, The Importance of Being Earnest with Edward Hibbert and productions of Million Dollar Quartet, South Pacific and A Chorus Line that broke previous box office records. During the Covid-19 pandemic, Mr. Rader guided the transformation of programming to include outdoor concerts, New England centric lectures, a streaming production of A Christmas Carol, the creation of The Gertrude Lawrence Awards, and diverse digital content, including an array of online educational offerings. Rader was also responsible for forming and leading a national Covid Taskforce comprising senior leadership from arts organizations around the United States, designed to help theatres collaborate on successfully navigating the pandemic. The culmination of Rader's tenure at The Playhouse allowed for the launch of a master plan initiative and expansive capital campaign aimed at significant renovations and expansions for the 22-acre arts campus. The Cape Playhouse exists today as one of the great surviving icons of the American summer theater. ​ Select additional highlights as a director, producer or associate include: A Christmas Story; The Musical(National Tour), Stalking The Bogeyman (NYTimes Critics Pick, Outer Critics Circle Nomination), Varekai(Cirque Du Soleil), The Testament of Mary, Deep Love (NYMF 2015), A Christmas Carol (National Tour), Mandela! with Norm Lewis, You are Not Alone with Betty Buckley and Lea DeLaria, and productions with Sacramento Music Circus, The ZACH Theatre, The York Theatre Company, The Actors Studio Repertory Theatre, The Human Race Theatre, The Dramatist Guild, The Huron Playhouse, The Forestburgh Playhouse, Joe's Pub and the critically acclaimed Off-Broadway benefit production of William Finn's Elegies: A Song Cycle. Michael's direction of the show, benefiting marriage equality, was acclaimed as "…profound and visionary".    Following the 2013 Broadway production, Rader was granted the exclusive rights to re-conceive Colm Tóibín's controversial hit play The Testament of Mary. Rader's reimagined version features five actresses sharing the title role – each woman representing a different cultural ideal of Mary.   Michael is passionate about and committed to finding ways of utilizing the arts as a tool to empower the lives of those less fortunate, especially children in need. It was during his initial time working with chronically ill children that Michael fully realized his passion for humanitarian work, especially when it involved working within the arts. He regularly teaches acting and audition technique classes in NYC and has served on the faculty of SongFest at the Colburn School in Los Angeles and The Summit School near Washington, DC. Rader is a graduate of Wright State University, the esteemed Actors Studio MFA Directing Program, an alumnus of the Lincoln Center Theater Directors Lab and a proud member of SDC.

This episode is also available as a blog post: https://thecitylife.org/2022/11/24/chelsea-table-stage-presents-the-skivvies-celebrating-new-holiday-album-sleigh-my-name-with-mary-testa-antwayne-hopper-and-more-12-17-18/ --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/citylifeorg/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/citylifeorg/support

This episode is also available as a blog post: https://thecitylife.org/2022/11/10/the-bestest-office-christmas-party-ever-new-ep-from-the-holiday-musical-to-feature-mary-testa-paige-turner-and-more-out-11-18/ --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/citylifeorg/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/citylifeorg/support

For Video Edition, Please Click and Subscribe Here: https://youtu.be/Y2GvW4W77ys After finishing Nickelodeon's Rugrats Live as one of the original cast / cast album performers John moved into yet the next step of his career as a Published Author, Director, Choreographer, Talent Casting and Comedic writer. His work has been featured for twelve years on television with such shows as LIVE, with Regis & Kelly...Now Kelly & Ryan. His stage work was featured in New York City under TONY Award winner Jerry Mitchell in Broadway Bares. The annual spectacular features dancers from all the Broadway shows performing large production numbers for Broadway Cares/ Equity Fights Aids. On a more personal and intimate level he was the Choreographer and Director for Drama Desk winner Mary Testa's one woman show at Feinstein's / Studio 54. Finally, John revamped the US tour for the Village People. Choreographer/ Director turned writer; John is currently working on a musical. The production entitled "lbs, The Musical with Weight Behind It” The show tells a story of the lives and sometimes hysterical adventures of four full-sized women. Coming out on the heels of lbs. is yet another comedic show written and choreographed by john called Hairy Tails & Rhymes. "Something More” is a book that takes the reader from a little boy with ADHD and follows him through gay bashing from classmates, moving to NYC, losing his mother to Alzheimer's, working as a popular and celebrity choreographer, going deaf in one ear, Systemic limited scleroderma to writing a book that launched a new approach to stretching with John Paolillo's MEND Stretch. To view additional footage, resume, reels, gallery and bio go to www.johnniep.com

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Starring Micheal Urie, Christian Borle, Mary Testa, Lillias White, James Monroe Iglehart, Ann Harada, and tons more of your favorite theatrical geniuses, TWITS is the newest radio play comedy from the Broadway Podcast Network. Visit bpn.fm/twits for more info, or listen and subscribe wherever you are listening to this podcast now! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Starring Micheal Urie, Christian Borle, Mary Testa, Lillias White, James Monroe Iglehart, Ann Harada, and tons more of your favorite theatrical geniuses, TWITS is the newest radio play comedy from the Broadway Podcast Network. Visit bpn.fm/twits for more info, or listen and subscribe wherever you are listening to this podcast now! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Starring Micheal Urie, Christian Borle, Mary Testa, Lillias White, James Monroe Iglehart, Ann Harada, and tons more of your favorite theatrical geniuses, TWITS is the newest radio play comedy from the Broadway Podcast Network. Visit bpn.fm/twits for more info, or listen and subscribe wherever you are listening to this podcast now! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Actor Ben Schrager is here for a show that has a very special place in his life. Topics include: the generosity of Billy Finn, teenage A New Brain, the Mary Testa-of-it-all, the Chip Zien-of-it-all, autobiography, and some really lousy days in the Universe. Ben Schrager Dot Com Featured recordings: A New Brain - Original Cast Recording (1998) • Infinite Joy: The Songs of William Finn - Live at Joe's Pub (2001) • A New Brain - 2015 New York Cast Recording (2016) DO YOU LIKE MOVIE MUSICALS? DO YOU LIKE SONDHEIM? Then you will love our PATREON podcast The Original Cast at the Movies because 2021 is all about Sondheim Movie Musicals!! This month it's Dick Tracy (1990) with Robert W. Schneider (La Cage Aux Folles) and Roddy Flynn (Anyone Can Whistle). Patreon • Twitter • Facebook • Email

Lori Burney, Executive Director of  Mental Fitness Incorporated provides an overview of the organization's services. She also discusses the Bright Lights Variety Show, an online event created to reduce the mental health stigma.Humanity Chats - a conversation about everyday issues that impact humans. Join us. Together, we can go far. Thank you for listening. Share with a friend. We are humans. From all around the world. One kind only. And that is humankind. Your friend, Marjy Marj

SHOWS: In Trousers, 42nd Street (2000), Oklahoma (2019) For over forty years New York audiences have had the great pleasure of watching three-time Tony nominee Mary Testa light up the stage with her brilliant work in such shows as In Trousers, Barnum, The Rink, On The Town, 42nd Street, Xanadu, Oklahoma, Marie Christine, Queen of the Mist, and First Daughter Suite, amongst so many more. Now, Mary sits down with Rob and Kevin to look back on her career, her triumphs, and an intimate conversation about her strength and desire to keep telling stories. Mary pulls back the curtain on her career to discuss how she riffed in front of Stephen Sondheim (and how she got banned from some casting directors because of it), what it was like creating In Trousers, and why her ability to tell nothing but the truth has been her creative guiding light. Also, Mary shines the spotlight on William Finn, Betty Comden and Adolph Green, and Chita Rivera! Become a sponsor of Behind The Curtain and get early access to interviews, private playlists, and advanced knowledge of future guests so you can ask the legends your own questions. Go to: http://bit.ly/2i7nWC4 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In Episode 22, Suzanne dishes with Tina Scariano and Alex Ferrara, hosts of the fabulous podcast, “Obsessed with the Best.” Are you obsessed with Movies? Makeup? Chocolate? Incredible books? Opinions? Podcasts? If you said yes to any of these (and really--who isn’t obsessed with at ONE of the aforementioned), then you must download and listen to this joyous and fun episode! Get to know Tina and Alex; we love them and know you will, too ;)Alex Ferrara | @alexandra_KFAlex has worked as a fit model for Zac Posen, Appeared on the TODAY show, performed at Lincoln Center, appears consistently in commercials, and recently produced and creative directed a photo exhibit in NYC to benefit the Times Up Legal Defense Fund.Tina Scariano | @teenziano @tscarianomakeupTina is a makeup artist whose clients include Broadway stars Alice Ripley and Mary Testa. She has performed in concert at the legendary Birdland Jazz Club, toured the country as the lead singer of “A Band Called Honalee”, and recently debuted her solo show “Feels Like Home” which received recognition from Broadway World NJ’s 2020 Wrap Up as one of the “Favorite Concerts of the Year.”Mentioned in the show:Obsessed with the Best PodcastHarlem Chocolate Factory - @harlemchocolate factoryChukar Cherries - @chukarcherriesIG and TikTok - @obsessedwiththebestpod

It’s the cult musical everyone loves to hate! Featuring Olivia Newton-John, Gene Kelly, rollerskates and cartoon fish - it could only be Xanadu! This time we’re chatting all about the musical that started the Razzies. But we work out if it is actually as bad as everyone says it is? We also check out the stage musical adaptation and try to determine which is better! Along the way we discuss viral marketing, musical mashups and the importance of wearing a glitzy scarf. What’s not to love?! Support the Podcast ➤ Xanadu (Original Broadway Cast Recording) iTunes / Spotify SHOW NOTES If you’ve only read the reviews and have decided not to watch the original Xanadu movie, then think again. It’s pure, unadulterated joy. Do it. Do it now. If you’re not convinced why not check out this classic cheesy 80s trailer? This documentary from the anniversary puts a lot of the film’s complicated legacy into perspective. In a fun addition to the stage adaptation we have Mary Testa and Jackie Hoffman play the ‘villains’ of the piece! Here they are in action at Bryant Park. You can see here how the creatives involved in the adaptation are not fans of the movie… Xanadu had a fascinating Tony campaign starring the notorious Cubby Bernstein - checkout this ep starring Nathan Lane! Do you think it would fly today? Spelling Bee and [title of show] had similar funky YouTube marketing campaigns. Have a gander! Do you miss this? Can we start some kind of social media campaign to make Kenny Ortega bring To Wong Foo to the stage and for him to bring Jimi on as a dramaturg? Thanks. Remember you can come chat to us about the episode on Twitter and Instagram @jimandtomic! Or if you wanna pop OFF then jump into our email inbox at jimandtomic@gmail.com! Or come join us on the discord! A Coincidental Quatement It was a complete accident that this musical and a film with the exact same name and premise premiered the same year. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Daniel J. Mertzlufft (@danieljmertzlufft) joins 2Old4TikTok this week! Dena and Melissa start the show talking about how excited they were to interview Daniel about his work on all the famous viral TikTok Musicals. They gush over him gushing about Alan Menken and “Beauty and the Beast.” TikTok celebrities truly are just like us. Daniel J. Mertzlufft Interview ~4:40Daniel tells us about his background in music, education, and science. He reveals how he first learned about TikTok from Luca Padovan at a theater festival. The first videos he liked were duets with accompanists to songs like “Defying Gravity.” We hear about how the “Avatar: The Last Airbender” musical was his first big hit on TikTok. Then he tells us about his next viral sensation, the Grocery Store Musical, and what happened when that hit Twitter. Ratatouille: The TikTok Musical ~16:15Rocky Paterra (@rockysroad, songwriter of “I’m an Accountant”) tagged Daniel in the original Ratatouille TikTok video by Emily Jacobsen (@e_jaccs). Then Daniel called upon inspiration from “The Little Mermaid” and “The Hunchback of Notre Dame” to create his version. His friend Cori Jaskier provided the female vocals. We hear more about the rise of the Ratatouille Musical, the coverage from Vulture, Buzzfeed, Rolling Stone, and The New York Times, the first statement from Disney, and the snowball of press leading up to his James Corden Thanksgiving appearance. He describes getting the call to create a benefit concert in less than a month and the work that ensued. Rehearsing with Kevin Chamberlin (@chamberlin_kevin), André De Shields, and Mary Testa. He tells us about his appearance on “Good Morning America” and “The Late Late Show with James Corden.”Daniel’s For You Page ~34:20Daniel is deep into Woodchuck and Sea Shanty TikTok currently. He gushes over his love for Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, Stephen Schwartz, Alan Menken, Howard Ashman, and “Beauty and the Beast.” He’s mostly on Musical Theater TikTok, Gay TikTok, Absurd Deep TikTok, and keeps seeing videos of the audio snippet of Jessie J singing “Night.” Broadway Stars on TikTok ~45:20Dena mentions some of her favorite Broadway stars on TikTok like Tyler Warwick(@tyler_warwick), Broadway Bob (@broadwaybob), and Laura Bell Bundy (@laurabellbundy) from the “Legally Blonde” musical. Daniel tells us a hilarious anecdote about playing Emmett in college. Some of his favorites are Kevin Chamberlin (@chamberlin_kevin), Scott Alan (@scottalanmusic), and Natalie Weiss (@thenatalieweiss). Besides musical theater stars, he likes Gabe Esco (@gabesco). But has no idea who the Straight TikTok stars are—is her name Allison Rae?Lightning Round ~51:10Daniel reveals his favorite TikTok Trends: Ratatouille (obviously), “Oh, she passed away, okay,” “Native New Yorker,” and the Harry Potter TikTok dance parodies. Least favorite trends are anything on Straight TikTok. Favorite musical: Rent. Advice for TikTok creators. He’d fill his Hype House with either The Gays of LA (Neil Patrick Harris), Jacob Collier (@jacobcollier), or the entire Ratatouille Musical team. The Broadway actor he’d most want to star in one of his shows is Andrew Barth Feldman (@andrewbfeldman_), Wayne Brady (@waynebrady), or Brendon Urie. He spills the tea on the Patti LuPone miscommunication on “The Late Late Show.” The craziest idea he’s ever had for a musical was with the Ratatouille team coming up with ideas for a “Breaking Bad” musical. The Saul Goodman song would have some real “The Music Man” vibes. Then we ask him to come up with a jingle for 2 Old 4 TikTok! Find TikTok videos from all the creators we mention on our blog (2Old4TikTok.com) and Instagram (@2old4tiktokpod). 

Joe Traina sits down with Mary Testa to discuss her career and life during COVID. Follow Mary on Instagram: @marytesta.actress Get Mary's album, "Have Faith": music.apple.com/us/album/have-faith/1303569576 Follow Please Join Me on Instagram: @pleasejoinmepod Find Joe Traina: joetrainamusic.com This podcast was produced by Caroline Voigt of CVPromotions. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

MYSTERY BOX, by Tom Alan Robbins, a LIVE benefit reading ONE NIGHT ONLY Saturday, November 21 at 8 p.m. to support Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, ECMC's Immunodeficiency Clinic and Alleyway's new play programming, stars Broadway's Mary Testa (3x Tony Nominee for Oklahoma!, Wicked), Wesley Taylor (Indoor Boys, Spongebob Squarepants), Dakin Matthews (Waitress, Gilmore Girls), and Helen Cespedes (Cripple of Inishmaan). Visit Alleyway.com for details.

Grab your macaroni and turn up your gramophones, this week we're talking about Courage the Cowardly Dog (starring Courage, the Cowardly Dog)! Follow along as Alec, Casey, and Liz chat about the landscape of western Kansas, unexpected Oscar nominations, Mary Testa, stress-baking grandmas, and more. Check out our visual companion on Twitter (@yamilykethis) or Instagram (@yamIlykethispodcast), and visit our Facebook fan page. Tune in every Thursday for new episodes!

We're back from our little summer break with two great interviews. First, we chat with Broadway living legend, Mary Testa. We chat about making her Broadway debut in Barnum, her baton twirling skills, being Liza Minnelli's standby in The Rink and recording a new track from Michael Friedman's (I am) Nobody's Lunch. We also chat with producer Blake Klein about the brand new musical p.s. I'm a Terrible Person. He spills the tea on the struggle to present a new musical and what he looks for in new writing. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Mary Testa was recently nominated for a Tony Award for her performance as Aunt Eller in the 2019 Broadway Revival of Oklahoma! She has been seen on Broadway in Wicked, Guys and Dolls, Xanadu, Chicago, 42nd St., Marie Christine, On the Town, Forum, The Rink, Marilyn and Barnum. Off-Broadway includes Portuguese Kid, Government Inspector, First Daughter Suite, Queen of the Mist, See What I Wanna See and A New Brain. Much film and television. Twelve original cast albums. Multiple Tony, Lucille Lortel, Drama Desk, Drama League nominations and a special Drama Desk award celebrating ‘Three Decades of Outstanding Work.’ @marytesta.actress Jackie Hoffman: Emmy-nominated for her performance in FX’s Feud! Select TV/Film: Gilmore Girls, Difficult People, Elementary, Girls, Inside Amy Schumer, Birdman, Garden State, Legally Blonde 2, Kissing Jessica Stein. Broadway: Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, On the Town, The Addams Family, Xanadu, Hairspray (Theatre World Award). Off-Broadway: Fiddler on the Roof (Yiddish), Once Upon a Mattress, A ChanukahCharol, The Book of Liz (Obie Award). CD: Live at Joe’s Pub Want more of My Broadway Memory?! Follow us on Social! @MyBroadwayMemory on Instagram and Facebook and @MyBwayMemory on Twitter MICHAEL KUSCHNER: Instagram or The Dressing Room Project Dear Multi-Hyphenate Podcast BRIAN SEDITA: Instagram, Website, Page to Stage Podcast BROADWAY PODCAST NETWORK: Website or Instagram #MyBroadwayMemory Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Twisting the plot is about dreaming big, having faith, and knowing your truth.  This week, we had the great pleasure to sit down with the multi-talented Mary Testa; actress, singer, and three-time Tony Award nominee.  Turning 65 this year, Mary asks, what’s next?  She wonders, how big can a woman in her 60’s dream?  Is it possible to create a narrative that is bigger than what you are?  We look forward to the future Mary, a woman who always pushes boundaries and delivers creativity and performances with creativity that takes us outside the box of expectation. Enjoy. Listen to Unravel/If I Loved You from the album Have Faith. Order Have Faith on CD from Sh-K-Boom or Barnes & Noble, or buy as a download from iTunes or  Amazon. Order the Queen of the Mist (Original Cast Recording) on CD from Sh-K-Boom or Barnes & Noble, or buy as a download from iTunes or  Amazon.

“The Fallout” premiered on February 5th, 2013, immediately after the premiere episode. (Aww, remember those two-hour premieres that networks used to do back in the day, Mo?) It was written by Julie Rottenberg & Elisa Zuritsky, whose previous work we saw in the season 1 episodes “Let’s Be Bad” and “The Movie Star,” and was directed by Craig Zisk. Now, here’s a weird thing: viewership for this episode was 4.45 million, down from 4.48 in the previous episode WHICH WAS AN HOUR AGO. I guess 30,000 people collectively turned off their TVs after hour 1? We had three featured songs in this episode: one cover of the Eurythmics’ “Would I Lie To You?” And two original songs by two different musical theatre composers: the first by then-up-and-comer duo team Pasek & Paul called “Caught in the Storm” sung by Katherine McPhee, and the second by our home team of Marc Shaiman and Scott Whitman called “They Just Keep Moving the Line” sung by Megan Hilty. Eileen summons her bruised songwriting team to attend the American Theatre Wing gala, but Julia can barely get out the door let alone put on cocktail attire. But Julia heard from Mary Testa who heard from Jackie Hoffman who heard from Cheyenne Jackson who heard from Harvey Fierstein that she and Julia would be presenting at the gala (a lie that Tom made you on the street).  In addition to Bombshell being put on ice, Derek gets fired from The Wiz - not only because he shagged a couple of actresses but the five dancers are accusing him of sexual harassment. One of them, Daisy, serves Derek the T in front of Schnippers, saying “You don’t get it. You’re a big shot Director. You’re in a position of power from the mind you wake up in the morning and you don’t treat that power with respect.” Derek second guesses his serial seducing in a dream sequence set to the Eurythmics' “Would I Lie To You?” Ivy is considering leaving the business, as she’s going in for parts that she would have passed on two years ago. But running into a drunken Derek on a stoop, he leaves her with one nugget of wisdom: “You weren’t my Marilyn, but what do I know?” Karen Cartwright hunts down the young and unknown composing team. Half of the team, a twink named Kyle, is eager to collab with Karen. But while his songwriting partner Jimmy is cute enough to go to Greenpoint for, he is anything but agreeable. Even her attempts to wow Jimmy with an impromptu performance of one of his songs drives him away. Jimmy retorts that he doesn’t need help to make it big, but decides the next day that he’ll give it a go with Karen for Kyle’s sake.  The American Theatre Wing gala becomes an embarrassment for the Bombshell crew, when Tom gets caught in his lie about presenting and Eileen is asked to leave by the League president. But she decides to leave the industry with a parting shot to remember: an announcement that Bombshell is coming to Broadway this season followed by Ivy Lynn giving a stunning rendition of a never-before-heard tune called “They Just Keep Moving The Line.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

SHOWS: In Trousers, Romance/Romance, The Secret Garden   The one and only two time Tony Award nominee, Alison Fraser, joins us to look back on her career which includes the original productions of In Trousers, The Mystery of Edwin Drood, Romance/Romance, The Secret Garden, First Daughter Suite, and so many more.   Alison pulls back the curtain on her career to discuss how to disarm Arthur Laurents, what it was like meeting Bill Finn, and why you should always fight to protect your character.   Also, Alison shines the spotlight on Scott Bakula, Mary Testa, and Michael John LaChuisa!   Become a sponsor of Behind The Curtain and get early access to interviews, private playlists, and advance knowledge of future guests so you can ask the legends your own questions. Go to: http://bit.ly/2i7nWC4   To book a room at Shetler Studios, head on over to: https://www.shetlerstudios.com

Join me as I welcome Mary Testa @MaryTesta on the show. We talk about her television and stage career and her versatility. No holds barred, we talk about life, and just getting used to what you're good at. You dont want to miss this one. She's wonderful.  Don't forget to like us, share, and give us good ratings on your favorite podcast listening platform!!!  @TTBwithRoy @TripleThreatsandBeyond Triple Threats & Beyond  --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/triple-threats--beyond/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/triple-threats--beyond/support

Twisting the plot is about dreaming big, having faith, and knowing your truth.  This week, we had the great pleasure to sit down with the multi-talented Mary Testa; actress, singer, and three-time Tony Award nominee.  Turning 65 this year, Mary asks, what’s next?  She wonders, how big can a woman in her 60’s dream?  Is it possible to create a narrative that is bigger than what you are?  We look forward to the future Mary, a woman who always pushes boundaries and delivers creativity and performances with creativity that takes us outside the box of expectation. Enjoy. Listen to Unravel/If I Loved You from the album Have Faith. Order Have Faith on CD from Sh-K-Boom or Barnes & Noble, or buy as a download from iTunes or  Amazon. Order the Queen of the Mist (Original Cast Recording) on CD from Sh-K-Boom or Barnes & Noble, or buy as a download from iTunes or  Amazon.  

In this episode, Ben and Daniel talk to two-time Tony nominee Alison Fraser about her 1996 album, A New York Romance. They also discuss Rusty Magee, James Taylor, Benjamin Dreyer, Bill Finn, In Trousers, March of the Falsettos, The Music Man, Rebecca Luker, Oliver, Eydie Gormé, My Fair Lady, Harry Nilsson, John Cameron Mitchell, Stephen Trask, Bernadette Peters, Gigi, Mary Testa, Annie Golden, Daisy Eagan, Laura Nyro, Linda Rondstadt, Michael John LaChiusa, First Daughter Suite, Elvis Costello, Aaron Mark, Rammstein, Patty Darcy, and Lena Horne. Alison has appeared in numerous Broadway shows, including The Secret Garden and Romance/Romance, both of which earned her Tony nominations. She also appeared alongside Patti LuPone in the 2008 revival of Gypsy.

Join host Tony-winner Donna McKechnie at Sardis for Episode #3 of “The Ladies Who Lunch”. Donna's guests are three-time-Tony Award nominee Mary Testa, currently starring on Broadway as Aunt Eller in “Rodger & Hammerstein's Oklahoma!”, legendary publicist and author Susan L. Schulman….and Mercedes Ellington, dancer, choreographer, director and producer. Bon Appetite! Produced by Dori Berinstein and Alan Seales, music composed by Matthew Sklar. Part of the Broadway Podcast Network. Every episode is recorded live at the legendary Sardi's restaurant, 234 W 44th St, New York, NY 10036. Thank you so very much to Max Klimavicius, Sean Ricketts, Beth Shafeman and the entire Sardi's family for your tremendous kindness and delicious cuisine! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Ben and Daniel talk to three-time Tony nominee Carolee Carmello about the soundtrack to the 1973 film adaptation of Godspell. They also discuss Julie Andrews, The Sound of Music, Lesley Ann Warren, Marni Nixon, West Side Story, Evita, Mary Testa, Oliver, Gypsy, Barbra Streisand, Barbara Cook, Comden and Green, Falsettos, Kiss Me Kate, Marin Mazzie, and Parade. They talk about Carolee's secret, closeted soprano past and the fact that she has never taken a voice lesson. Carolee is currently starring as America's coast-to-coast Dolly Levi in the national tour of Hello, Dolly!

This holiday season, territory folks should stick together. We're backstage with Mary Testa, Aunt Eller in the current Oklahoma!, for a passel of the best holiday music from Broadway and beyond.

The Broadway Babies are dusting off our VHS tapes and pulling out our Lisa Frank gel pens to tackle this iconic production: The Wonderful World of Disney’s “Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella”! Starring Brandy “sittin up in her cellar” Norwood, Whitney “I am your actual boss” Houston, and Bernadette “how can I make this power dynamic less problematic” Peters! Join Alex and Daisha as they sift through this fairy tale's long production history, the behind-the-scenes drama and the optics of color-blind casting, and discuss whether or not this movie was as progressive as it wanted to be at its inception.    Cast recording: ¯_(ツ)_/¯ Film: Amazon   Songs: "Impossible," performed by Whitney Houston “My Own Little Corner,” by Brandy Norwood “Falling in Love With Love,” by Bernadette Peters "Stepsisters' Lament," by Natalie Deselle and Veanne Cox "It's Possible," by Brandy and Whitney Houston Music by Richard Rodgers and lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II   Show Notes: Shondaland.com's 20th anniversary herstory of the Cinderella film has all the tea, listeners. WHY ARE YOU DOWN THERE: This behind-the-scenes video special on Brandy and Whitney's relationship shows more than just the memes. Like night and day: Brandy's take on "Roxie" was just bursting with personality, no wonder they waited outside in lights to see her! Audra McDonald and Mary Testa's own version of the "Stepsisters' Lament" is its own level of iconic. Speaking of the Stepsisters, Veanne Cox might also just have one of the best renditions of "Getting Married Today." Veanne has the range: Here she is getting destroyed by Julia Roberts for having two wrong feet with ugly shoes. The 1965 version with Ginger Rogers is free via YouTube TV! If you would just like the entire movie retold in GIFs   Podcast cover art: David Taylor Twitter: @bwaybabies Facebook: Facebook.com/broadwaybabiespodcast

In this very first episode, Ben and Daniel talk to Broadway star Mary Testa about Joe Cocker's 1970 live album Mad Dogs & Englishmen. They also discuss Leon Russell, Pink Floyd, Bonnie Bramlett, Bill Finn, Liza Minnelli, Chita Rivera, The Rink, Company, riffing Sondheim, belting, Les Misérables, character actors, foreign film, British television, and the current state of Broadway and cabaret. Mary also talks about her Tony-nominated performance in Broadway's smash hit revival of Rodgers and Hammerstein's Oklahoma!, currently running at The Circle in the Square Theatre in NYC.

The fabulousness of working the Red Carpet for the 2019 Drama Desk Awards is talking to the amazing nominees. In Part TWO of the evening, I chatted withJOE ICONIS, GEORGE SALAZAR, DOMINIQUE MORRISEAU, JUSTIN ELLINGTON, SOARA JOYE ROSS, EDWIN DONOVAN, ARNIE BURTON, SAM HUNTER, LESLIE KRITZER, LIZA, JESSIE PETERSON, DENIS JONES, MARY TESTA, STEVEN SKYBELL, and PATRICK VAILL For more information on the Drama Desk Awards: http://dramadeskawards.com For more on the podcast: http://keithpricecurtaincall.com

This episode starts at a cabaret and ends in a farmers' market. How New York. In between Charlotte lawyers up and deals with Bunny face to face, Samantha breaks a "neck massager" and does some babysitting, Miranda meets the mom next door and gets a haircut, and Carrie gets a book review and is the victim of a "face and run." Also, Mary Testa!    

Mary Testa is currently appearing as Aunt Eller in OKLAHOMA! On Broadway. She earned tony nominations for her work in On the Town and 42nd Street. Her other Broadway credits include Guys and Dolls, Wicked, A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, Barnum and so much more. She has appeared on screen in Whoopi, The Battery’s Down, Jack in the Box, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel and so much more. Follow @oklahomabway on social media.Hosted by Ryan Lee Gilbert, Beth Stevens and Caitlin Moynihan

On this week's show, we sit down with Mary Testa and Ali Stroker, two of the stars of the upcoming Broadway revival of Oklahoma! We discuss what makes this production of Oklahoma! so unique and the enduring legacy of this magnificent show.   This week's music: Damon Daunno singing “The Surrey With The Fringe On Top,” Nancy Walker singing “I Can Cook Too,” the Annie “Overture,” music from the “Ballet” and the “Final Outro” from the 1999 Royal National Theatre recording of Oklahoma! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Rob and Kevin are having a wild, wild party with the brilliant composer/lyricist Michael John LaChiusa whose works include Hello, Again, The Wild Party, First Ladies Suite, First Daughters Suite, Giant, Little Fish, See What I Wanna See, Bernarda Alba, Queen of the Mist, and so many others! Michael pulls back the curtain on his career to discuss how he chose to tackle the lives of America's First Ladies, what it was like creating The Wild Party and Hello, Again, and why he is the pioneer of the Upper West Side. Also, Michael shines the spotlight on Audra McDonald, George C Wolfe, and Mary Testa! Become a sponsor of Behind The Curtain and get early access to interviews, private playlists, and advance knowledge of future guests so you can ask the legends your own questions. Go to: http://bit.ly/2i7nWC4 To book a room at Shetler Studios, head on over to: https://www.shetlerstudios.com

On this episode, Jamie, Rob and Jennifer chat with Jackie Hoffman about offending everyone, neurosis, Ambien vs. Unisom, Fiddler on the Roof, and that Jessica Lange is a very nice lady. Rob gives a look into the wonderful character actress, Molly Picon. This week's music: Molly Picon singing, “Do You Love Me” from a London studio cast recording of Fiddler On The Roof where she plays Golde. Two excerpts from “Jackie Hoffman: Live at Joe's Pub” and Jackie and Mary Testa singing, “Evil Woman” from Xanadu. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Every month on the Third Thursday, we highlight a woman who's making a difference in our community and feature her on a segment we call the Valley Women Today. This can be a woman who is successfully running a business, making an impact with non-profits in her community or just someone who has a unique history that might be of interest to our listeners. Today's show was actually recorded yesterday. We had the amazing opportunity to attend the Valley Business Women's Luncheon hosted by the Top of Virginia Regional Chamber and speak with Adriana Trigiani. She's has written best-selling novels, screenplays, and two memoirs. Plus she has written and directed documentaries and a major motion picture – Big Stone Gap based on her book series. It was a great conversation with insight to the struggles women face in her industry and as a whole. We talked about her journey, her accomplishments and creative processes. For more information about Adriana or to purchase her books, including her latest: Kiss Carlo  due out on June 20 - visit her website: adrianatrigiani.com. You can get more details about the quarterly Valley Business Women's Luncheons on the Top of Virginia Regional Chamber's website: https://www.regionalchamber.biz/ or by liking their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/ValleyBusinessWomen/ From her website: Adriana Trigiani is beloved by millions of readers around the world for her bestselling novels, including her latest, All the Stars in the Heavens, the instant bestseller of The New York Times, Barnes & Noble, Publishers Weekly, USA Today, and Indie Booksellers nationwide. She wrote the blockbuster The Shoemaker's Wife, the Big Stone Gap series, the Valentine trilogy and Lucia, Lucia.  Trigiani's themes of love and work, emphasis upon craftsmanship and family life have brought her legions of fans who call themselves Adri-addicts (a term coined by book maven Robin Kall). Their devotion has made Adriana one of “the reigning queens of women's fiction” (USA Today). Adriana wrote and directed the film adaptation of her debut novel Big Stone Gap, produced by the Academy Award winning producer Donna Gigliotti, shot entirely on location in her hometown, with an all star cast including: Ashley Judd, Patrick Wilson, Whoopi Goldberg, John Benjamin Hickey, Anthony LaPaglia, Jenna Elfman, Jane Krakowski, Judith Ivey, Mary Pat Gleason, Dagmara Dominczyk, Mary Testa, Paul Wilson, Chris Sarandon, Jasmine Guy, and introducing Erika Coleman and Bridget Gabbe, with music by John Leventhal, and songs performed by his lovely wife, Rosanne Cash.  Glorious local talent perform on the soundtrack and act in the movie, sharing their gifts beyond the peaks of the Appalachian mountains. The soundtrack is now available on iTunes and in stores. Big Stone Gap opened the Virginia Film Festival on November 6th, 2014. Tickets for the 1000-seat house sold out in minutes, breaking a record for the festival. The film screened at the inaugural Bentonville Film Festival in May 2015 to three sold-out crowds; at the closing ceremony, Big Stone Gap took home the first award of the night for Best Ensemble. Big Stone Gap hit theaters nationwide on October 9th, 2015 and spent 11 weeks in theaters. The film was the #2 Romantic Comedy of 2015, and listed as a top-grossing women-directed film of that year. It is now available to own.

Today's guest, the great Mary Testa, has 13 Broadway credits, 2 Tony Award nominations, 26 off-Broadway credits, 2 Obie awards, and a Drama Desk award for her nearly four decades of outstanding work in the New York Theater. She talks to Theater People about her new album "Have Faith," which is her collaboration with Tony-winning orchestrator Michael Starobin ("Next to Normal," "Sunday in the Park with George"), and her work with the great composer/orchestrators William Finn, Aherns & Flaherty, and Michael John LaChiusa.

Special Episode #1: When I decided I wanted to use "Man in the Moon" for a *special* podcast episode, it came to me in about a millisecond who HAD to sing it: Nancy Anderson. Not only because she's an amazing talent and friend, but also because no one captures the sound of the 20's and 30's like Nancy. Check out her wonderful new solo CD, Ten Cents a Dance, for conclusive proof.Nancy and I met in 2001, performing together in the Broadway production of A Class Act, where she was my "show girlfriend." Nancy created the role of "Mona" in the Manhattan Theatre Club production and subsequently made her Broadway debut in that role when the show moved to the Ambassador. She had already created a sensation Off-Broadway in Jolson & Company, which earned her her first Drama Desk nomination.Since then, she has been dazzling audiences with her many stellar performances, most notably as Lois/Bianca in the revival of Kiss Me, Kate, first on the US Tour and then in the West End production, which was later filmed for PBS. (Does she nail the period or what?) Don't forget her wonderful performance in the 2003 revival of Wonderful Town! (Period!!) This past season, at the York Theatre, she won over critics and audiences alike in the title role of Fanny Hill. (She even nailed the 18th Century, as well as a second Drama Desk Nom!)If you're wondering whether she can pull off a contemporary role (yes!), then you must have missed her hot, hot performance in this year's Off-Broadway play, Burleigh Grime$.In this episode, Nancy sings "Man in the Moon", an audition spec song I wrote this summer. (What this means is, when producers are considering several different people or teams to write their new show, sometimes they'll ask them all to write songs for that project as part of the audition process.) The project in question takes place around 1930, and that's about as specific as I can be right now. (Recorded 11/3/06.)Luckily, you'll have some opportunities to see and hear Nancy coming up! Foremost among her many November appearances is her engagement at The Metropolitan Room, two Tuesday night shows, November 14 and November 28, at 9:30 PM. Not to be missed!And speaking of other things not to miss, I'd also like to remind you about the Jeff Blumenkrantz Songbook Concert at Birdland on Monday, November 20th at 7PM, featuring Liz Callaway, Victoria Clark, Michael McElroy, Mary Testa, and Alysha Umphress! Call 212 581 3080 to reserve, or buy your tickets online.

An in-depth look at the creation of the Off-Broadway musical, See What I Wanna See, with author Michael John LaChiusa, director Ted Sperling (who won a Tony for his orchestrations of Light in the Piazza), musical stager Jonathan Butterell and actors Marc Kudisch and Mary Testa.

An in-depth look at the creation of the Off-Broadway musical, with author Michael John LaChiusa, director Ted Sperling, musical stager Jonathan Butterell and actors Marc Kudisch and Mary Testa.

Episode #17: Twice the talent, twice the laughs, twice as long! But when you're in the room with Ruth Gottschall and Mary Testa, you just don't want to leave! I had a fantastic afternoon with the two of them, chatting and websurfing and singing "Moving Right Along", the women's version. Yes, this is the same explicit song that you heard back in January for two guys in a gay bar, rewritten for two women in a singles bar. (The lyrics for this version appear in the back of the songbook.) Recorded 4/12/06.Where to begin? Ruth is a veteran of eight Broadway shows, most recently Jackie Mason's Laughing Room Only, however her longest run of late was as Eulalie Shinn in the revival of The Music Man, a role she will recreate this summer at the Sacramento Music Circus. Before that, you can catch her as Mrs. Upson in the sure-to-be-fabulous Kennedy Center production of Mame. Also, let PBS know that you want to see the educational series, Character Studies, so you can catch Ruth on the "Harold Hill" episode.Mary Testa's resumé is so impressive, I don't know what to mention first! Should I start with her two Tony nominations, for On the Town and 42nd Street? Her numerous Off Broadway credits and the Obie award for On the Town and From Above? Her amazing performances on the original cast recordings of In Trousers, Lucky Stiff, A Funny Thing Happened...Forum (with Ruth too!), A New Brain, Marie Christine, and most recently, Michael John La Chiusa's See What I Wanna See? Or should I just mention that she loves Faith, the Biped Dog and Michelle Collins' blog, You Can't Make It Up? Mary fans can catch her in the concert, Hands Across the Sea, at Merkin Hall on May 16th and 17th, as well as in Jam & Spice, a Kurt Weill revue at the Westport Playhouse in June.