Podcasts about pittsburgh civic light opera

Episode Summary: Menina Fortunato interviews Traci Reszetylo, a 22-year veteran of the Radio City Rockettes, to discuss her incredible career and journey in the dance world. Traci reflects on her early dance training in Pittsburgh, her move to New York, and her audition experiences for the Rockettes, eventually landing the role on her second attempt. She shares the challenges and rewards of performing with the Rockettes, including her experiences on tour, in prestigious events like the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, and her role as dance captain. Traci also talks about her passion for teaching, which led her to create Exactitude Dance during the pandemic. She explains how the studio evolved from online classes to an in-person space in Brooklyn, where she combines precision dance with other genres and offers career development workshops. Traci offers valuable advice for aspiring dancers, emphasizing the importance of consistency, humility, and building relationships in the industry. She shares audition tips, time management strategies, and insights on how dancers can create a sustainable career in dance. This episode is filled with inspiration and practical advice for dancers at all stages of their careers. Show Notes: (00:00) - Introduction to Traci Reszetylo (02:15) - Early dance training in Pittsburgh and competing (05:30) - Auditioning for the Radio City Rockettes and getting the job (10:00) - Performing with the Rockettes: Tours, TV shows, and events (15:30) - Becoming a Dance Captain and the team-oriented culture of the Rockettes (20:00) - Starting Exactitude Dance during the pandemic and growing the business (25:30) - The evolution of Exactitude Dance and its workshops (30:45) - Balancing a dance career with family life and other pursuits (35:00) - Advice on auditioning: staying in the moment and managing nerves (40:00) - The importance of consistency and humility in dance (45:30) - Final thoughts on building a successful dance career and long-term sustainability Biography: Traci, the founder of Exactitude Dance & dancer for Radio City Rockettes, attended Point Park University focusing on jazz and musical theater. While attending Point Park, Traci performed in the Pittsburgh Civic Light Opera's Richard Rodgers Awards, and also performed as a dancer/ singer for Royal Caribbean. She was then cast in Pittsburgh Musical Theater's production of Chicago, performing the role of “Liz” at the Byham Theater. Traci moved to NY and was chosen to be a Radio City Rockette in 2002. Her first four years as a Rockette, she performed on tour in several cities, and in 2006, started performing at Radio City Music Hall. She has been performing there to the present date. Traci was selected as the Assistant Dance Captain in 2009. In 2010 was cast as a swing, and in 2014 Dance Captain/ Assistant Choreographer for 5 years. Traci has performed in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, the Today Show, Rockefeller Center Tree Lighting, Dancing With the Stars, America's Got Talent, Saturday Night Live, The Tonight Show, Tony Awards, Live with Kelly and Ryan, Ellen, and the Wendy Williams Show. Traci participated in Oprah's celebration for the 10th anniversary of her O Magazine, and also traveled to Vienna, Austria, where she performed in Diane Von Furstenberg's fashion show at the Life Ball. Traci has led & assisted auditions, taught for Rockettes Summer Intensive and assisted in teaching and staging the Christmas Spectacular. Her passion is teaching and working with her students. She cannot wait to share her knowledge of precision dance and create exactitude in you! Connect on Social Media: https://www.instagram.com/tracirez https://www.facebook.com/traci.reszetylo.167

Beth Leavel (bethleavel.net) is a Tony Award-winning stage and screen actor. She recently starred as Miranda Priestly in the Broadway-bound new musical adaptation of The Devil Wears Prada, directed by Anna Shapiro and featuring music by Sir Elton John, lyrics by Shaina Taub and a book by Kate Wetherhead. Most recently, Beth was seen on Broadway as Dee Dee Allen in The Prom, for which she was nominated for Tony, New York Outer Critics Circle and Drama League Awards. She received Tony, Drama Desk, Outer Critics Circle and LA Drama Critics Awards for her performance as the title character in The Drowsy Chaperone. Beth also received Tony, Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle nominations for her role as Florence Greenberg in Baby, It's You. On Broadway, Beth also originated the roles of June Adams in Bandstand, Emily in Elf, Mrs. Bixby in The Civil War and Tess in Crazy For You. Other Broadway credits include Donna Sheridan in Mamma Mia!, Frau Blucher in Young Frankenstein, Dorothy Brock in the revival of 42nd Street, Ellie in Hal Prince's Show Boat, and Anytime Annie (her Broadway debut) in 42nd Street. Other New York credits include starring as Lucille in the New York City Center Encores! production of No, No, Nanette, as well as the off-Broadway productions of Lone Star Love and Standing on Ceremony: The Gay Marriage Plays. Regionally, Beth has performed some of the most iconic roles in musical theatre – from Mama Rose in Gypsy at The Muny and Dolly Levi in Hello Dolly at Cape Playhouse and The Muny, to Sally Adams in Call Me Madam at the Lyric Theatre of Oklahoma, the Witch in Into the Woods at the Pittsburgh Civic Light Opera, and Miss Hannigan in Annie at the Paper Mill Playhouse. Beth has dazzled and delighted sold-out audiences with her cabaret act, which she has taken from 54 Below in New York City to other venues across the United States. You might also recognize Beth from numerous commercials and TV shows/films, including Ghosts of Christmas Always, The Bite, Walking Dead: World Beyond and the final episode of ER. She holds an MFA and an honorary PhD from the University of North Carolina, Greensboro. Of all the roles she has played, on stage and off, Beth is most proud of being T.J. and Sam's mom. She is helplessly in love with her fiancé, Adam Heller, and thanks her cat, Malcolm, for keeping her sane during the pandemic.

Beth Leavel (bethleavel.net) is a Tony Award-winning stage and screen actor. She recently starred as Miranda Priestly in the Broadway-bound new musical adaptation of The Devil Wears Prada, directed by Anna Shapiro and featuring music by Sir Elton John, lyrics by Shaina Taub and a book by Kate Wetherhead. Most recently, Beth was seen on Broadway as Dee Dee Allen in The Prom, for which she was nominated for Tony, New York Outer Critics Circle and Drama League Awards. She received Tony, Drama Desk, Outer Critics Circle and LA Drama Critics Awards for her performance as the title character in The Drowsy Chaperone. Beth also received Tony, Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle nominations for her role as Florence Greenberg in Baby, It's You. On Broadway, Beth also originated the roles of June Adams in Bandstand, Emily in Elf, Mrs. Bixby in The Civil War and Tess in Crazy For You. Other Broadway credits include Donna Sheridan in Mamma Mia!, Frau Blucher in Young Frankenstein, Dorothy Brock in the revival of 42nd Street, Ellie in Hal Prince's Show Boat, and Anytime Annie (her Broadway debut) in 42nd Street. Other New York credits include starring as Lucille in the New York City Center Encores! production of No, No, Nanette, as well as the off-Broadway productions of Lone Star Love and Standing on Ceremony: The Gay Marriage Plays. Regionally, Beth has performed some of the most iconic roles in musical theatre – from Mama Rose in Gypsy at The Muny and Dolly Levi in Hello Dolly at Cape Playhouse and The Muny, to Sally Adams in Call Me Madam at the Lyric Theatre of Oklahoma, the Witch in Into the Woods at the Pittsburgh Civic Light Opera, and Miss Hannigan in Annie at the Paper Mill Playhouse. Beth has dazzled and delighted sold-out audiences with her cabaret act, which she has taken from 54 Below in New York City to other venues across the United States. You might also recognize Beth from numerous commercials and TV shows/films, including Ghosts of Christmas Always, The Bite, Walking Dead: World Beyond and the final episode of ER. She holds an MFA and an honorary PhD from the University of North Carolina, Greensboro. Of all the roles she has played, on stage and off, Beth is most proud of being T.J. and Sam's mom. She is helplessly in love with her fiancé, Adam Heller, and thanks her cat, Malcolm, for keeping her sane during the pandemic.

In business, especially the art industry, we face a lot of rejections, and it is easy to get ahead of ourselves or think that we cannot get where we want to be. However, when you are resilient, focused, and true to yourself, your dreams will come true in a way you might not expect, which can be more special than what you would have created for yourself. Sometimes we don't see ourselves at different levels of success because of what people say and perceive about us. But taking power out of other people's hands and owning our own identity, regardless of how others see us, will empower us and change how we walk into a room.In this episode, Broadway actor Ashley Blanchet talks about how to step into your power as a woman (and a black woman) and how to own the your power and the things that make you different instead of shying away from them and trying to hide them from people. “People are all over watching, and if you have the integrity to do good works no matter what, it will come back around.” Snapshot of the Key Points from the Episode:[03:19] Ashley's career journey and how she got where she is today.[06:13] Ashley's Broadway comeback experience in WAITRESS at Barrymore theater.[08:40] What was it like for Ashley to be the first black woman to play the role of Elsa?[11:34] A lesson that Ashley learned in a camp as a kid that she will never forget. [13:09] How is Ashley able to thrive in an industry where rejection is constant and part of the process? [18:42] Ashley's favorite and memorable projects that she has been part of.[23:38] How has pivoting helped Ashley discover new ways to use her acting skills during the pandemic?  [27:17] The things Ashley keeps exploring and stretching herself in to improve and grow. [30:44] Ashley's advice on self-tapes and taking classes to get your skills set and how to keep them accessible[35:13] What is Ashley doing to engage her fan base? How Ashley navigates performing and the business side of being a performer.[37:46] Ashley's advice on how to find a good agent, create a package, and put yourself out there.[41:45] What does working from your happy place means to Ashely?  [43:59] Ashley's advice for young people starting out on how to find their unshakable success.About Ashley Blanchet -Ashley Blanchet was most recently seen on Broadway as Dawn in WAITRESS at the Barrymore theater. Other Broadway credits include: FROZEN, (where she was first black woman to play the role of Elsa), BEAUTIFUL (the locomotion), ANNIE (star to be), and MEMPHIS.This summer she was Miss New Hampshire in the world premiere of the new musical THE BEDWETTER, written by Josh Harmon and Sarah Silverman. Favorite regional credits include: Cinderella (Title role; Papermill Playhouse), Oklahoma (Ado Annie; Pittsburgh Civic Light Opera), Film/TV: The Good Fight, "Better Nate Than Ever,” on Disney+, and the award winning short animated film "Are You Okay?" for which she voiced the title character, Raquelle.Ashley received her BFA in Musical Theater from The University of Michigan where she was awarded the Kurt Weill Award for Excellence in Theater. Ashley is also a proud alum of The Boston Ballet, Dance Theater of Harlem, and The Walnut Hill School in Natick, MA. Coming up - this Christmas she is set to return to the Paper Mill Playhouse as Maria in The Sound of Music.How to connect with Ashley Blanchet:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/a_blanchetLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashley-blanchet-b42a48152/About the Host -Belinda Ellsworth is a Speaker, Trainer, Best-Selling Author, and PodcasterShe has been a professional speaker, mover, and shaker for more than 25 years. Having built three successful companies, she has helped thousands of entrepreneurs make better decisions, create successful systems, and build business strategies using her "Four Pillars of Success" system.Belinda has always had a passion and zest for life with the skill for turning dreams into reality. Over the last 20 years, she has been expertly building her speaking and consulting business, Step Into Success. How to Connect with Belinda:Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/stepintosuccessLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/belindaellsworthInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/stepintosuccess/Website - www.workfromyourhappyplace.com

Alex Puette (alexpuette.com)(IG:@apuette) currently in Hadestown on Broadway was born and raised in a small town outside of Cleveland, OH, Alex fell in love with performing at a very early age. He made his stage debut in the pivotal role of Frog #1 in a local youth theatre production of Narnia: The Musical. The bug had bitten and Alex continued performing and training in Cleveland. He began working professionally at the age of twelve when he was cast in Pittsburgh Civic Light Opera's production of Bye Bye Birdie, and worked at several other notable regional theatres in the area.  At the age of eighteen, Alex was accepted into University of Michigan's highly selective and prestigious musical theatre program, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts. In NYC, Alex completed the two year Meisner training program at The William Esper Studio, and has studied acting with powerhouse teachers Scott Freeman, Matthew Corozine, and Andrew Stewart-Jones. He has also had the honor of studying voice with Matt Farnsworth and Mike Ruckles.  During his junior year of college, Alex got his Actors' Equity card at the St. Louis MUNY in the first regional production of The Producers, shortly followed by the first Broadway national tour of Legally Blonde upon graduating. Following Blonde, he continued to tour the country with the first national tours of Young Frankenstein and A Christmas Story. Internationally, Alex had the honor of performing at the distinguished Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris as Riff in West Side Story. In New York City, he has performed off-Broadway at the award-winning Irish Repertory Theatre in the first revival of New Girl In Town, as well as in various workshops, readings, and festivals. After performing in Andrew Lippa's opera I Am Harvey Milk at Lincoln Center, Alex was personally selected by Lippa to participate in the out of town try out of his companion operas I Am Anne Hutchinson/I Am Harvey Milk at the Strathmore Arts Center outside of Washington, D.C., starring Kristen Chenoweth. Alex has been seen at some of the country's best regional theatres, including Kansas City Starlight, The MUNY, Ogunquit Playhouse, Berkshire Theatre Festival, Ford's Theatre (Washington, D.C.), and North Shore Music Theatre. Favorite roles regionally include Don Lockwood in Singin' in the Rain, Nick Massi in Jersey Boys, Pharaoh in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, and Ernst in Cabaret.  Alex currently lives on the Upper West Side of Manhattan with his husband, choreographer Billy Griffin, and their dog, Archie. 

Alex Puette (alexpuette.com)(IG:@apuette) currently in Hadestown on Broadway was born and raised in a small town outside of Cleveland, OH, Alex fell in love with performing at a very early age. He made his stage debut in the pivotal role of Frog #1 in a local youth theatre production of Narnia: The Musical. The bug had bitten and Alex continued performing and training in Cleveland. He began working professionally at the age of twelve when he was cast in Pittsburgh Civic Light Opera's production of Bye Bye Birdie, and worked at several other notable regional theatres in the area.  At the age of eighteen, Alex was accepted into University of Michigan's highly selective and prestigious musical theatre program, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts. In NYC, Alex completed the two year Meisner training program at The William Esper Studio, and has studied acting with powerhouse teachers Scott Freeman, Matthew Corozine, and Andrew Stewart-Jones. He has also had the honor of studying voice with Matt Farnsworth and Mike Ruckles.  During his junior year of college, Alex got his Actors' Equity card at the St. Louis MUNY in the first regional production of The Producers, shortly followed by the first Broadway national tour of Legally Blonde upon graduating. Following Blonde, he continued to tour the country with the first national tours of Young Frankenstein and A Christmas Story. Internationally, Alex had the honor of performing at the distinguished Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris as Riff in West Side Story. In New York City, he has performed off-Broadway at the award-winning Irish Repertory Theatre in the first revival of New Girl In Town, as well as in various workshops, readings, and festivals. After performing in Andrew Lippa's opera I Am Harvey Milk at Lincoln Center, Alex was personally selected by Lippa to participate in the out of town try out of his companion operas I Am Anne Hutchinson/I Am Harvey Milk at the Strathmore Arts Center outside of Washington, D.C., starring Kristen Chenoweth. Alex has been seen at some of the country's best regional theatres, including Kansas City Starlight, The MUNY, Ogunquit Playhouse, Berkshire Theatre Festival, Ford's Theatre (Washington, D.C.), and North Shore Music Theatre. Favorite roles regionally include Don Lockwood in Singin' in the Rain, Nick Massi in Jersey Boys, Pharaoh in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, and Ernst in Cabaret.  Alex currently lives on the Upper West Side of Manhattan with his husband, choreographer Billy Griffin, and their dog, Archie. 

Marcus Stevens is a New York based writer, actor and director. He wrote the book and lyrics for the award winning musical, Mythic, along with composer Oran Eldor.  Mythic was a winner of the NAMT Festival and subsequently had successful productions in both London and Montreal. The London production of Mythic also gave birth to an Original Cast Album, produced by Broadway Records. Marcus's professional writing career began by winning the Richard Rodgers Award for Red, which he wrote with composer Bree Lowdermilk. His show Yo, Vikings! with composer Sam Willmott, was featured in the HBO Documentary, Song of Parkland, and has been produced all over North America. Marcus and composer, David Dabbon, were commissioned by the Pittsburgh Civic Light Opera to write the original musical, Game On, which was produced during the CLO's 2019 season. Marcus has developed, directed and contributed material to Theaterworks USA's Dragons Love Tacos and Other Stories, which enjoyed a two-year U.S. tour. His family musical Wake Up, Daisy! with Composer Sam Willmott, will be produced at the Swedish Cottage Marionette Theater in Central Park in the Spring of 2022.  Marcus directed Tony Nominee Josh Young in his concert, Josh Young Sings Andrew Lloyd Webber, which has been performed across the United States. Marcus's acting credits include the off-broadway productions of Forbidden Broadway: Alive and Kicking! and Forbidden Broadway Comes Out Swinging! He's featured on both original cast recordings. He also played the D'Ysquith Family in A Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder at the Florida Rep. Company, and God in An Act of God at the Pittsburgh Public Theater. 

Richard Thomas stars as Ebeneezer Scrooge in the Pittsburgh Civic Light Opera production of "A Musical Christmas Carol," December 17th through 23rd at the Byham Theater. Richard talks about his return, the fine points of portraying Ebeneezer, whether Charles Dickens was writing about his own Father in creating the role, the singing and dancing in the production, and the message he is trying to get across. Richard also discusses his recent work in a new movie with Sandra Bullock, appearing as Atticus Finch in "To Kill a Mocking Bird," the success of FX's "The Americans" and his four seasons with the series until perishing in an accident the script writers evolved.  He also talks about growing up in a dance house in this conversation with Jim Cunningham.

Samantha H. Lucas is based in New York City. Samantha holds a Bachelor of Music in Music Theater Performance, Honors from Baldwin Wallace Conservatory out of Berea, OH. Her education abroad has included both Det Danske Musicalademi-Danish Academy of Musical Theater, and Barefoot Theater in Zambia, Africa. She has had the privilege of singing and performing with the Cleveland Orchestra, The Pittsburgh Civic Light Opera, Front Porch Theatricals, and Tony and Grammy Award-winning, Billy Porter (Pose, Kinky Boots). Samantha has worked with New York Industry and Casting Professionals including Merri Sugarman and Claire Burke—Tara Rubin Casting, Chad Eric Murnane—Binder Casting, Barry Shapiro—Herman & Lipson Casting, Victor Vasquez—X Casting, Duncan Stewart/Luke Schaffer—Stewart, and Whitley Casting. Recently, Samantha finished her Honors Senior Thesis Project: “Resilient,” and has been honored to receive praise from John Caird (Children of Eden), Stephen Schwartz (Children of Eden, Wicked, Pippin), and Michael Cole. “Ambitious women make history.”“A Curious Human ~ Good Vibes Only” Jahir Hipps is a graduate of Baldwin Wallace University. He currently has a Bachelor of Music from the conservatory program at Baldwin Wallace University. He is a singer, actor, and dancer as well as an instrumentalist and composer. Jahir has had the pleasure of working with the Idaho Shakespeare Festival on “The Music Man” & “Julius Caesar”. He has led performances such as “Be More Chill” with Playhouse Square in Cleveland and even done a virtual production of Spring Awakening as Melchior. He is currently on the Broadway National Tour of “RENT” as Mr. Jefferson and the Seasons of Love Soloist, celebrating the show's 25th and final year of touring. Jahir is also an instrumentalist and composer who works toward improving his craft daily. He has multiple projects on the way and plans to keep at it! He is based in New Jersey. Find more of Samantha: Instagram: @samanthahlucas / @samanthahlucas.studio TikTok:@samhlucas Facebook:@samanthahlucasfb YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCerIVKusmjCw0pOzV_KfXqg Website: https://www.samanthahlucas.com/ A Statement from Samantha: [This was created] during lockdown of Covid-19. What story do we want to tell: The narrative of a girl moving through life and experiences that eventually take her out of her head and into spoken word. The lyrics express this idea that we can only trust and live presently - being true to the moment and finding peace in the not knowing of what's to come, allows for this transformative release of any anxiety and worry. Ultimately, making room for gratitude. Other Credit: Mike Schirch - Pineapple Studio (Mixing/Recording) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Created during a time of quarantine in the global Coronavirus pandemic, A Moment Of Your Time's mission is to provide a space for expression, collaboration, community and solidarity. In this time of isolation, we may have to be apart but let's create together.  Follow Us: Instagram | Twitter Created by CurtCo Media Concept by Jenny Curtis Theme music by Chris Porter A CurtCo Media Production See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Host Luisa Lyons chats with Sarah Ellis & Greg Kamp, co-founders of MT Shorts. We chat about the creation of MT Shorts, working with Emmy nominated producer & director Kenneth Ferrone, the personal stories behind Jump, the creation of High School Zoomsical during the early days of the pandemic, and more! Includes an exclusive preview to “All of These Goodbyes” from new short Still Here!  Song CreditsMT Shorts Presents “A Jingle”Music & lyrics: Nat Zegree & Eric Holmes; Arrangements & vocals: Jim Hogan; Vocals: Joey Harrell, Samantha Littleford, Sean Switzer“All of These Goodbyes” from MT Shorts  STILL HEREMusic: Ben Roseberry; Music & lyrics: Ben Roseberry and Chip Klose; Performer: Nathaniel StampleyMT Shorts is a creative platform where musical theatre and short film meet, forging a new medium of storytelling with a mission to bring the voices of an emerging generation of creatives to screen. www.mtshorts.com. Instagram, Facebook, YouTube. Sarah Ellis is an NYC-based actor, concert artist, creator and producer with a passion for community building across the visual and performing arts. Her professional credits span across theatre, film, dance, commercial, and symphony work, NYC new works readings and labs, regionally, including the First National Tour of the Tony-Award Winning “A Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder," and as a frequent guest artist with the Dubuque Symphony Orchestra. She holds a BFA in Musical Theatre from Penn State University where she received the Margaret “Peg” French Undergraduate Award in Theatre. www.meetsarahellis.com. @sarahruthlissGreg Kamp is a performer and producer whose career has spanned stage, screen, and concert venues across the country and internationally. Stage appearances have included the Tony Award Winning Center Theatre Group and Alliance Theatre, Lincoln Center's Avery Fisher Hall, Pittsburgh Civic Light Opera, York Theatre, Feinstein's 54 Below, and The Cincinnati Pops as well as Lifetime, FOX, NBC, and Cartoon Network on the small screen. As a producer, Greg has worked with names and companies such as Rosie O'Donnell, Sara Bareilles, Paul Taylor Dance Company, as well as MT Shorts, the production company for which he Co-Founded. www.gregkamp.com Filmed Live Musicals is the most comprehensive online searchable database for musicals that have been filmed live on stage. Visit www.filmedlivemusicals.com to learn more. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter. You can also support the site at Patreon. Patrons get early access to content, no matter how much you pledge. Filmed Live Musicals is created by Luisa Lyons. Luisa is an Australian actor, writer, and musician. She holds a Masters in Music Theatre from London's Royal Central School of Speech and Drama and now lives, works, and plays in New York. Learn more at www.luisalyons.com or follow on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. Rate this podcast!

Today I welcome back Broadway Vocalist Sally Wilfert. In this episode Sally is Baring It All with Call Me Adam about her theatrical legacy, including her work with the legendary composer William Finn, singing at Congregation Beit Simchat Torah (CBST), lessons learned & so much more! Listen to Part 1 of our interview here! We paid tribute to Sally's best friend, Three-time Tony nominee Rebecca Luker Be sure to catch Sally in her triumphant return to the concert stage this summer! July 10: Broadway Under The Trees at Harmony in the Woods: Click here for tickets! July 18 & 20: How Did I End Up Here? at Feinstein's/54 Below: Click here for tickets! Connect with Sally: Website Facebook Twitter Instagram YouTube Like What You Hear? Join my Patreon Family to get backstage perks including advanced notice of interviews, the ability to submit a question to my guests, behind-the-scene videos, and so much more! Follow me on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram Visit: https://callmeadam.com for more my print/video interviews Special Thanks: My Patreon Family for their continued support: Angelo, Reva and Alan, Marianne, Danielle, Tara, Alex, and The Golden Gays NYC. Join the fun at https://patreon.com/callmeadamnyc. Theme Song by Bobby Cronin (https://bit.ly/2MaADvQ) Podcast Logo by Liam O'Donnell (https://bit.ly/2YNI9CY) Edited by Drew Kaufman (https://bit.ly/2OXqOnw) Outro Music Underscore by CueTique (Website: https://bit.ly/31luGmT, Facebook: @CueTique) More on Sally: Sally Wilfert has appeared on Broadway in the Tony Award-winning production of Assassins, The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, and King David. She toured the country in the first national tour of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. Off-Broadway, Sally's credits include See Rock City, Make Me A Song: The Music of William Finn, The Mistress Cycle, and The Prince & The Pauper. At Carnegie Hall she has appeared in Cole Porter's Jubilee, South Pacific in Concert (starring Reba McEntire), and Sondheim: A Tribute, (all for PBS). Performing with the New York City Ballet at Lincoln Center and Tokyo, she was featured soloist, singing “Somewhere” for their performances of West Side Story Suite. Sally has performed throughout the country, including shows at the La Jolla Playhouse, Cincinnati Playhouse, Baltimore Center Stage, Pittsburgh Civic Light Opera, Barrington Stage, Houston's Theatre Under the Stars (TUTS), Goodspeed Musicals, Northshore Music Theatre, Cap 21, Hartford Theatreworks. She has appeared at The Ensemble Theatre of Cincinnati in Mamma Mia, Chasing Rainbows, Damn Yankees, Kiss Me Kate, The Light in the Piazza, Footloose, When We Met, LMNOP (World Premiere), Little Miss Sunshine (World Premiere), Marry Me A Little, Elegies: A Song Cycle, Les Miserables, The Last Five Years, Amadeus, Into the Woods, & The Threepenny Opera. Sally performed in concert in Rob Kapilow's What Makes it Great, American Songbook's Rebecca Luker, Sally Wilfert: It's Time, William Finn's Songs of Innocence and Experience, Broadway in South Africa, Jeff Blumenkrantz Songbook, New York City Christmas in such venues as 54 Below & NJ Performing Arts Center, Jacob Javits Center, The Allen Room, The Zipper Theatre, Merkin Hall, Symphony Space, Joe's Pub, & Birdland. Her recording credits include One Voice: Natalie Weiss & Sally Wilfert, See Rock City, New York City Christmas, Make Me A Song, Assassins, King David, The Prince & the Pauper, and A Christmas Survival Guide. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mark Fleischer, Executive Producer for Pittsburgh Civic Light Opera, discusses the 75th Anniversary of the company to be celebrated at Heinz Field in a partnerhsip with the Pittsburgh Steelers -- Summer Under the Stars, which includes "The Wizard of Oz" (July 8th throught 10th) and a Gala 75th Celebration (July 21st through 24th) with the CLO Orchestra. Why they've lasted 75 years and why Mark is looking forward to his expanded role talking on responsibilities from Van Kaplan who will retire but remain in a peaceful transition working on special efforts for CLO. The conversation with Jim Cunningham includes a few history personal favorites and a recap of the WQED partnership that presented A Christmas Carol with Richard Thomas in December 2020.

Sally Wilfert & Rebecca Luker were best friends. In celebration of what would have been Rebecca Luker's 60th Birthday (4/17), Sally & I pay tribute to their amazing friendship, their final project together, All The Girls, and much more! After listening to this episode, please consider making a donation to Target ALS, in honor of Rebecca Luker who passed away from ALS on December 23, 2020. Stream All The Girls on Spotify and Amazon Purchase/Download All The Girls on PS Classics and iTunes Connect with Sally: Website Facebook Twitter Instagram YouTube Like What You Hear? Join my Patreon Family to get backstage perks including advanced notice of interviews, the ability to submit a question to my guests, behind-the-scene videos, and so much more! Follow me on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram Visit: https://callmeadam.com for more my print/video interviews Special Thanks: My Patreon Family for their continued support: Angelo, Reva and Alan, Marianne, Danielle, Tara, Alex, and The Golden Gays NYC. Join the fun at https://patreon.com/callmeadamnyc. Theme Song by Bobby Cronin (https://bit.ly/2MaADvQ) Podcast Logo by Liam O'Donnell (https://bit.ly/2YNI9CY) Edited by Drew Kaufman (https://bit.ly/2OXqOnw) Outro Music Underscore by CueTique (Website: https://bit.ly/31luGmT, Facebook: @CueTique) More on Sally: Sally Wilfert has appeared on Broadway in the Tony Award-winning production of Assassins, The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, and King David. She toured the country in the first national tour of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. Off-Broadway, Sally’s credits include See Rock City, Make Me A Song: The Music of William Finn, The Mistress Cycle, and The Prince & The Pauper. At Carnegie Hall she has appeared in Cole Porter’s Jubilee, South Pacific in Concert (starring Reba McEntire), and Sondheim: A Tribute, (all for PBS). Performing with the New York City Ballet at Lincoln Center and Tokyo, she was featured soloist, singing “Somewhere” for their performances of West Side Story Suite. Sally has performed throughout the country, including shows at the La Jolla Playhouse, Cincinnati Playhouse, Baltimore Center Stage, Pittsburgh Civic Light Opera, Barrington Stage, Houston’s Theatre Under the Stars (TUTS), Goodspeed Musicals, Northshore Music Theatre, Cap 21, Hartford Theatreworks. She has appeared at The Ensemble Theatre of Cincinnati in Mamma Mia, Chasing Rainbows, Damn Yankees, Kiss Me Kate, The Light in the Piazza, Footloose, When We Met, LMNOP (World Premiere), Little Miss Sunshine (World Premiere), Marry Me A Little, Elegies: A Song Cycle, Les Miserables, The Last Five Years, Amadeus, Into the Woods, & The Threepenny Opera. Sally performed in concert in Rob Kapilow’s What Makes it Great, American Songbook’s Rebecca Luker, Sally Wilfert: It’s Time, William Finn’s Songs of Innocence and Experience, Broadway in South Africa, Jeff Blumenkrantz Songbook, New York City Christmas in such venues as 54 Below & NJ Performing Arts Center, Jacob Javits Center, The Allen Room, The Zipper Theatre, Merkin Hall, Symphony Space, Joe’s Pub, & Birdland. Her recording credits include One Voice: Natalie Weiss & Sally Wilfert, See Rock City, New York City Christmas, Make Me A Song, Assassins, King David, The Prince & the Pauper, and A Christmas Survival Guide. More on Rebecca: Broadway: "Helen" in Fun Home; Cinderella’s Fairy Godmother; "Winifred" in the original Broadway production of Mary Poppins (Tony Award nomination); "Claudia" in Nine, opposite Antonio Banderas; "Marian Paroo" in The Music Man (Tony, Drama Desk & Outer Critics Circle Award nominations); "Maria" in The Sound of Music (Outer Critics Circle Award nomination); "Magnolia" in Showboat (Tony Award nomination); "Lily" in The Secret Garden (Drama Desk Nomination); "Christine" in The Phantom of the Opera. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week Lacey chats with Mark Fleischer, Executive Director of the Pittsburgh Civic Light Opera (CLO), a 75-year old institution devoted to the preservation and development of musical theater. Join us as Mark describes the development process of the CLO's pandemic Google Doc Musical, Jagoff The Musical. Hear about the $6 million revenue loss of a $12 million institution and what Mark has done to keep the CLO relevant during this time. And get curious about why Mark puts aside an hour a day to dream about the ideal post-pandemic theatrical landscape. PCLO websiteCLOse Ups webpageGoogle Doc musical webpageSongs For A New Year webpageJason Robert Brown, Songs for a New WorldNational Alliance of Musical Theater (NAMT) website___________Get in touch at whiletheapplauseispaused@gmail.comPodcast websiteLacey's InstagramEpisode transcriptCo-Editor: Kelly Gabrielle MurphyKelly's websiteMusic by: Drew WutkeDrew's websiteLogo design by Sarah Kleist, Kleist CreativeSarah's websitePhoto by Billy Bustamante, Billy B PhotographyBilly's website

Mark Fleischer, Executive Producer for Pittsburgh Civic Light Opera, discusses Charles Dickens' Christmas Carol which will be presented on WQED-TV starting December 10th at 7pm starring Richard Thomas who starred as John Boy in the Waltons appearing Pittsburgh as Scrooge, Jeff Howell as Bob Cratchitt, Daniel Frontz as Tiny Time and a large cast of carolers and party guests. Mark talks about the special features of the production and the meaning of the play. He also has the story on the effect of the pandemic on CLO and the big help the company receives from Regional Asset District funding now entering the 26th year.

And we're back! And better than ever with our October Guest Co-Host the brilliant RONA SIDDIQUI she is a composer/lyricist based in NYC. She is a recipient of the Jonathan Larson Grant and Billie Burke Ziegfeld award. She was named one of Broadway Women's Fund's Women to Watch and is currently an MTF Maker. Her show Salaam Medina: Tales of a Halfghan, an autobiographical comedy about growing up bi-ethnic in America, had a reading at Playwrights Horizons (dir. by Raja Feather Kelly). Other musicals include One Good Day, The Tin, and Treasure in NYC. She is the recipient of the ASCAP Foundation Harold Adamson Lyric Award, Mary Rodgers/Lorenz Hart Award and ASCAP Foundation/Max Dreyfus Scholarship. She has written pieces for Wicked's 16th anniversary commemoration Flying Free, 24 Hour Musicals, Prospect Theater Company, The Civilians, NYC Gay Men's Chorus, and 52nd St Project, and has performed concerts of her work at The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts and Feinstein's/54 Below. Original scores include The Vagina Monologues, Middletown and The Good Person of Szechuan. Rona music directed the Off-Broadway Pulitzer Prize-winning A Strange Loop for which she received an Obie along with the cast and creative team (Playwrights Horizons), Bella: An American Tall Tale (Playwrights Horizons), and Who's Your Baghdaddy: Or How I Started the Iraq War (St. Lukes Theatre). She has orchestrated for Broadway Records, Broadway Backwards, NAMT and Pittsburgh Civic Light Opera. www.ronasiddiqui.com Rona brings her light, and laughter to kick off October with Host Aaron Salazar (Award Wining Theatre Director, Featured in the NY TIMES, Producing Artistic Director of Poseidon Theatre Company) we dive into everything from the current state of politics, self-love, the importance of finding your inner joy, and how comedy is key to Rona's style of storytelling. This and so much more. Happy FALL! Follow us on www.instagram.com/4fs_podcast

Jonathan Marc Sherman has been a professional playwright since he was a teenager. At 18 his play, Women and Wallace, was part of the Young Playwrights Festival and directed by James LaPine and then Don Scardino. The play was made for television audiences for PBS-TV's American Playhouse with a cast that included Josh Hamilton, Debra Monk and Cynthia Nixon. Sherman has been writing ever since. (He also has a long list of acting credits which started when he played the Artful Dodger at the Pittsburgh Civic Light Opera). Most recently Sherman wrote the book for The New Group’s production of Bob and Carol Ted and Alice with music and lyrics by Duncan Sheik. Sherman co-founded Malaparte theater company with Josh Hamilton and Ethan Hawke. His work has been presented at The Public Theater, Playwrights Horizons, Williamstown and around the world from Australia to Istanbul to Japan. He has written several pieces for 24 Hour Plays, Viral Monologues including The Conversationalist, the musical Fear of Frying, and Painting  This conversation was recorded May 15, 2020. Produced in part by the Broadway Podcast Network. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Barrett Foa is a series regular on the hit CBS drama, NCIS: Los Angeles (2009). He plays tech operator/surfer "Eric Beale" alongside Chris O'Donnell, LL Cool J and Oscar winner Linda Hunt. Since moving to Los Angeles in January 2009, Foa has been a recurring guest on Entourage (2004) (as Ari's assistant), and the original NCIS (2003) and guest-starred on Numb3rs (2005) and The Closer (2005) opposite Kyra Sedgwick. On Broadway, Foa starred as the leads of both "Avenue Q" (Princeton and Rod) and The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (Leaf Coneybear), and was in the original Broadway cast of "Mamma Mia!". He can be heard as "Jesus" on the 20th anniversary cast recording of "Godspell". He has played leading roles at Playwrights Horizons (where he starred in the world premiere of Adam Bock's play, "The Drunken City", a piece he helped workshop and develop), The Public Theatre, New York Theatre Workshop, The York, and John Houseman, as well as at such reputable regional venues as Hartford Stage and The Shakespeare Theatre, D.C. (starring as "Claudio" in William Shakespeare's "Much Ado About Nothing"), Bay Street Theatre (starring opposite playwright Charles Busch), Paper Mill Playhouse, TheatreWorks in CA, The St. Louis MUNY, North Shore Music Theatre, Pittsburgh Civic Light Opera, Music Theatre of Wichita, Weston Playhouse, and Maine State Music Theatre. Born and raised in New York City, Foa graduated from The Dalton School on Manhattan's Upper East Side. He attended Interlochen Arts Camp for four summers, spent a semester of college at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts, and received his Bachelor of Fine Arts from one of the nation's top musical theatre programs, The University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. He resides in Los Angeles. @barrettfoa  --- 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/confessionsofanactress/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/confessionsofanactress/support

Rob Rokicki is composer/lyricist whose shows have been nominated for Drama Desk, Lortel, and Off-Broadway Alliance awards. He is a member of the Dramatists Guild, Actor's Equity, and an alum of the Tony Award-winning BMI Lehman Engel Musical Theatre Writing workshop. As a writer, Rob wrote the music and lyrics for the critically acclaimed Broadway musical THE LIGHTNING THIEF: THE PERCY JACKSON MUSICAL, for Theatreworks USA (book by Joe Tracz), which is now playing on BROADWAY at the Longacre Theatre until January 5, 2020. Rob’s graphic novel musical MONSTERSONGS received a World Premiere Recording from Broadway Records in 2017 and was part of the prestigious NAMT festival in 2018. It is currently being developed as a virtual reality video game. Rob’s musical, LOVE, NY (co-written with Mike Ruby) won the 2009 American Harmony Award and was presented at New World Stages (NY), Curtain Call (CT), and Oklahoma University. Rob has had work featured in the York's NEO series, at Lincoln Center, Joe's Pub, Ars Nova & at universities internationally.    As an actor, Rob has performed in national tours, including the EVITA 25th Anniversary Tour directed by Hal Prince and MISS SAIGON. Rob was featured in the televised concert of SOUTH PACIFIC at Carnegie Hall and has many Off-Broadway and New York workshop credits. Regional credits include Gaston in BEAUTY AND THE BEAST (received a Carbonell Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor); Trevor Graydon in THOROUGHLY MODERN MILLIE and many others. Theaters include: The Fulton Opera, North Shore Music Theatre, Music Theatre of Wichita, Pittsburgh Civic Light Opera, West Virginia Public Theatre, North Carolina Theatre, The Actors’ Playhouse in Florida and the Mountain Playhouse in Pennsylvania. As a music director, Rob music directed the New York premiere of Departure Lounge (directed by Christopher Gattelli) at The Public Theater; Joe Iconis' ReWrite (also arranged for Samuel French) at The Goodspeed Opera; Hairspray, at the John W. Engeman Theater, The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, at TriArts at Sharon Playhouse and others. Connect with Rob: @rrokicks or www.robertrokicki.com Follow us: PAGE TO STAGE: Instagram or Facebook MARY DINA: Instagram or Twitter BRIAN SEDITA: Instagram or Website BROADWAY PODCAST NETWORK: Website or Instagram #PageToStagePodcast

OBIE and Drama Desk winner Donna Lynne Champlin graduated with high honors from Carnegie Mellon University in 1993. A Princess Grace Foundation award winner and a Presidential Scholar in the Arts, she also received intensive training in Shakespeare and Chekhov at Oxford University on the Advanced Acting Scholarship and The Vira I. Heinz Grant to study abroad. While still in college, she received her Equity card starring as "Dorothy" in The Wizard of Oz with the celebrated Pittsburgh Civic Light Opera. Champlin made her New York Debut in 1994 at Carnegie Hall starring as "May" in a concert version of Very Warm for May under the direction of acclaimed conductor John McGlinn. Her Broadway debut in 2000 as "Mary Jane" in James Joyce's The Dead was quickly followed by another Broadway turn as "Honoria Glossop" in the Alan Ayckbourn/Andrew Lloyd Webber musical By Jeeves in 2001. In 2002, came the opportunity to work with Carol Burnett and Hal Prince in Broadway's Hollywood Arms - the dramatization of Carol's biography One More Time, in which Champlin played the iconic comedienne. Critics across the country proclaimed Champlin a "show-stopping star in the making" and described her performance as "brilliant", "a triumph", and "a tour de force." Next on Broadway, Champlin played "Pirelli" (and the accordion, flute and piano) in the groundbreaking 2005 revival of Sweeney Todd where the press called her both "hilarious" and "superb". She then joined the Broadway company of Billy Elliot as "Lesley" in 2009 and simultaneously self-produced her solo debut CD "Old Friends" which was voted "One of the Best Ten Albums of 2009" and was hailed by critics as "brilliant", "a masterpiece" and "breath taking". She can also be heard on numerous cast albums including See Rock City, Sweeney Todd, By Jeeves, three and My Life With Albertine as well as many voice-overs. Her film credits include Birdman, A Secret Promise, The Audition, The Dark Half, By Jeeves, and Sweet Surrender. And while her TV credits include The Good Wife, Law And Order, Mother's Day, Crazy Ex-Girlfriend, The Annual Tony Awards on CBS, The View (guest star), The Rosie O'Donnell Show, Regis and Kelly and Emily Dickinson of the PBS Voices and Visions series, she is perhaps most well known for her work as the caustic "Kim Gifford' on the hit web-series Submissions Only. Off Broadway, her performance as "Cora Flood" in the 2009 production of The Dark At The Top of the Stairs at The Transport Group (hailed by the NY press as "perfection", "brilliant" and "a privilege to watch"), earned her the prestigious OBIE award. DL went on to win the 2013 Drama Desk Award for her performance as "Woman #3" in Working, The Musical at the Prospect Theatre and the NYMF Award for "Outstanding Performance" for not one but three separate productions including as "Jane Austen" in Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice. Other favorite Off-Broadway credits include "Audrey" opposite Oliver Platt's "Touchstone" in Shakespeare In The Park's As You Like It and "Sophie" in Master Class opposite Edie Falco at the Broadhurst produced by the Metropolitan Opera. Champlin also continues to perform her critically acclaimed one-woman show Finishing The Hat in NYC (SRO at Birdland, Ars Nova and The Laurie Beechman Theatres) and across the country while teaching master classes in acting at many prestigious colleges such as CMU, Hartt and NYU. Also of particular importance to Champlin is her fundraising for three of her favorite charitable organizations, BC-EFA, the ALSA and The Actors' Fund. In addition to being an actress, Donna Lynne also works as a director, writer, stand-up comedienne, pianist, composer, musical director and choreographer. A free-lance writer for Comedy Central, she is currently working on two books; a humorous non-fiction book inspired by her (mis)adventures in the theatre and the other a 'how-to of comedy'. --- 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/confessionsofanactress/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/confessionsofanactress/support

Michael Heitzman is a gifted director and writer, who happens to be one of the funniest humans I know! His eclectic, creative background includes playing baritone horn, singing in his high school chorus and performing in plays and musical theater, his college double major of theater and telecommunications and his post college internship at Mary Tyler Moore Enterprises, as production assistant for television writers and producers. Michael believes that his variety of experiences as actor, musician, dancer, television script writer, even ‘temp' for a head hunter allowed him to speak the multiple languages necessary to direct successful collaborative processes. Michael most recent, critically acclaimed production of 42nd Street at Drury Lane Theater in Chicago, captured his vision of seeing this classic show through a contemporary lens, representing our vibrant melting pot, with ethnic diversity, gritty choreography and creative innovations. Other recent productions Michael has directed include: Legally Blonde, Big River at Sacramento Music Circus, and Beauty and the Beast, Shrek The Musical and Disney's The Little Mermaid at North Shore Music Theater for which he was nominated for seven of Boston's IRNE Awards, including Best Director. Michael will be directing the following upcoming productions: Newsies at California Musical Theater/Sacramento Music Circus and Beauty and the Beast at Pittsburgh Civic Light Opera. For the last 8 years, Michael has been the Resident Director of the Lucille Lortel Awards, celebrating excellence in Off-Broadway productions. He is also the director and co-writer of VICES, which was nominated for 8 Jefferson Awards, including Best Director. A 2009 Dramatist Guild Fellow, he and longtime writing partner Ilene Reid are co-writers of the Grammy-nominated song “Throw That Girl Around” from the Broadway musical “Swing!”  Michael and Ms. Reid are currently working with director/choreographer Josh Rhodes on their new musical “Solana”. Michael and Ilene, along with David Holcenberg, wrote the musical "Bingo", which had a successful off-­Broadway run and continues to have numerous productions both nationally and internationally. You may have previously heard my conversation with Michael's husband, David Holcenberg in episode #6. If you haven't, I encourage you to give it a listen. Links: michaelheitzman.com 42nd Street review: Chris Jones, critic for Chicago Tribune “A Production for the Ages” heitzmanreid.com samuelfrench.com Other Credits: Disney's "Beauty and the Beast" (associate director, Moscow, Paris, Amsterdam) Disney's "The Little Mermaid" (associate director, Paper Mill Playhouse, Pittsburgh CLO, Dallas Summer Musicals, 5th Avenue)

Brush Up Your Marshall because we have three time Tony Award winning director and choreographer, Kathleen Marshall, to discuss all things theatre, dance, and musical theatre history! From an actress in the chorus of the Pittsburgh Civic Light Opera to associate choreographer, from reality TV show judge to Artistic Director, Kathleen has held every job imaginable and is still raring to do more! Her Broadway credits include Kiss Me Kate, Wonderful Town, Grease, Nice Work If You Can Get It, and so many more! Kathleen pulls back the curtain on her career to discuss how she and her brother, Rob, fell in love with the business living in Pittsburgh, PA, what it was like to bring a contemporary lens to Golden Age musicals, and why her first Broadway visit involved strippers and animals chilling in a hotel room. Also, Kathleen shines the spotlight on Michael Blakemore, Hal Prince, Chita Rivera, Graciela Daniele, and Donna Murphy! 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

OBIE and Drama Desk winner Donna Lynne Champlin graduated with high honors from Carnegie Mellon University in 1993. A Princess Grace Foundation award winner and a Presidential Scholar in the Arts, she also received intensive training in Shakespeare and Chekhov at Oxford University on the Advanced Acting Scholarship and The Vira I. Heinz Grant to study abroad. While still in college, she received her Equity card starring as “Dorothy” in The Wizard of Oz with the celebrated Pittsburgh Civic Light Opera. Champlin made her New York Debut in 1994 at Carnegie Hall starring as “May” in a concert version of Very Warm for May under the direction of acclaimed conductor John McGlinn. Her Broadway debut in 2000 as “Mary Jane” in James Joyce’s The Dead was quickly followed by another Broadway turn as “Honoria Glossop” in the Alan Ayckbourn/Andrew Lloyd Webber musical By Jeeves in 2001. In 2002, came the opportunity to work with Carol Burnett and Hal Prince in Broadway’s Hollywood Arms – the dramatization of Carol’s biography One More Time, in which Champlin played the iconic comedienne. Critics across the country proclaimed Champlin a “show-stopping star in the making” and described her performance as “brilliant”, “a triumph”, and “a tour de force.” Next on Broadway, Champlin played “Pirelli” (and the accordion, flute and piano) in the groundbreaking 2005 revival of Sweeney Todd where the press called her both “hilarious” and “superb”. She then joined the Broadway company of Billy Elliot as “Lesley” in 2009 and simultaneously self-produced her solo debut CD “Old Friends” which was voted “One of the Best Ten Albums of 2009” and was hailed by critics as “brilliant”, “a masterpiece” and “breath taking”. She can also be heard on numerous cast albums including See Rock City, Sweeney Todd, By Jeeves, three and My Life With Albertine as well as many voice-overs. Her film credits include Birdman, A Secret Promise, The Audition, The Dark Half, By Jeeves, and Sweet Surrender. And while her TV credits include The Good Wife, Law And Order, Mother’s Day, Crazy Ex-Girlfriend, The Annual Tony Awards on CBS, The View (guest star), The Rosie O’Donnell Show, Regis and Kelly and Emily Dickinson of the PBS Voices and Visions series, she is perhaps most well known for her work as the caustic “Kim Gifford’ on the hit web-series Submissions Only. Off Broadway, her performance as “Cora Flood” in the 2009 production of The Dark At The Top of the Stairs at The Transport Group (hailed by the NY press as “perfection”, “brilliant” and “a privilege to watch”), earned her the prestigious OBIE award. DL went on to win the 2013 Drama Desk Award for her performance as “Woman #3” in Working, The Musical at the Prospect Theatre and the NYMF Award for “Outstanding Performance” for not one but three separate productions including as “Jane Austen” in Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice. Other favorite Off-Broadway credits include “Audrey” opposite Oliver Platt’s “Touchstone” in Shakespeare In The Park’s As You Like It and “Sophie” in Master Class opposite Edie Falco at the Broadhurst produced by the Metropolitan Opera. Champlin also continues to perform her critically acclaimed one-woman show Finishing The Hat in NYC (SRO at Birdland, Ars Nova and The Laurie Beechman Theatres) and across the country while teaching master classes in acting at many prestigious colleges such as CMU, Hartt and NYU. Also of particular importance to Champlin is her fundraising for three of her favorite charitable organizations, BC-EFA, the ALSA and The Actors’ Fund. In addition to being an actress, Donna Lynne also works as a director, writer, stand-up comedienne, pianist, composer, musical director and choreographer. A free-lance writer for Comedy Central, she is currently working on two books; a humorous non-fiction book inspired by her (mis)adventures in the theatre and the other a ‘how-to of comedy’. Donna Lynne lives in New York City with her husband, actor Andrew Arrow and her son, Charlie.   The Drink for Today: Crazy Ex Girl Friend 1 shot Southern Comfort® peach liqueur1/2 ozDe Kuyper Razmatazz Schnapps1 splash pineapples  

Candi and Randy welcome the fantasticly talented Billy Porter to talk about his many careers - as actor, director, writer, recording artist - with the emphasis on artist. Early in his career, Billy won the national talent show Star Search, appeared in several successful Broadway shows (MISS SAIGON, GREASE, FIVE GUYS NAMED MOE  and SMOKEY JOE'S CAFE) and wrote his own one-man shows GHETTO SUPERSTAR and AT THE CORNER OF BROADWAY AND SOUL.  Other plays he has appeared: in TOPDOG/UNDERDOG at City Theatre, JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR and DREAMGIRLS at Pittsburgh Civic Light Opera, and the song cycles MYTHS AND HYMNS and SONGS FOR A NEW WORLD.   His song, "Time" became an overnight hit after being featured on the TV show "So You Think You Can Dance."  In September 2010, Billy appeared as "Belize" in the Signature Theatre Company's 20th Anniversary off-Broadway production of Tony Kushner's ANGELS IN AMERICA.  Billy will be starring in a new Broadway show this coming season, KINKY BOOTS (music by Cyndi Lauper, written by Tony Award winner Harvey Fierstein, directed by Tony Award winner Jerry Mitchell), and is working on his upcoming new CD, "The Standard."

Episode #19: Carolee Carmello wouldn't let me gush about her on the podcast as much as I wanted, so I'm going to have to do it here! Carolee and I met doing a production of Grease at Pittsburgh Civic Light Opera in 1989, and her career since then has been continuously and completely jam-packed with goodies, many of which we didn't even get to discuss!! Broadway shows like Mamma Mia!, Urinetown, and Kiss Me, Kate, which took great advantage of Carolee's ridiculously powerful and versatile voice and great sense of humor. Or Parade, The Scarlet Pimpernel, and this season's Lestat, which let her flex her impressive dramatic leading lady muscles. And let's not forget her brilliant performances in such high-profile Off-Broadway productions as john & jen, Hello Again, Infinite Joy, A Class Act, and Elegies, all of which were recorded, fortunately for us!Add to all that a few more Broadway shows (City of Angels, Falsettos, and 1776), a slew of regional and tour productions (Arthur, Chess, Bells Are Ringing, The King and I, etc.), a TV show (Remember WENN), and a Broadway star husband and two beautiful kids, and you start to realize that Carolee is a true Wonder Woman.In this episode, Carolee sings "My Book", the "Sloth" song from the Audra McDonald song cycle, The Seven Deadly Sins. Clearly meant to be performed in front of a live audience, Carolee gamely rolled with it and chose me for all the audience participation duties. I have to add: given how dense this song is, can you believe that this is literally Carolee's third time singing through it... ever?? DIVA! Recorded 6/5/06.Look for Carolee in the upcoming Broadway by the Year: 1978 concert on June 19th at Town Hall. And you can hear her wonderful performance on the Lestat recording when it's released in July. Don't forget to watch for her (and several other podcast guest divas) on the Tony Awards this Sunday, June 11!