Bryce Pinkham (IG:@thebrycecapades)(TW:@TheBryceCapades) is a Grammy and Tony-nominated American stage and screen actor. He is perhaps best known for originating the role of “Monty Navarro” in the Broadway production of A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder. The performance earned him a Grammy nomination, as well as a Tony nomination for “Best Performance by a Leading Actor in a Musical.” Bryce played this role on Broadway for more than 700 performances, and the show was named “Best Musical of 2014.” Bryce went on to star in the Broadway revival of The Heidi Chronicles as “Peter Patrone,” for which he was nominated for an Outer Critics Circle Award, as well as the Drama League Award for “Distinguished Performance” in 2015. In the fall of 2016, he returned to Broadway, leading the cast of Roundabout Theater and Universal Pictures’s Holiday Inn, performing in the role originally played by Bing Crosby in the classic 1942 movie. Bryce also originated roles in Ghost the Musical and Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson on Broadway. Recent film and television appearances include performances in the Robert DeNiro comedy The Comedian and Baz Lurman’s Netflix drama The Get Down, as well as a regular role in the PBS series Mercy Street. Bryce has also appeared on The Good Wife, Person of Interest, and the PBS miniseries God in America.

In 2012, Bryce was awarded the prestigious Leonore Annenberg Fellowship, which is given to “a limited number of exceptionally talented young dancers, musicians, actors and visual artists as they complete their training and begin their professional life.” In 2012, Bryce and fellow actor Lucas Caleb Rooney co-founded Zara Aina, a nonprofit organization devoted to helping at-risk children expand their capacity for achievement through theatrical performance and storytelling. Lucas and Bryce regularly travel to Madagascar to help empower at-risk students through theatrical storytelling techniques and performance and provide them with much-needed medical and educational assistance. Bryce also performs regularly with the theater company Outside the Wire, which takes performances of Greek tragedy to American military audiences around the world to foster discussion about PTSD and soldier suicide. Bryce is a graduate of the Yale School of Drama and Boston College.

Richard Maltby, Jr. includes among his Broadway credits: Conceived/directed AIN’T MISBEHAVIN’ (1978 Tony, NY Drama Critics, Outer Critics and Drama Desk Awards. Also Tony Award for Best Director); FOSSE (1999 Tony, Outer Critics and Drama Desk Awards). Lyricist: MISS SAIGON (Evening Standard Award 1990, Tony Nomination for Best Score 1991). Director and co-lyricist of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s SONG & DANCE, 1986 (Tony Award for star Bernadette Peters). With composer David Shire: director/lyricist BABY, 1983 (book by Sybille Pearson; seven Tony Award nominations); Lyricist: BIG, 1996 (book by John Weidman. Tony nomination: Best Score).Off-Broadway credits: director/lyricist STARTING HERE, STARTING NOW, 1977 (Grammy Award nomination); CLOSER THAN EVER, 1989 (Outer Critics Circle Awards: Best Musical, Best Score). Contributes devilish crossword puzzles to Harpers Magazine. Son of well-known orchestra leader; married to Janet Brenner; five children: Nicholas, David, Jordan, Emily and Charlotte.

Richard Maltby, Jr. includes among his Broadway credits: Conceived/directed AIN’T MISBEHAVIN’ (1978 Tony, NY Drama Critics, Outer Critics and Drama Desk Awards. Also Tony Award for Best Director); FOSSE (1999 Tony, Outer Critics and Drama Desk Awards). Lyricist: MISS SAIGON (Evening Standard Award 1990, Tony Nomination for Best Score 1991). Director and co-lyricist of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s SONG & DANCE, 1986 (Tony Award for star Bernadette Peters). With composer David Shire: director/lyricist BABY, 1983 (book by Sybille Pearson; seven Tony Award nominations); Lyricist: BIG, 1996 (book by John Weidman. Tony nomination: Best Score).Off-Broadway credits: director/lyricist STARTING HERE, STARTING NOW, 1977 (Grammy Award nomination); CLOSER THAN EVER, 1989 (Outer Critics Circle Awards: Best Musical, Best Score). Contributes devilish crossword puzzles to Harpers Magazine. Son of well-known orchestra leader; married to Janet Brenner; five children: Nicholas, David, Jordan, Emily and Charlotte.

Alan Menken (alanmenken.com)(IG:@alanmenken) is known for his music on stage and screen, he is noted for his multiple works with the Walt Disney company (The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin), as well as Broadway stage musicals Sister Act and Little Shop of Horrors. With eight Academy Awards, Alan has received more Oscars than any living person, and is the recipient of numerous other awards including Golden Globes, Grammys, Drama Desk Awards, and a Tony Award.

Alan Menken (alanmenken.com)(IG:@alanmenken) is known for his music on stage and screen, he is noted for his multiple works with the Walt Disney company (The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin), as well as Broadway stage musicals Sister Act and Little Shop of Horrors. With eight Academy Awards, Alan has received more Oscars than any living person, and is the recipient of numerous other awards including Golden Globes, Grammys, Drama Desk Awards, and a Tony Award.

Lamar Richardson (lamarrichardson.com)(IG:@lamarrichardson_) is an actor and producer born in New Brunswick, N.J., who was raised in Charlotte, N.C. Acting credits include Phylicia Rashad’s production of Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, Weird City, Black Terror, Straight Up, and New Amsterdam. Richardson will make his Broadway debut as co-producer in the upcoming revival of Death of a Salesman at the Hudson Theatre. He is currently producing Afrika Brown’s play The Fight, and has co-founded Ivy Lion Productions, an independent production company that centers underrepresented voices and champions empowering stories. Richardson holds a B.A. from Columbia.

Lamar Richardson (lamarrichardson.com)(IG:@lamarrichardson_) is an actor and producer born in New Brunswick, N.J., who was raised in Charlotte, N.C. Acting credits include Phylicia Rashad’s production of Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, Weird City, Black Terror, Straight Up, and New Amsterdam. Richardson will make his Broadway debut as co-producer in the upcoming revival of Death of a Salesman at the Hudson Theatre. He is currently producing Afrika Brown’s play The Fight, and has co-founded Ivy Lion Productions, an independent production company that centers underrepresented voices and champions empowering stories. Richardson holds a B.A. from Columbia.

Eric Nelsen (IG:@ericnelsenofficial)(buckingbullbourbon.com) is a 4x Emmy Award Winning, Drama Desk Award Winning, Drama League Award Winning and Outer Critic Circle Award Winning actor and producer. His Broadway credits include producing THE INHERITANCE (Laurence Olivier Award Winner - Best New Play) and starring in the cult hit, 13 THE MUSICAL alongside Ariana Grande. He was recently seen on the big screen in NIGHTMARE CINEMA, opposite Academy Award Nominee Mickey Rourke, as well as A WALK AMONG THE TOMBSTONES opposite Academy Award Nominee Liam Neeson. Notable work includes WAKEFIELD starring Bryan Cranston and Jennifer Garner, a recurring role in Showtime’s THE AFFAIR, and starring in the New Group production of THE GOOD MOTHER opposite Gretchen Mol.

Eric Nelsen (IG:@ericnelsenofficial)(buckingbullbourbon.com) is a 4x Emmy Award Winning, Drama Desk Award Winning, Drama League Award Winning and Outer Critic Circle Award Winning actor and producer. His Broadway credits include producing THE INHERITANCE (Laurence Olivier Award Winner - Best New Play) and starring in the cult hit, 13 THE MUSICAL alongside Ariana Grande. He was recently seen on the big screen in NIGHTMARE CINEMA, opposite Academy Award Nominee Mickey Rourke, as well as A WALK AMONG THE TOMBSTONES opposite Academy Award Nominee Liam Neeson. Notable work includes WAKEFIELD starring Bryan Cranston and Jennifer Garner, a recurring role in Showtime’s THE AFFAIR, and starring in the New Group production of THE GOOD MOTHER opposite Gretchen Mol.

Stephen Schwartz (stephenschwartz.com) was born in New York City on March 6, 1948. He studied piano and composition at the Juilliard School of Music while in high school and graduated from Carnegie Mellon University in 1968 with a B.F.A. in Drama. Upon coming back to live in New York City, he went to work as an A&R producer for RCA Records, but shortly thereafter began to work in the Broadway theatre. His first major credit was the title song for the play BUTTERFLIES ARE FREE; the song was eventually used in the movie version as well.

In 1971, he wrote the music and new lyrics for GODSPELL, for which he won two Grammys among other awards. This was followed by the English texts, in collaboration with Leonard Bernstein, for Bernstein’s MASS, which opened the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C. The following year, he wrote the music and lyrics for PIPPIN, and two years later, THE MAGIC SHOW. At one point, GODSPELL, PIPPIN and THE MAGIC SHOW were all running on Broadway simultaneously.

He next wrote the music and lyrics for THE BAKER’S WIFE, followed by a musical version of Studs Terkel’s WORKING, to which he contributed four songs and which he also adapted and directed, winning a Drama Desk Award as best director. He also co-directed the television production, which was presented as part of the PBS “American Playhouse” series.

Other work for the musical theatre includes lyrics to RAGS (music by Charles Strouse), music and lyrics for CHILDREN OF EDEN, and two musicals produced overseas, MIT EVENTYR (MY FAIRY TALE) in Denmark and SCHIKANEDER in Austria.  He has also written songs for two musicals for young audiences, CAPTAIN LOUIE and MY SON, PINOCCHIO.  Compilation revues of his work include SNAPSHOTS and, for Princess Cruise Lines, MAGIC TO DO.

For film, he collaborated with composer Alan Menken on the songs for Disney’s POCAHONTAS, for which he received two Academy Awards and another Grammy, THE HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME, and ENCHANTED. He also provided songs for DreamWorks’ first animated feature, THE PRINCE OF EGYPT, for which he won another Academy Award for the song “When You Believe.”   THE HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME and THE PRINCE OF EGYPT have both been adapted for the stage.

Mr. Schwartz’s most recent stage musical, WICKED, opened in the fall of 2003 and is currently running on Broadway and in several other productions around the world. He received another Grammy for the cast recording, and in 2008, WICKED reached its 1900th performance on Broadway, making Mr. Schwartz the only songwriter in Broadway history ever to have three shows run more than 1900 performances.

His first opera, SEANCE ON A WET AFTERNOON, premiered at Opera Santa Barbara in the fall of 2009 and was subsequently produced by New York City Opera.  His frequently-performed choral works include “Testimony”, based on the It Gets Better Project, “Keramos” and part of the “Tyler Clemente Suite.”  He has also released two singer/songwriter CDs, RELUCTANT PILGRIM and UNCHARTED TERRITORY.

Mr. Schwartz has been awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and inducted into the Theatre Hall of Fame and the Songwriters Hall of Fame.  In 2015, he received the Isabelle Stevenson Tony Award for his humanitarian and mentorship contributions to the theatre.  A book about his career, “Defying Gravity,” has been released by Applause Books.

Under the auspices of the ASCAP Foundation, he has been the artistic director of musical theatre workshops in New York and Los Angeles for over twenty years, as well as conducting workshops for aspiring musical theatre writers and performers in countries around the world, including Australia, Germany, Latvia and Kenya.  He is also a past President and current Council Member of the Dramatists’ Guild.

Stephen Schwartz (stephenschwartz.com) was born in New York City on March 6, 1948. He studied piano and composition at the Juilliard School of Music while in high school and graduated from Carnegie Mellon University in 1968 with a B.F.A. in Drama. Upon coming back to live in New York City, he went to work as an A&R producer for RCA Records, but shortly thereafter began to work in the Broadway theatre. His first major credit was the title song for the play BUTTERFLIES ARE FREE; the song was eventually used in the movie version as well.

In 1971, he wrote the music and new lyrics for GODSPELL, for which he won two Grammys among other awards. This was followed by the English texts, in collaboration with Leonard Bernstein, for Bernstein’s MASS, which opened the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C. The following year, he wrote the music and lyrics for PIPPIN, and two years later, THE MAGIC SHOW. At one point, GODSPELL, PIPPIN and THE MAGIC SHOW were all running on Broadway simultaneously.

He next wrote the music and lyrics for THE BAKER’S WIFE, followed by a musical version of Studs Terkel’s WORKING, to which he contributed four songs and which he also adapted and directed, winning a Drama Desk Award as best director. He also co-directed the television production, which was presented as part of the PBS “American Playhouse” series.

Other work for the musical theatre includes lyrics to RAGS (music by Charles Strouse), music and lyrics for CHILDREN OF EDEN, and two musicals produced overseas, MIT EVENTYR (MY FAIRY TALE) in Denmark and SCHIKANEDER in Austria.  He has also written songs for two musicals for young audiences, CAPTAIN LOUIE and MY SON, PINOCCHIO.  Compilation revues of his work include SNAPSHOTS and, for Princess Cruise Lines, MAGIC TO DO.

For film, he collaborated with composer Alan Menken on the songs for Disney’s POCAHONTAS, for which he received two Academy Awards and another Grammy, THE HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME, and ENCHANTED. He also provided songs for DreamWorks’ first animated feature, THE PRINCE OF EGYPT, for which he won another Academy Award for the song “When You Believe.”   THE HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME and THE PRINCE OF EGYPT have both been adapted for the stage.

Mr. Schwartz’s most recent stage musical, WICKED, opened in the fall of 2003 and is currently running on Broadway and in several other productions around the world. He received another Grammy for the cast recording, and in 2008, WICKED reached its 1900th performance on Broadway, making Mr. Schwartz the only songwriter in Broadway history ever to have three shows run more than 1900 performances.

His first opera, SEANCE ON A WET AFTERNOON, premiered at Opera Santa Barbara in the fall of 2009 and was subsequently produced by New York City Opera.  His frequently-performed choral works include “Testimony”, based on the It Gets Better Project, “Keramos” and part of the “Tyler Clemente Suite.”  He has also released two singer/songwriter CDs, RELUCTANT PILGRIM and UNCHARTED TERRITORY.

Mr. Schwartz has been awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and inducted into the Theatre Hall of Fame and the Songwriters Hall of Fame.  In 2015, he received the Isabelle Stevenson Tony Award for his humanitarian and mentorship contributions to the theatre.  A book about his career, “Defying Gravity,” has been released by Applause Books.

Under the auspices of the ASCAP Foundation, he has been the artistic director of musical theatre workshops in New York and Los Angeles for over twenty years, as well as conducting workshops for aspiring musical theatre writers and performers in countries around the world, including Australia, Germany, Latvia and Kenya.  He is also a past President and current Council Member of the Dramatists’ Guild.

Annabeth Gish (IG:@annabeth_gish)(TW:@annabethgish) who is currently in Succession is a versatile actress who weathered the transition from child actor to adult, with a variety of dramatic and comedic roles on film and television. Anne Elizabeth Gish was born on March 13, 1971 in Albuquerque, New Mexico and moved with her family to Cedar Falls, at the age of two. Her parents were both teachers; her father, Robert Gish, was an English professor at the University of Northern Iowa, her mother, Judy, taught at Malcolm Price Laboratory School. Performing in community theater productions throughout her childhood, Gish began her professional acting career, at the age of eight, by appearing in a number of commercials. She made her screen debut, at the age of 13, in the teen film, Desert Bloom (1986), opposite Jon Voight, and, in following years, has found success in film and television. Gish starred in the films, Hiding Out (1987), with Jon Cryer, Mystic Pizza (1988), with Julia Roberts, and on Shag(1988), opposite Phoebe Cates and Bridget Fonda. She also played the lead role, as rape victim "Lyn McKenna", in the TV movie, When He's Not a Stranger (1989). Gish went on to graduate from Cedar Falls' Northern University High School in 1989. In addition to acting, Gish took time to focus on her academic career and attended Duke University. Studying English as well as theater, she graduated with honors, in 1993, with a BA in English. Gish returned to screens in the mid-1990s, with appearances in supporting roles, in films Wyatt Earp (1994), The Last Supper (1995) and critical praise biopic, Nixon (1995). The next year, Gish appeared in the ensemble cast movie, Beautiful Girls (1996). On television, Gish played the younger sister of Dana Delany's character in True Women(1997), a epic miniseries, based on the best seller novel by Janice Woods Windle. Her other credits include the miniseries, Scarlett (1994), the short-lived Patricia Wettig's drama series Courthouse (1995), the box office bomb superhero film, Steel (1997), a supporting role on Ashley Judd's success thriller, Double Jeopardy (1999), and several other independent films. Most recently, Gish played "Special Agent Monica Reyes" on the cult series, The X-Files(1993) (2001-2002), for which she was nominated for a Saturn Award for Best Supporting Actress on Television. She also starred in the Showtime drama, Brotherhood(2006) (2006-2008) and appeared in recurring roles on The West Wing (1999) (2003-2006), Flashforward (2009) (2010), Pretty Little Liars (2010) (2011-2012) and CSI: Crime Scene Investigation (2000) (2011-2012). In 2012, she starred on the ABC drama series, Americana (2012), as Ashley Greene's character's mother.

Annabeth Gish (IG:@annabeth_gish)(TW:@annabethgish) who is currently in Succession is a versatile actress who weathered the transition from child actor to adult, with a variety of dramatic and comedic roles on film and television. Anne Elizabeth Gish was born on March 13, 1971 in Albuquerque, New Mexico and moved with her family to Cedar Falls, at the age of two. Her parents were both teachers; her father, Robert Gish, was an English professor at the University of Northern Iowa, her mother, Judy, taught at Malcolm Price Laboratory School. Performing in community theater productions throughout her childhood, Gish began her professional acting career, at the age of eight, by appearing in a number of commercials. She made her screen debut, at the age of 13, in the teen film, Desert Bloom (1986), opposite Jon Voight, and, in following years, has found success in film and television. Gish starred in the films, Hiding Out (1987), with Jon Cryer, Mystic Pizza (1988), with Julia Roberts, and on Shag(1988), opposite Phoebe Cates and Bridget Fonda. She also played the lead role, as rape victim "Lyn McKenna", in the TV movie, When He's Not a Stranger (1989). Gish went on to graduate from Cedar Falls' Northern University High School in 1989. In addition to acting, Gish took time to focus on her academic career and attended Duke University. Studying English as well as theater, she graduated with honors, in 1993, with a BA in English. Gish returned to screens in the mid-1990s, with appearances in supporting roles, in films Wyatt Earp (1994), The Last Supper (1995) and critical praise biopic, Nixon (1995). The next year, Gish appeared in the ensemble cast movie, Beautiful Girls (1996). On television, Gish played the younger sister of Dana Delany's character in True Women(1997), a epic miniseries, based on the best seller novel by Janice Woods Windle. Her other credits include the miniseries, Scarlett (1994), the short-lived Patricia Wettig's drama series Courthouse (1995), the box office bomb superhero film, Steel (1997), a supporting role on Ashley Judd's success thriller, Double Jeopardy (1999), and several other independent films. Most recently, Gish played "Special Agent Monica Reyes" on the cult series, The X-Files(1993) (2001-2002), for which she was nominated for a Saturn Award for Best Supporting Actress on Television. She also starred in the Showtime drama, Brotherhood(2006) (2006-2008) and appeared in recurring roles on The West Wing (1999) (2003-2006), Flashforward (2009) (2010), Pretty Little Liars (2010) (2011-2012) and CSI: Crime Scene Investigation (2000) (2011-2012). In 2012, she starred on the ABC drama series, Americana (2012), as Ashley Greene's character's mother.

Celia Keenan-Bolger (IG:@celiakb)(TW:@celiakb) is currently in The Gilded Age on HBO. She was born on January 26, 1978 in Detroit, Michigan and is a Tony Award winner and Broadway favorite. Celia Keenan-Bolger will return to To Kill a Mockingbird at the Shubert Theatre from October 5, 2021.

Keenan-Bolger trained at both the Mosaic Youth Theatre of Detroit and the Detroit School of Arts and graduated from the University of Michigan with a BFA in musical theatre. She began her stage career in regional theatres such as the Goodman Theatre in Chicago and Theatre Works in Silicon Valley, and she made her Off-Broadway debut as Aggie in Summer of '42 in December 2001.

During the Kennedy Center's Sondheim Celebration in 2002, she starred as Johanna in Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, and she would then perform again off Broadway in January 2003 in Second Stage Theatre's production of Michael John LaChiusa's Little Fish. Also in 2003, she would originate the role of Clara Johnson in the celebrated musical The Light in the Piazza at both Seattle's Intiman Theatre and Chicago's Goodman Theatre.

She originated the role of Olive Ostrovsky in William Finn and Rachel Sheinkin's The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee at the Barrington Stage Company in the summer of 2004, reprised her performance off Broadway at Second Stage Theatre in January 2005, and did so again on Broadway, marking her Broadway debut in April 2005. She was nominated for her first Tony Award for her performance as Olive and received a Theatre World Award and a Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Ensemble Performance. She remained with the production until September 17, 2006. Her next Broadway venture would be to originate the role of Éponine in the 2006 revival of Les Misérables, playing the role from October 2006 to January 2008, earning a Drama Desk nomination in 2007.

Keenan-Bolger returned off Broadway for her next productions, starring as Mary in the musical Saved at Playwrights Horizons from May to June 2008, as Katie in Bachelorette for Second Stage Theatre from July to August 2010, and as Jenny Bridges in A Small Fire from December 2010 to January 2011, once again at Playwrights Horizons. She then landed the role of Molly in New York Theatre Workshop's acclaimed production of Peter and the Starcatcher, which played the Off-Broadway venue from February to April 2011, resulting in yet another Drama Desk Award nomination, and transferred to Broadway in March 2012, leading to her second Tony Award nomination. Ahead of the Broadway premiere, Keenan-Bolger also starred as Mary Flynn in New York City Center's Encores! production of Sondheim's Merrily We Roll Along in February 2012.

In the fall of 2013, she took on the role of Laura Wingfield in the Broadway revival of Tennessee Williams' The Glass Menagerie from September 2013 to February 2014. She garnered great acclaim for her performance, winning a Drama Desk Award, earning her third Tony Award nomination, and receiving the Theatre World Dorothy Loudon Award for Excellence in 2014.

Keenan-Bolger followed this performance with her Lincoln Center Theater debut, starring as Mother in an Off-Broadway production of Sarah Ruhl's The Oldest Boy from October to December 2014. She was next seen on Broadway as Varya, opposite Diane Lane, in Roundabout Theatre Company's 2016 revival of Chekhov's The Cherry Orchard, and she was last seen off Broadway in Second Stage Theatre's 2017 production of A Parallelogram. 

Keenan-Bolger returned to Broadway on November 1, 2018, taking on the role of Scout in Aaron Sorkin's new stage adaptation of the classic Harper Lee novel To Kill a Mockingbird. She won her first Tony Award in the category of Best Performance By An Actress In A Featured Role In A Play for her portrayal, and she ended her year-long run in the production on November 3, 2019. She leads the reopening cast of the play once more starting in October 2021.

Although primarily known for her career on stage, Ms. Keenan-Bolger has also appeared in a number of high-profile television shows over the years, including Law & Order (2007), Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (2014), Nurse Jackie (2014), The Good Wife (2015), Elementary (2015), Good Behavior (2016), Blue Bloods (2017), NCIS: New Orleans (2017), and Bull (2018). Her film credits include Mariachi Gringo (2012), The Visit (2015), Breakable You (2017), and Diane (2018).

Celia Keenan-Bolger (IG:@celiakb)(TW:@celiakb) is currently in The Gilded Age on HBO. She was born on January 26, 1978 in Detroit, Michigan and is a Tony Award winner and Broadway favorite. Celia Keenan-Bolger will return to To Kill a Mockingbird at the Shubert Theatre from October 5, 2021.

Keenan-Bolger trained at both the Mosaic Youth Theatre of Detroit and the Detroit School of Arts and graduated from the University of Michigan with a BFA in musical theatre. She began her stage career in regional theatres such as the Goodman Theatre in Chicago and Theatre Works in Silicon Valley, and she made her Off-Broadway debut as Aggie in Summer of '42 in December 2001.

During the Kennedy Center's Sondheim Celebration in 2002, she starred as Johanna in Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, and she would then perform again off Broadway in January 2003 in Second Stage Theatre's production of Michael John LaChiusa's Little Fish. Also in 2003, she would originate the role of Clara Johnson in the celebrated musical The Light in the Piazza at both Seattle's Intiman Theatre and Chicago's Goodman Theatre.

She originated the role of Olive Ostrovsky in William Finn and Rachel Sheinkin's The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee at the Barrington Stage Company in the summer of 2004, reprised her performance off Broadway at Second Stage Theatre in January 2005, and did so again on Broadway, marking her Broadway debut in April 2005. She was nominated for her first Tony Award for her performance as Olive and received a Theatre World Award and a Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Ensemble Performance. She remained with the production until September 17, 2006. Her next Broadway venture would be to originate the role of Éponine in the 2006 revival of Les Misérables, playing the role from October 2006 to January 2008, earning a Drama Desk nomination in 2007.

Keenan-Bolger returned off Broadway for her next productions, starring as Mary in the musical Saved at Playwrights Horizons from May to June 2008, as Katie in Bachelorette for Second Stage Theatre from July to August 2010, and as Jenny Bridges in A Small Fire from December 2010 to January 2011, once again at Playwrights Horizons. She then landed the role of Molly in New York Theatre Workshop's acclaimed production of Peter and the Starcatcher, which played the Off-Broadway venue from February to April 2011, resulting in yet another Drama Desk Award nomination, and transferred to Broadway in March 2012, leading to her second Tony Award nomination. Ahead of the Broadway premiere, Keenan-Bolger also starred as Mary Flynn in New York City Center's Encores! production of Sondheim's Merrily We Roll Along in February 2012.

In the fall of 2013, she took on the role of Laura Wingfield in the Broadway revival of Tennessee Williams' The Glass Menagerie from September 2013 to February 2014. She garnered great acclaim for her performance, winning a Drama Desk Award, earning her third Tony Award nomination, and receiving the Theatre World Dorothy Loudon Award for Excellence in 2014.

Keenan-Bolger followed this performance with her Lincoln Center Theater debut, starring as Mother in an Off-Broadway production of Sarah Ruhl's The Oldest Boy from October to December 2014. She was next seen on Broadway as Varya, opposite Diane Lane, in Roundabout Theatre Company's 2016 revival of Chekhov's The Cherry Orchard, and she was last seen off Broadway in Second Stage Theatre's 2017 production of A Parallelogram. 

Keenan-Bolger returned to Broadway on November 1, 2018, taking on the role of Scout in Aaron Sorkin's new stage adaptation of the classic Harper Lee novel To Kill a Mockingbird. She won her first Tony Award in the category of Best Performance By An Actress In A Featured Role In A Play for her portrayal, and she ended her year-long run in the production on November 3, 2019. She leads the reopening cast of the play once more starting in October 2021.

Although primarily known for her career on stage, Ms. Keenan-Bolger has also appeared in a number of high-profile television shows over the years, including Law & Order (2007), Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (2014), Nurse Jackie (2014), The Good Wife (2015), Elementary (2015), Good Behavior (2016), Blue Bloods (2017), NCIS: New Orleans (2017), and Bull (2018). Her film credits include Mariachi Gringo (2012), The Visit (2015), Breakable You (2017), and Diane (2018).

Jared Mezzocchi (jaredmezzocchi.com)(TW:@JaredMezzocchi) is an two-time Obie Award-winning theater artist, working most notably as a director and multimedia designer. Mezzocchi’s work has appeared at theaters nationwide, including the Kennedy Center, the Geffen Playhouse, Vineyard Theater, Arena Stage, Woolly Mammoth (company member), Milwaukee Rep, South Coast Rep, Portland Centerstage, and many more. In 2016, he received an Obie, Lucille Lortel and Henry Hewes Award for his work in Qui Nguyen’s “Vietgone” at the Manhattan Theatre club. In 2020, the New York Times spotlighted his multimedia innovations during the pandemic alongside the work of four other theater artists, including Andrew Lloyd Webber and Paula Vogel. His work on Sarah Gancher’s digital premiere of “Russian Troll Farm” (co-director & multimedia designer, and second Obie) was also celebrated as a New York Times critic pick, and praised for being one of the first digitally native successes for virtual theater. Mezzocchi is a two-time Macdowell Artist Fellow, a 2012 Princess Grace Award winner, and is an Associate Professor at The University of Maryland, where he teaches in the MFA Design program for the projection and multimedia track. He grew up in New Hampshire, and returns every summer to serve as Producing Artistic Director of Andy's Summer Playhouse, an innovative children’s theater producing original work by professional artists from across the country. 

Jared Mezzocchi (jaredmezzocchi.com)(TW:@JaredMezzocchi) is an two-time Obie Award-winning theater artist, working most notably as a director and multimedia designer. Mezzocchi’s work has appeared at theaters nationwide, including the Kennedy Center, the Geffen Playhouse, Vineyard Theater, Arena Stage, Woolly Mammoth (company member), Milwaukee Rep, South Coast Rep, Portland Centerstage, and many more. In 2016, he received an Obie, Lucille Lortel and Henry Hewes Award for his work in Qui Nguyen’s “Vietgone” at the Manhattan Theatre club. In 2020, the New York Times spotlighted his multimedia innovations during the pandemic alongside the work of four other theater artists, including Andrew Lloyd Webber and Paula Vogel. His work on Sarah Gancher’s digital premiere of “Russian Troll Farm” (co-director & multimedia designer, and second Obie) was also celebrated as a New York Times critic pick, and praised for being one of the first digitally native successes for virtual theater. Mezzocchi is a two-time Macdowell Artist Fellow, a 2012 Princess Grace Award winner, and is an Associate Professor at The University of Maryland, where he teaches in the MFA Design program for the projection and multimedia track. He grew up in New Hampshire, and returns every summer to serve as Producing Artistic Director of Andy's Summer Playhouse, an innovative children’s theater producing original work by professional artists from across the country. 

Keith Sherman (ksa-pr.com)(IG:@keithshermanassociates)(heliclinefineart.com) provides diversified public relations and marketing communications services to entertainment, lifestyles, special events, corporate and not-for-profit clients. From his roots on Broadway, Keith has built a distinguished reputation for over 20 years among the leaders of Fortune 500 companies, entrepreneurs, producers, studio executives, celebrities, and artists for executing effective campaigns and consistently exceeding his clients’ goals. Keith is a hands-on agency distinguished by smart strategic thinking, proactive effort, integrity, personal attention, and a passionate drive to deliver excellent results for the clients we represent.

Keith Sherman (ksa-pr.com)(IG:@keithshermanassociates)(heliclinefineart.com) provides diversified public relations and marketing communications services to entertainment, lifestyles, special events, corporate and not-for-profit clients. From his roots on Broadway, Keith has built a distinguished reputation for over 20 years among the leaders of Fortune 500 companies, entrepreneurs, producers, studio executives, celebrities, and artists for executing effective campaigns and consistently exceeding his clients’ goals. Keith is a hands-on agency distinguished by smart strategic thinking, proactive effort, integrity, personal attention, and a passionate drive to deliver excellent results for the clients we represent.

Rick Elice co-wrote Jersey Boys (winner 2006 Tony Award, 2007 Grammy Award and 2009 Olivier Award for Best Musical) with the great Marshall Brickman; The Addams Family; Peter and the Starcatcher (winner of five 2012 Tony Awards); and The Cher Show (currently on tour in the UK). In the pipeline: The Princess Bride for Disney; Smash for Robert Greenblatt, Neil Meron and Steven Spielberg, music and lyrics by Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman, directed by Susan Stroman. Rick is also adapting Sara Gruen’s novel Water for Elephants; the popular film, Silver Linings Playbook; and writing an original musical, Treasure, with 2021 Ed Kleban Award-winner Benjamin Scheuer. Rick’s book, Finding Roger, An Improbably Theatrical Love Story, is published by Kingswell. Heartfelt thanks to those whose theatre work makes him grateful for the day he was born: Sondheim, Stoppard, Bennett, Prince, Fosse, Robbins, Nichols, Nunn, Laurents, Stone, Taymor, Papp, Schumacher, Schneider, David, Strong, Gaudio, Valli, McAnuff, Trujillo, Timbers, Coyne, Brickman, and, eternally, Roger Rees. Rick thinks about them a lot. He never thought about Jersey much. He does now.

Rick Elice co-wrote Jersey Boys (winner 2006 Tony Award, 2007 Grammy Award and 2009 Olivier Award for Best Musical) with the great Marshall Brickman; The Addams Family; Peter and the Starcatcher (winner of five 2012 Tony Awards); and The Cher Show (currently on tour in the UK). In the pipeline: The Princess Bride for Disney; Smash for Robert Greenblatt, Neil Meron and Steven Spielberg, music and lyrics by Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman, directed by Susan Stroman. Rick is also adapting Sara Gruen’s novel Water for Elephants; the popular film, Silver Linings Playbook; and writing an original musical, Treasure, with 2021 Ed Kleban Award-winner Benjamin Scheuer. Rick’s book, Finding Roger, An Improbably Theatrical Love Story, is published by Kingswell. Heartfelt thanks to those whose theatre work makes him grateful for the day he was born: Sondheim, Stoppard, Bennett, Prince, Fosse, Robbins, Nichols, Nunn, Laurents, Stone, Taymor, Papp, Schumacher, Schneider, David, Strong, Gaudio, Valli, McAnuff, Trujillo, Timbers, Coyne, Brickman, and, eternally, Roger Rees. Rick thinks about them a lot. He never thought about Jersey much. He does now.

Alex Joseph Grayson (alexjosephgrayson.com)(IG:@alexjgsings) currently in Parade on Broadway is an actor and musician from Watertown, NY.  He accredits his eclectic artistic influences to a nomadic upbringing as a military brat. Over the last decade, Alex has performed on the biggest stages of the American theatre, including Broadway, National Tours, and several Regional theaters.  Alex previously acted as lead vocalist of the metal band “Ten Thousand Pounds.” 

Alex Joseph Grayson (alexjosephgrayson.com)(IG:@alexjgsings) currently in Parade on Broadway is an actor and musician from Watertown, NY.  He accredits his eclectic artistic influences to a nomadic upbringing as a military brat. Over the last decade, Alex has performed on the biggest stages of the American theatre, including Broadway, National Tours, and several Regional theaters.  Alex previously acted as lead vocalist of the metal band “Ten Thousand Pounds.” 

Paul Alexander Nolan (paulalexandernolan.com)(IG:@paulalexandernolan) who is currently in Parade The Musical on Broadway, is originally from Canada, where much of his career has been spent as a company member of the Stratford Festival. Since moving to New York he’s led seven Broadway productions including Jesus Christ Superstar; Once; Doctor Zhivago; Bright Star; Chicago; Escape to Margaritaville and Slave Play. He originated the role of Jim in Slave Play at NYTW, on Broadway and at The Taper in Los Angeles. TV credits include The Code; Madam Secretary and Instinct for CBS. Paul is currently collaborating on a concept album about isolation entitled T+L. 

Paul Alexander Nolan (paulalexandernolan.com)(IG:@paulalexandernolan) who is currently in Parade The Musical on Broadway, is originally from Canada, where much of his career has been spent as a company member of the Stratford Festival. Since moving to New York he’s led seven Broadway productions including Jesus Christ Superstar; Once; Doctor Zhivago; Bright Star; Chicago; Escape to Margaritaville and Slave Play. He originated the role of Jim in Slave Play at NYTW, on Broadway and at The Taper in Los Angeles. TV credits include The Code; Madam Secretary and Instinct for CBS. Paul is currently collaborating on a concept album about isolation entitled T+L. 

Jessica Ryan (IG:@jessicaryannyla)(LI:@jessicaryannyla)(alltogethernow.live)(broadwayunlocked.com) is an award-winning “wacky genius” at the intersection of technology and live experiences. She has been the go-to Broadcast Director for Broadway's live simulcasts since 2013, including Between Riverside and Crazy starring Common, Clyde's starring Uzo Aduba, Maestra's Amplify concert, hosted by Kate Baldwin, Freestyle Love Supreme+ Live at the Waldorf and Broadway Unlocked's The #Giveback Concert. She brings an extensive theatrical experience to her digital work in the arts, including sharing the stage with Donna McKechnie, Everett Quinton (Ridiculous Theatre Company), Christianne Noll, Paige Davis, Jeff Still and more. Her groundbreaking work has been featured at Talks at Google, The New York Times and Deadline and is at the root of her company, All Together Now. The Live Digital and Immersive Studio brings Jess's wealth of creative experience and strategy for livestreams to brands, via branded content, direct to consumer sports & entertainment, employee engagement and social impact events for companies like Smithsonian Magazine, EY, Columbia Business School, NYCLU & more. Passionate about bridging the gap between entertainment and entrepreneurship, she frequently hosts and moderates conferences and conversations for purpose and passion-led companies. Partners include 3BL Media, Seenit, Badassery, Idealist and her podcast Take Me To Coffee with Hamilton’s Andrew Call. Jess also actively supports the work of several non-profits that provide services and access for marginalized communities including Crime Victims Treatment Center, Ring of Keys, Scholarship Plus, Maestra and Arts Workers United.

Jessica Ryan (IG:@jessicaryannyla)(LI:@jessicaryannyla)(alltogethernow.live)(broadwayunlocked.com) is an award-winning “wacky genius” at the intersection of technology and live experiences. She has been the go-to Broadcast Director for Broadway's live simulcasts since 2013, including Between Riverside and Crazy starring Common, Clyde's starring Uzo Aduba, Maestra's Amplify concert, hosted by Kate Baldwin, Freestyle Love Supreme+ Live at the Waldorf and Broadway Unlocked's The #Giveback Concert. She brings an extensive theatrical experience to her digital work in the arts, including sharing the stage with Donna McKechnie, Everett Quinton (Ridiculous Theatre Company), Christianne Noll, Paige Davis, Jeff Still and more. Her groundbreaking work has been featured at Talks at Google, The New York Times and Deadline and is at the root of her company, All Together Now. The Live Digital and Immersive Studio brings Jess's wealth of creative experience and strategy for livestreams to brands, via branded content, direct to consumer sports & entertainment, employee engagement and social impact events for companies like Smithsonian Magazine, EY, Columbia Business School, NYCLU & more. Passionate about bridging the gap between entertainment and entrepreneurship, she frequently hosts and moderates conferences and conversations for purpose and passion-led companies. Partners include 3BL Media, Seenit, Badassery, Idealist and her podcast Take Me To Coffee with Hamilton’s Andrew Call. Jess also actively supports the work of several non-profits that provide services and access for marginalized communities including Crime Victims Treatment Center, Ring of Keys, Scholarship Plus, Maestra and Arts Workers United.

Tom Gabbard (blumenthalarts.org)(IG:@tomgabbard) has been CEO of Blumenthal Performing Arts since 2003. The Blumenthal’s 110 employees manage six theaters in Charlotte, hosting over 1,000 performances annually, as well as extensive education programs, immersive projects, and the Charlotte International Arts Festival. During his tenure, the Blumenthal became a Top 10 market for touring Broadway shows in North America.  

A member of the Board of Governors of the Broadway League, he serves on the Legislative Council and Finance and Intra-Industry Committees. He has been a voter for Broadway’s Tony Awards since 1997. In 2022, the League awarded Tom with Lifetime Tony Award Voter status.  In 2012 the League awarded him the Samuel J. L'Hommedieu Award for Outstanding Achievement in Presenter Management. 

He serves as co-chair of The Jimmy Awards, the National High School Musical Theatre Awards held annually on Broadway.

Tom is a Past President of the Independent Presenters Network (IPN), a consortium of 40 leading touring Broadway presenters in North America, Asia, and the UK. Tony Awards as a co-producer/investor include Monty Python’s Spamalot, Thoroughly Modern Millie, La Cage aux Folles, RED, Pippin, Kinky Boots, The Color Purple Revival, Hello Dolly, Dear Evan Hansen, The Band’s Visit, Oklahoma!, Hadestown, A Strange Loop, and Lehman Trilogy.

Other Broadway, Off-Broadway, national tour and London West End credits include Moulin Rouge, Ain’t Too Proud, David Byrne’s American Utopia, Death of a Salesman, Tootsie, Legally Blonde, Frost/Nixon, Matilda, Cinderella, Jagged Little Pill, Something Rotten, An American in Paris, Waitress, The Broadway Museum, and Back to the Future. He produced the New York run and the national tour of TRACES, and the national tour of 9 to 5. Tom is a leader in developing partnerships between the UK and US, working on over 25 UK/US transfers and London productions. 

He was the Founding Managing Director of Pepperdine University’s Center for the Arts in Malibu, the Executive Director of the Arvada Center for the Arts and Humanities in Denver, and the Weidner Center for the Performing Arts in Green Bay. He holds an MBA in Arts Management from Golden Gate University and a BA in Music Performance from Pepperdine University where he also attended Law School.

Tom Gabbard (blumenthalarts.org)(IG:@tomgabbard) has been CEO of Blumenthal Performing Arts since 2003. The Blumenthal’s 110 employees manage six theaters in Charlotte, hosting over 1,000 performances annually, as well as extensive education programs, immersive projects, and the Charlotte International Arts Festival. During his tenure, the Blumenthal became a Top 10 market for touring Broadway shows in North America.  

A member of the Board of Governors of the Broadway League, he serves on the Legislative Council and Finance and Intra-Industry Committees. He has been a voter for Broadway’s Tony Awards since 1997. In 2022, the League awarded Tom with Lifetime Tony Award Voter status.  In 2012 the League awarded him the Samuel J. L'Hommedieu Award for Outstanding Achievement in Presenter Management. 

He serves as co-chair of The Jimmy Awards, the National High School Musical Theatre Awards held annually on Broadway.

Tom is a Past President of the Independent Presenters Network (IPN), a consortium of 40 leading touring Broadway presenters in North America, Asia, and the UK. Tony Awards as a co-producer/investor include Monty Python’s Spamalot, Thoroughly Modern Millie, La Cage aux Folles, RED, Pippin, Kinky Boots, The Color Purple Revival, Hello Dolly, Dear Evan Hansen, The Band’s Visit, Oklahoma!, Hadestown, A Strange Loop, and Lehman Trilogy.

Other Broadway, Off-Broadway, national tour and London West End credits include Moulin Rouge, Ain’t Too Proud, David Byrne’s American Utopia, Death of a Salesman, Tootsie, Legally Blonde, Frost/Nixon, Matilda, Cinderella, Jagged Little Pill, Something Rotten, An American in Paris, Waitress, The Broadway Museum, and Back to the Future. He produced the New York run and the national tour of TRACES, and the national tour of 9 to 5. Tom is a leader in developing partnerships between the UK and US, working on over 25 UK/US transfers and London productions. 

He was the Founding Managing Director of Pepperdine University’s Center for the Arts in Malibu, the Executive Director of the Arvada Center for the Arts and Humanities in Denver, and the Weidner Center for the Performing Arts in Green Bay. He holds an MBA in Arts Management from Golden Gate University and a BA in Music Performance from Pepperdine University where he also attended Law School.

Andy Einhorn (LI:@andy-einhorn) has directed concerts with the Boston Pops, Cincinnati Pops Orchestra, Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra, National Arts Centre Orchestra, and the National Symphony Orchestra. He has worked as the Music Supervisor and Musical Director for the Broadway productions of Carousel and Hello Dolly!  Einhorn’s previous Broadway credits include Holiday Inn, Woody Allen’s Bullets Over Broadway, Rodgers + Hammerstein’s Cinderella, Evita, Brief Encounter, The Light in the Piazza, and Sondheim on Sondheim. He recently served as music director and conductor for the Châtelet Theatre’s production of Sondheim’s Passion in Paris and Einhorn made his New York Philharmonic debut with world-renowned trumpeter Chris Botti.

Since 2011 Einhorn has served as music director and pianist for Six-Time Tony Award Winner, Audra McDonald, performing with her at such prestigious orchestras and venues including The Philadelphia Orchestra, San Francisco Symphony, National Symphony Orchestra, Los Angeles Opera, Avery Fisher Hall, Carnegie Hall, Walt Disney Concert Hall and Teatro Real, Madrid. They recently recorded performances for an upcoming telecast with the Sydney Symphony at the Sydney Opera House in Australia. Einhorn has also music directed for Barbara Cook at Feinstein’s and Toronto’s Royal Conservatory of Music.

His tour work includes Sweeney Todd, The Light in the Piazza, Mamma Mia!, and The Lion King. Einhorn’s work can be heard on the current touring production of Rodgers & Hammerstein’s The Sound of Music. Einhorn has worked at Goodspeed Opera House, Signature Theatre, Oregon Shakespeare Festival and PaperMill Playhouse. He was principal vocal coach and pianist for Houston Grand Opera’s An Evening with Audra McDonald, a double-bill of Poulenc’s La Voix Humaine and LaChiusa’s Send.

Recording credits include Bullets Over Broadway, Cinderella, Evita, Sondheim on Sondheim (Grammy Nom) Stage Door Canteen and McDonald’s newest release, Go Back Home. He served as the music director for HBO’s Peabody Award winning documentary Six by Sondheim and music supervisor for Great Performances Peabody Award winning special “Broadway Musicals: A Jewish Legacy” on PBS.

Andy Einhorn is an honors graduate of Rice University in Houston, Texas.

Andy Einhorn (LI:@andy-einhorn) has directed concerts with the Boston Pops, Cincinnati Pops Orchestra, Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra, National Arts Centre Orchestra, and the National Symphony Orchestra. He has worked as the Music Supervisor and Musical Director for the Broadway productions of Carousel and Hello Dolly!  Einhorn’s previous Broadway credits include Holiday Inn, Woody Allen’s Bullets Over Broadway, Rodgers + Hammerstein’s Cinderella, Evita, Brief Encounter, The Light in the Piazza, and Sondheim on Sondheim. He recently served as music director and conductor for the Châtelet Theatre’s production of Sondheim’s Passion in Paris and Einhorn made his New York Philharmonic debut with world-renowned trumpeter Chris Botti.

Since 2011 Einhorn has served as music director and pianist for Six-Time Tony Award Winner, Audra McDonald, performing with her at such prestigious orchestras and venues including The Philadelphia Orchestra, San Francisco Symphony, National Symphony Orchestra, Los Angeles Opera, Avery Fisher Hall, Carnegie Hall, Walt Disney Concert Hall and Teatro Real, Madrid. They recently recorded performances for an upcoming telecast with the Sydney Symphony at the Sydney Opera House in Australia. Einhorn has also music directed for Barbara Cook at Feinstein’s and Toronto’s Royal Conservatory of Music.

His tour work includes Sweeney Todd, The Light in the Piazza, Mamma Mia!, and The Lion King. Einhorn’s work can be heard on the current touring production of Rodgers & Hammerstein’s The Sound of Music. Einhorn has worked at Goodspeed Opera House, Signature Theatre, Oregon Shakespeare Festival and PaperMill Playhouse. He was principal vocal coach and pianist for Houston Grand Opera’s An Evening with Audra McDonald, a double-bill of Poulenc’s La Voix Humaine and LaChiusa’s Send.

Recording credits include Bullets Over Broadway, Cinderella, Evita, Sondheim on Sondheim (Grammy Nom) Stage Door Canteen and McDonald’s newest release, Go Back Home. He served as the music director for HBO’s Peabody Award winning documentary Six by Sondheim and music supervisor for Great Performances Peabody Award winning special “Broadway Musicals: A Jewish Legacy” on PBS.

Andy Einhorn is an honors graduate of Rice University in Houston, Texas.

Anant Das (LI:@anantdas)Founder of Broadway Boxed Up, Broadway and Film Producer and Investor, and Financial Valuation Senior Associate at PwC in Manhattan. Interested in the business and production side of Broadway, Tech, Finance, Real Estate, and all things UVA Basketball. Graduate of the University of Virginia -- Studied Commerce (Finance, Management, & Real Estate) and Computer Science. Graduate of Thomas Jefferson High School for Science & Technology -- a STEM-focused HS consistently ranked the #1 public high school in the US. Proud to continue to give back to the University of Virginia serving as Secretary of the University's Young Alumni Council, on the McIntire Young Alumni Council, and as a member of the Rotunda Society. Also proud Treasurer of the TJ Alumni Action Group, working to make a more equitable experience for underrepresented students in STEM.

Anant Das (LI:@anantdas)Founder of Broadway Boxed Up, Broadway and Film Producer and Investor, and Financial Valuation Senior Associate at PwC in Manhattan. Interested in the business and production side of Broadway, Tech, Finance, Real Estate, and all things UVA Basketball. Graduate of the University of Virginia -- Studied Commerce (Finance, Management, & Real Estate) and Computer Science. Graduate of Thomas Jefferson High School for Science & Technology -- a STEM-focused HS consistently ranked the #1 public high school in the US. Proud to continue to give back to the University of Virginia serving as Secretary of the University's Young Alumni Council, on the McIntire Young Alumni Council, and as a member of the Rotunda Society. Also proud Treasurer of the TJ Alumni Action Group, working to make a more equitable experience for underrepresented students in STEM.

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.

Charlie H. Ray (IG:@charliehray)(TW:@charliehray)(neverbeking.com)(LI:@charliehray) is the co-creator of Never Be King: "Another" new musical. 

Charlie H. Ray (IG:@charliehray)(TW:@charliehray)(neverbeking.com)(LI:@charliehray) is the co-creator of Never Be King: "Another" new musical. 

Samuel W. Gailey (samuelwgailey.com) was raised in a small town in northeast Pennsylvania (population 379) and now resides on remote Orcas Island. His writing has been compared to Steinbeck and Cormac McCarthy and been praised by the NY Times, Publisher's Weekly, Kirkus, Esquire and more. His novels are intriguing studies of human nature and portray how the simplest twist of fate can alter and shatter lives. His central characters are flawed but deserving of redemption.

Internationally, his novels, The Guilt We Carry (Une Question de Temps) and Deep Winter have been translated into French by Gallmeister Editions. Gallmeister, devoted to the translation of American literature, publishes authors Gabriel Talent (My Absolute Darling), Craig Johnson (Longmire), Larry McMurtry (Lonesome Dove), Larry Watson (Montana 1948), and Kurt Vonnegut.

Samuel W. Gailey (samuelwgailey.com) was raised in a small town in northeast Pennsylvania (population 379) and now resides on remote Orcas Island. His writing has been compared to Steinbeck and Cormac McCarthy and been praised by the NY Times, Publisher's Weekly, Kirkus, Esquire and more. His novels are intriguing studies of human nature and portray how the simplest twist of fate can alter and shatter lives. His central characters are flawed but deserving of redemption.

Internationally, his novels, The Guilt We Carry (Une Question de Temps) and Deep Winter have been translated into French by Gallmeister Editions. Gallmeister, devoted to the translation of American literature, publishes authors Gabriel Talent (My Absolute Darling), Craig Johnson (Longmire), Larry McMurtry (Lonesome Dove), Larry Watson (Montana 1948), and Kurt Vonnegut.

David Dabbon (daviddabbon.com)(IG:@daviddabbon)(TW:@daviddabbon) is a composer/arranger based in New York City.  He earned an Emmy nomination for composing the music to the song “Eat Shit, Bob!” which aired on HBO’s award-winning Last Week Tonight with John Oliver.

On Broadway, he worked as the dance arranger for the Tony-nominated musical adaptation of Beetlejuice, the revival of Funny Girl,  and the celebrated musical comedy Disaster! He also provided additional orchestrations for the Broadway bio-musical Sondheim on Sondheim (Grammy nomination).  David is wrote original music and dance arrangements for the new production of Bob Fosse's Dancin'  (The Old Globe). ​

​​He has an ongoing collaboration with six-time Tony Award winner Audra McDonald, regularly providing orchestrations for her concerts and albums. His work can be heard on both Audra McDonald New York Philharmonic: Sing Happy and Audra McDonald: Go Back Home. His orchestration of the song “Somewhere/Some Other Time” was performed at the 42nd annual Kennedy Center Honors.

​Other works as composer include: Game On: an interactive game show musical (premiered at Pittsburgh C.L.O), Our New Town (production at Wagner College),  Golden Lotus (Workshop through Broadway Asia),Surface (Ballet Commission through Dallas Black Dance Theatre) The Mysteries (Marathon plays in 2014 at The Flea), All God's Creatures (feature length film), Dori the Donor (short film).

​He provided arrangements and orchestrations for the HBO documentary Six by Sondheim. ​

David is also a Usual Suspect at New York Theatre Workshop, a member of the Television Academy, ASCAP and The Society of Composers and Lyricists.   He earned a master of music degree in choral conducting from Carnegie Mellon University (under the tutelage of Dr. Robert Page) and a self-defined bachelor of music degree from The Hartt School.

David Dabbon (daviddabbon.com)(IG:@daviddabbon)(TW:@daviddabbon) is a composer/arranger based in New York City.  He earned an Emmy nomination for composing the music to the song “Eat Shit, Bob!” which aired on HBO’s award-winning Last Week Tonight with John Oliver.

On Broadway, he worked as the dance arranger for the Tony-nominated musical adaptation of Beetlejuice, the revival of Funny Girl,  and the celebrated musical comedy Disaster! He also provided additional orchestrations for the Broadway bio-musical Sondheim on Sondheim (Grammy nomination).  David is wrote original music and dance arrangements for the new production of Bob Fosse's Dancin'  (The Old Globe). ​

​​He has an ongoing collaboration with six-time Tony Award winner Audra McDonald, regularly providing orchestrations for her concerts and albums. His work can be heard on both Audra McDonald New York Philharmonic: Sing Happy and Audra McDonald: Go Back Home. His orchestration of the song “Somewhere/Some Other Time” was performed at the 42nd annual Kennedy Center Honors.

​Other works as composer include: Game On: an interactive game show musical (premiered at Pittsburgh C.L.O), Our New Town (production at Wagner College),  Golden Lotus (Workshop through Broadway Asia),Surface (Ballet Commission through Dallas Black Dance Theatre) The Mysteries (Marathon plays in 2014 at The Flea), All God's Creatures (feature length film), Dori the Donor (short film).

​He provided arrangements and orchestrations for the HBO documentary Six by Sondheim. ​

David is also a Usual Suspect at New York Theatre Workshop, a member of the Television Academy, ASCAP and The Society of Composers and Lyricists.   He earned a master of music degree in choral conducting from Carnegie Mellon University (under the tutelage of Dr. Robert Page) and a self-defined bachelor of music degree from The Hartt School.

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.

Sam Columbus (he/him) (IG:@coluumbuus)(TW:@coluumbuus)(samcolumbus.com)is a New York based composer, music director, and performer. He is also the co-creator of Never Be King. During his time studying Musical Theater at Baldwin Wallace University, Sam started to realize that he was more interested in picking apart the accompaniment to the songs he was learning than he was in studying the vocal line, which has led to him focusing more intensely on music making than on acting.

In his time at Baldwin Wallace, Sam performed and music directed at theaters such as the Beck Center for the Arts, Playhouse Square, the Clinton Area Showboat Theatre, and the historic Timber Lake Playhouse. In 2019, Sam and his writing partner Charlie H. Ray opened their first show at the New York Musical Festival.

In addition to the above, Sam would love for you to know that his favorite musicians span from St. Vincent to Patsy Cline to Maurice Ravel; that he once moonlit as a competitive mogul skier; and that he is extremely fond of dogs.

Sam Columbus (he/him) (IG:@coluumbuus)(TW:@coluumbuus)(samcolumbus.com)is a New York based composer, music director, and performer. He is also the co-creator of Never Be King. During his time studying Musical Theater at Baldwin Wallace University, Sam started to realize that he was more interested in picking apart the accompaniment to the songs he was learning than he was in studying the vocal line, which has led to him focusing more intensely on music making than on acting.

In his time at Baldwin Wallace, Sam performed and music directed at theaters such as the Beck Center for the Arts, Playhouse Square, the Clinton Area Showboat Theatre, and the historic Timber Lake Playhouse. In 2019, Sam and his writing partner Charlie H. Ray opened their first show at the New York Musical Festival.

In addition to the above, Sam would love for you to know that his favorite musicians span from St. Vincent to Patsy Cline to Maurice Ravel; that he once moonlit as a competitive mogul skier; and that he is extremely fond of dogs.

Clayton Howe (IG:@inclaynation)(entertainmentxpodcast.com) Welcome back to the show. Thank you for listening! This episode I dive deep on commitment. As I make my commitment to the one I love - I reflect on the commitment we all should what to whatever it is that we love and why that commitment is so important. Enjoy!

Michael Mott (michaelmott.net)(IG:@michaelmott)(TW:@MichaelMott) is an internationally critically acclaimed award winning composer/ lyricist, songwriter and vocal producer living and working in NYC.  Born and raised in New Hartford, New York, Michael graduated from Ithaca College with a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in Musical Theatre Performance. He moved to New York City in 2007 and enjoyed a successful career performing in numerous Off-Broadway, regional and national touring shows.  In 2012 he decided to shift his focus to writing and was accepted into the prestigious BMI Lehman Engel Musical Theatre Writer’s Workshop.  He has since been named one of Playbill's "Contemporary Musical Theatre Songwriters You Should Know" and has won the Broadway World 2020 Cabaret Award for 'Best Original Song' for his piece Jingle My Bells written for The Boy Band Project.

Mr. Mott's original musicals include In The Light, A Faustian Tale (book by Nathan Wright and Justin Silvestri), The Fairy's Tale (book by Gretchen Suárez-Peña), Mob Wife, A Mafia Comedy (book by Corey Skaggs) and Riding Out The Storm, a ten minute musical (book & lyrics by Christine Toy Johnson). He was commissioned to write the music and lyrics to Lucifer (co-lyricist, Mike Squillante, book by Corey Skaggs) and his first short film, Sundown, A Dance Short. Best known for his recording studio work, Mott's discography includes the LPs

Where The Sky Ends (which has surpassed over 4.4 million streams on Spotify),

In The Light, A Faustian Tale (Highlights from the World Premiere Studio Cast Recording) [which debuted at #8 on the Billboard Musical Theatre charts], and Abandoned Heart all distributed by Grammy Award Winning label, Broadway Records. His EPs include The Only One (distributed by Motta Music), Where The Sky Ends: The Dance Remixes and Gone: The Remixes (both distributed by Broadway Records). Singles include Christmas, Will You Stay? (feat. Laura Osnes), The Impossible (feat. Matt Bloyd), Fly High (feat. Emma Howard). He has written original award winning material for NYC's The Boy Band Project, including

Get Behind My Love and Jingle My Bells (Winner - Best Original Song, 2020 Broadway World Cabaret World Award). His entire discography is available wherever music is sold.

Mr. Mott has had the great fortune of working with some of the best singers in the business both in the recording studio and on stage in his touring show, Michael Mott & Friends.  His collaborations include TONY Award Nominees Jeremy Jordan, Laura Osnes, Loren Allred, Sierra Boggess, Zachary Levi, Solea Pfeiffer, Ciara Renée, Pia Toscano, Antonio Cipriano, Jenna Ushkowitz, Jennifer Damiano, Orfeh, Matt Doyle, Andy Mientus, Jay Armstrong Johnson, Adrienne Warren, Justin Guarini, Brian Justin Crum, Shayna Steele, James Snyder, Jackie Burns, Mitch Jarvis, Bobby Conte Thornton, Blaine Krauss, Michael Lanning, Marissa McGowan, Crystal Monee Hall, Natalie Weiss, Teal Wicks, Jason Gotay, Ryan Silverman and countless others.

Mott’s concert work includes sold out performances of his original material at numerous venues in the US and around the world including Feinstein's/ 54 Below, Joe's Pub, 42 West, Rockwood Music Hall, The Green Room 42, The Laurie Beechman Theatre in NYC, The Kennedy Center in Washington, DC and the Cockpit Theatre in London, UK.  For booking information, please email BookingMichaelMott@gmail.com.

Prior to writing, Mott enjoyed a successful acting career for six years.  He appeared Off-Broadway in "Milk and Honey" (David) and "I'd Rather Be Right" (Tony) both with Musicals Tonight!  Select regional credits include "Kiss Me, Kate" (First Gangster) at Glimmerglass Opera, directed by Diane Paulus, "Do Black Patent Leather Shoes Really Reflect Up?" (Louie) at Merry-Go-Round Playhouse, "9 to 5" (Joe) and "A Closer Walk With Patsy Cline" (Neal Matthews), both at The Fireside Theatre, and "Miracle on 34th Street" (Fred Gaily), at both The Wagon Wheel and Armory Theatre.

Mr. Mott is currently an Advanced Member of the BMI Musical Theatre Writer's Workshop and proud member of The Dramatists Guild and Actor’s Equity Association.

Michael Mott (michaelmott.net)(IG:@michaelmott)(TW:@MichaelMott) is an internationally critically acclaimed award winning composer/ lyricist, songwriter and vocal producer living and working in NYC.  Born and raised in New Hartford, New York, Michael graduated from Ithaca College with a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in Musical Theatre Performance. He moved to New York City in 2007 and enjoyed a successful career performing in numerous Off-Broadway, regional and national touring shows.  In 2012 he decided to shift his focus to writing and was accepted into the prestigious BMI Lehman Engel Musical Theatre Writer’s Workshop.  He has since been named one of Playbill's "Contemporary Musical Theatre Songwriters You Should Know" and has won the Broadway World 2020 Cabaret Award for 'Best Original Song' for his piece Jingle My Bells written for The Boy Band Project.

Mr. Mott's original musicals include In The Light, A Faustian Tale (book by Nathan Wright and Justin Silvestri), The Fairy's Tale (book by Gretchen Suárez-Peña), Mob Wife, A Mafia Comedy (book by Corey Skaggs) and Riding Out The Storm, a ten minute musical (book & lyrics by Christine Toy Johnson). He was commissioned to write the music and lyrics to Lucifer (co-lyricist, Mike Squillante, book by Corey Skaggs) and his first short film, Sundown, A Dance Short. Best known for his recording studio work, Mott's discography includes the LPs

Where The Sky Ends (which has surpassed over 4.4 million streams on Spotify),

In The Light, A Faustian Tale (Highlights from the World Premiere Studio Cast Recording) [which debuted at #8 on the Billboard Musical Theatre charts], and Abandoned Heart all distributed by Grammy Award Winning label, Broadway Records. His EPs include The Only One (distributed by Motta Music), Where The Sky Ends: The Dance Remixes and Gone: The Remixes (both distributed by Broadway Records). Singles include Christmas, Will You Stay? (feat. Laura Osnes), The Impossible (feat. Matt Bloyd), Fly High (feat. Emma Howard). He has written original award winning material for NYC's The Boy Band Project, including

Get Behind My Love and Jingle My Bells (Winner - Best Original Song, 2020 Broadway World Cabaret World Award). His entire discography is available wherever music is sold.

Mr. Mott has had the great fortune of working with some of the best singers in the business both in the recording studio and on stage in his touring show, Michael Mott & Friends.  His collaborations include TONY Award Nominees Jeremy Jordan, Laura Osnes, Loren Allred, Sierra Boggess, Zachary Levi, Solea Pfeiffer, Ciara Renée, Pia Toscano, Antonio Cipriano, Jenna Ushkowitz, Jennifer Damiano, Orfeh, Matt Doyle, Andy Mientus, Jay Armstrong Johnson, Adrienne Warren, Justin Guarini, Brian Justin Crum, Shayna Steele, James Snyder, Jackie Burns, Mitch Jarvis, Bobby Conte Thornton, Blaine Krauss, Michael Lanning, Marissa McGowan, Crystal Monee Hall, Natalie Weiss, Teal Wicks, Jason Gotay, Ryan Silverman and countless others.

Mott’s concert work includes sold out performances of his original material at numerous venues in the US and around the world including Feinstein's/ 54 Below, Joe's Pub, 42 West, Rockwood Music Hall, The Green Room 42, The Laurie Beechman Theatre in NYC, The Kennedy Center in Washington, DC and the Cockpit Theatre in London, UK.  For booking information, please email BookingMichaelMott@gmail.com.

Prior to writing, Mott enjoyed a successful acting career for six years.  He appeared Off-Broadway in "Milk and Honey" (David) and "I'd Rather Be Right" (Tony) both with Musicals Tonight!  Select regional credits include "Kiss Me, Kate" (First Gangster) at Glimmerglass Opera, directed by Diane Paulus, "Do Black Patent Leather Shoes Really Reflect Up?" (Louie) at Merry-Go-Round Playhouse, "9 to 5" (Joe) and "A Closer Walk With Patsy Cline" (Neal Matthews), both at The Fireside Theatre, and "Miracle on 34th Street" (Fred Gaily), at both The Wagon Wheel and Armory Theatre.

Mr. Mott is currently an Advanced Member of the BMI Musical Theatre Writer's Workshop and proud member of The Dramatists Guild and Actor’s Equity Association.

Timm Chiusano (timm.work)(IG:@timmchiusano)(TikTok:@timmchiusano) is a highly respected creative executive, blending the art and science of effective marketing at scale to advance dynamic business initiatives. Nine years of executive-level experience in a geographically disparate, hybrid work environment. The creative perspective that unites teams of varying generations and backgrounds to consistently exceed KPIs, driving revenue growth while responsibly reducing costs. Small business savvy and billion-dollar business bold. A visionary and amicable executive who genuinely enjoys solving complex business problems while creating work environments where everyone can do their best work by being the best version of themselves.

Timm Chiusano (timm.work)(IG:@timmchiusano)(TikTok:@timmchiusano) is a highly respected creative executive, blending the art and science of effective marketing at scale to advance dynamic business initiatives. Nine years of executive-level experience in a geographically disparate, hybrid work environment. The creative perspective that unites teams of varying generations and backgrounds to consistently exceed KPIs, driving revenue growth while responsibly reducing costs. Small business savvy and billion-dollar business bold. A visionary and amicable executive who genuinely enjoys solving complex business problems while creating work environments where everyone can do their best work by being the best version of themselves.

Dustin Cross (dustincrossdesigns.com) is a New York based designer who has  been designing on and off Broadway and regionally for the last 10 years.  His designs have received accolades such as “...Spot on Perfect” by Artes Magazine and “Excellent!” by The New York Times as well as other nods from many different publications.  Cross who began his career on the stage transitioned into costuming after realizing that actor’s and dancer’s needs often weren’t a designer’s main focus.  All of Dustin’s designs pay close attention to making the actor comfortable while meeting the needs of the piece.  Carnegie Hall, The American Airlines Theater, The Westside Theater and The Ogunquit Playhouse are just a few of the venues that have showcased Cross’s work.  Dustin continues to focus on maintaining the expectation his work commands while always trying to raise the bar by using different techniques and  approaches to making a durable yet distinct design.  

Dustin Cross (dustincrossdesigns.com) is a New York based designer who has  been designing on and off Broadway and regionally for the last 10 years.  His designs have received accolades such as “...Spot on Perfect” by Artes Magazine and “Excellent!” by The New York Times as well as other nods from many different publications.  Cross who began his career on the stage transitioned into costuming after realizing that actor’s and dancer’s needs often weren’t a designer’s main focus.  All of Dustin’s designs pay close attention to making the actor comfortable while meeting the needs of the piece.  Carnegie Hall, The American Airlines Theater, The Westside Theater and The Ogunquit Playhouse are just a few of the venues that have showcased Cross’s work.  Dustin continues to focus on maintaining the expectation his work commands while always trying to raise the bar by using different techniques and  approaches to making a durable yet distinct design.  

Jim Meskimen's (jimmeskimen.com)(IG:@jimpressions)(TikTok:@jimmeskimen) first career was as a visual artist, doing illustrations and commercial art in New York City.  There he designed cartoon characters for Rankin/Bass for their original hit series Thundercats,  While working in animation, Jim realized that being a voice actor was his true calling, and he began to pursue work in radio and TV voiceovers. He soon was one of the most sought-after voice actors in New York, and did hundreds of radio and TV commercials, and became a regular on the animated series The Comic Strip, from his old bosses at Rankin/Bass.  He was the voice of the channel that became Comedy Central, then named HA! and did campaigns for Swatch Watch as the character Doctor Swatch, which he created. He worked extensively on TV campaigns as a man-on-the-street interviewer for grocery chains and other clients, in improvised comedic commercials that won dozens of industry awards. When not working his day job as voice actor, Jim performed improv with several improv companies and did hundreds of live shows.  On the invitation of producers, he guest starred several times on Britainâ™ Whose Line Is It, Anyway? In 1993, Jim moved home to LA with his family to pursued a career in TV and film, beginning with Fresh Prince of Bel Air and a role in director Ron Howardâ™ Oscar-nomiated Apollo 13. Howard, (whom Jim had met as a boy on the set of his motherâ™ series Happy Days) has cast Jim in no less than five feature films, including The Grinch and Frost/Nixon. Jim has appeared on major television programs; Friends, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, This is Us, SWAT, NCIS, Parks & Recreation, Brooklyn Nine-Nine, to name but a few. He will be seen in 2022 in episodes of the series HUNTERS, Gaslit (with Sean Penn and Julia Roberts) and American Auto.  He is also recurring in a new series, The Big Door Prize. His character voices have been heard on innumerable video games and animated shows including Marvel Avengers Assemble, Batman: Arkham Asylum,Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Pinky & The Brain, Phineas & Ferb, The Legend of Korra, Avatar the Last Airbender, and two reboots of Thundercats. His viral hit, Shakespeare in Celebrity Voices brought him global attention on YouTube and lead to many opportunities, including performing on America's™ Got Talent in 2013, where his improvised celebrity impressions at Radio City Music Hall earned him a standing ovation. He has performed his live one-man show, JIMPRESSIONS in Hollywood, Australia and the U.K. Currently, Jim provides the voice of iconic Colonel Harland Sanders for the KF brand on radio, web and television ads.

Jim Meskimen's (jimmeskimen.com)(IG:@jimpressions)(TikTok:@jimmeskimen) first career was as a visual artist, doing illustrations and commercial art in New York City.  There he designed cartoon characters for Rankin/Bass for their original hit series Thundercats,  While working in animation, Jim realized that being a voice actor was his true calling, and he began to pursue work in radio and TV voiceovers. He soon was one of the most sought-after voice actors in New York, and did hundreds of radio and TV commercials, and became a regular on the animated series The Comic Strip, from his old bosses at Rankin/Bass.  He was the voice of the channel that became Comedy Central, then named HA! and did campaigns for Swatch Watch as the character Doctor Swatch, which he created. He worked extensively on TV campaigns as a man-on-the-street interviewer for grocery chains and other clients, in improvised comedic commercials that won dozens of industry awards. When not working his day job as voice actor, Jim performed improv with several improv companies and did hundreds of live shows.  On the invitation of producers, he guest starred several times on Britainâ™ Whose Line Is It, Anyway? In 1993, Jim moved home to LA with his family to pursued a career in TV and film, beginning with Fresh Prince of Bel Air and a role in director Ron Howardâ™ Oscar-nomiated Apollo 13. Howard, (whom Jim had met as a boy on the set of his motherâ™ series Happy Days) has cast Jim in no less than five feature films, including The Grinch and Frost/Nixon. Jim has appeared on major television programs; Friends, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, This is Us, SWAT, NCIS, Parks & Recreation, Brooklyn Nine-Nine, to name but a few. He will be seen in 2022 in episodes of the series HUNTERS, Gaslit (with Sean Penn and Julia Roberts) and American Auto.  He is also recurring in a new series, The Big Door Prize. His character voices have been heard on innumerable video games and animated shows including Marvel Avengers Assemble, Batman: Arkham Asylum,Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Pinky & The Brain, Phineas & Ferb, The Legend of Korra, Avatar the Last Airbender, and two reboots of Thundercats. His viral hit, Shakespeare in Celebrity Voices brought him global attention on YouTube and lead to many opportunities, including performing on America's™ Got Talent in 2013, where his improvised celebrity impressions at Radio City Music Hall earned him a standing ovation. He has performed his live one-man show, JIMPRESSIONS in Hollywood, Australia and the U.K. Currently, Jim provides the voice of iconic Colonel Harland Sanders for the KF brand on radio, web and television ads.

John Breglio (TW:@johnbreglio)(LI:@john-breglio) is currently a full time producer of theatre and film. Consultant to theater and film producers. Former entertainment lawyer. Author of "I WANNA BE A PRODUCER"

John Breglio (TW:@johnbreglio)(LI:@john-breglio) is currently a full time producer of theatre and film. Consultant to theater and film producers. Former entertainment lawyer. Author of "I WANNA BE A PRODUCER"

Vicki Lewis (vickilewis.com)(IG:@vickilewis1)is perhaps best known for her role as Beth the secretary on the hit NBC series “Newsradio”.  She also starred in the NBC series“Three Sisters” with Diane Cannon. She has had recurring and guest starring roles on “Doll & Em” “Curb Your Enthusiasm”  “The Middle” “Bones” “Dirt” “Grey’s Anatomy” “’Til Death” “Surviving Suburbia” ”Sonny With A Chance” “Melissa and Joey” “Caroline In The City” “Norm” “The Five Mrs. Buchanans” “Phenom” “Murphy Brown” “Grace Under Fire” “Seinfeld” and “Home Improvement”.   Her Films include: “The Ugly Truth” ”Den Brother” “The Last Day Of Summer” “California Dreamin”  (Dave Foley and Lea Thompson) “Godzilla” (1998) “Mousehunt” (Nathan Lane, Lee Evans and Christoper Walken) “Pushing Tin” (John Cusack, Billy Bob Thornton Angelina Jolie and Cate Blanchett )“I’ll Do Anything” (Nick Nolte, Albert Brooks) “The Huntress” “Bye Bye Birdie” (Tyne Daly, Jason Alexander) and “Breakfast Of Champions”. (Bruce Willis, Nick Nolte) Her voice can be heard in Pixar’s animated blockbuster “Finding Nemo”  as well as “Alpha and Omega” “Wonder Woman”  “Justice League – The New Froniter” “Doctor Doolittle: Million Dollar Mutts” ”Scooby Doo” ”Ben 10: Alien Force” “Betsy’s Kindergarten Adventures” “King Of The Hill” “Rugrats” “An Extremely Goofy Movie”  “Phineas And Ferb” and she voices Wonder Woman in “Batman – The Brave And The Bold” for Warner Brothers. She starred as Velma Kelly in the Broadway and Las Vegas productions of “Chicago”. She played Gloria Thorpe in the Tony nominated “Damn Yankees” she performed as a soloist in “An Evening With the Pops” at Carnegie Hall (with the late great Skitch Henderson) and in “Pal Joey” (opposite Patti Lupone and Peter Gallagher) for “Encores”.  She received the Ovation Award for her performance in the world premiere of Michael John Lachuisa’s “Hotel C’est L’amoure” at The Blank Theatre in Los Angeles, and was nominated for an Ovation award for her performance in ”How To Succeed In Business Without Really Trying” (directed by Marcia Milgrim Dodge) for the Reprise Theatre Company. Also for Reprise – “I Love My Wife” “My One and Only”  “City of Angels” and “Carol Burnett In Conversation”. Vicki starred in “Funny Girl” “ Into The Woods”  “Gypsy” “Anything Goes” and “The Little Mermaid” for CaliforniaMusic Circus. “East of Midnight,” her debut album, which she wrote and produced with Junior Burke, and which was orchestrated by Stephen Taylor, is available on iTunes, along with her hit EP of Christmas songs “Santa’s Little Helper”.

Vicki Lewis (vickilewis.com)(IG:@vickilewis1)is perhaps best known for her role as Beth the secretary on the hit NBC series “Newsradio”.  She also starred in the NBC series“Three Sisters” with Diane Cannon. She has had recurring and guest starring roles on “Doll & Em” “Curb Your Enthusiasm”  “The Middle” “Bones” “Dirt” “Grey’s Anatomy” “’Til Death” “Surviving Suburbia” ”Sonny With A Chance” “Melissa and Joey” “Caroline In The City” “Norm” “The Five Mrs. Buchanans” “Phenom” “Murphy Brown” “Grace Under Fire” “Seinfeld” and “Home Improvement”.   Her Films include: “The Ugly Truth” ”Den Brother” “The Last Day Of Summer” “California Dreamin”  (Dave Foley and Lea Thompson) “Godzilla” (1998) “Mousehunt” (Nathan Lane, Lee Evans and Christoper Walken) “Pushing Tin” (John Cusack, Billy Bob Thornton Angelina Jolie and Cate Blanchett )“I’ll Do Anything” (Nick Nolte, Albert Brooks) “The Huntress” “Bye Bye Birdie” (Tyne Daly, Jason Alexander) and “Breakfast Of Champions”. (Bruce Willis, Nick Nolte) Her voice can be heard in Pixar’s animated blockbuster “Finding Nemo”  as well as “Alpha and Omega” “Wonder Woman”  “Justice League – The New Froniter” “Doctor Doolittle: Million Dollar Mutts” ”Scooby Doo” ”Ben 10: Alien Force” “Betsy’s Kindergarten Adventures” “King Of The Hill” “Rugrats” “An Extremely Goofy Movie”  “Phineas And Ferb” and she voices Wonder Woman in “Batman – The Brave And The Bold” for Warner Brothers. She starred as Velma Kelly in the Broadway and Las Vegas productions of “Chicago”. She played Gloria Thorpe in the Tony nominated “Damn Yankees” she performed as a soloist in “An Evening With the Pops” at Carnegie Hall (with the late great Skitch Henderson) and in “Pal Joey” (opposite Patti Lupone and Peter Gallagher) for “Encores”.  She received the Ovation Award for her performance in the world premiere of Michael John Lachuisa’s “Hotel C’est L’amoure” at The Blank Theatre in Los Angeles, and was nominated for an Ovation award for her performance in ”How To Succeed In Business Without Really Trying” (directed by Marcia Milgrim Dodge) for the Reprise Theatre Company. Also for Reprise – “I Love My Wife” “My One and Only”  “City of Angels” and “Carol Burnett In Conversation”. Vicki starred in “Funny Girl” “ Into The Woods”  “Gypsy” “Anything Goes” and “The Little Mermaid” for CaliforniaMusic Circus. “East of Midnight,” her debut album, which she wrote and produced with Junior Burke, and which was orchestrated by Stephen Taylor, is available on iTunes, along with her hit EP of Christmas songs “Santa’s Little Helper”.

Wren Rivera (they/them/theirs) (wrentrivera.com)(IG:@w.t.rivera) is a non-binary actor, singer, and dancer from Hoffman Estates, Illinois. Wren was last seen in Jagged Little Pill on Broadway in the ensemble and as a Jo cover. Previous to that, Wren took the stage at New York City Center for Sutton Foster's Bring Me to Light Concert alongside Raúl Esparza, Joaquina Kalukago, and Kelli O'Hara. 

Wren Rivera (they/them/theirs) (wrentrivera.com)(IG:@w.t.rivera) is a non-binary actor, singer, and dancer from Hoffman Estates, Illinois. Wren was last seen in Jagged Little Pill on Broadway in the ensemble and as a Jo cover. Previous to that, Wren took the stage at New York City Center for Sutton Foster's Bring Me to Light Concert alongside Raúl Esparza, Joaquina Kalukago, and Kelli O'Hara. 

Rebecca Woolf (rebeccawoolf.com)(IG:@rebeccawooolf)(TW:@girlsgonechild) has worked as a freelance writer since age 16 when she became a leading contributor to the hit 90s book series, Chicken Soup for the Teenage Soul (Health Communications, Incorporated) and its subsequent Teen Love Series books.

Since then, Woolf has contributed to numerous publications, websites and anthologies, most notably her own award-winning personal blog, Girl’s Gone Child, which attracted millions of unique visitors worldwide.

As well as launching her own successful blog, Woolf has contributed dozens of personal essays to publications both on and offline including Refinery29, Huffington Post, Parenting, and Romper and in 2012 hosted Childstyle, a web series on HGTV.com. She has appeared on CNN and NPR and has been featured in The New York Times, Time Magazine and New York Mag.

In 2008, Woolf authored her first memoir, Rockabye: From Wild to Child (Seal Press) and was one of three bloggers (STRAIGHT FROM THE BOTTLE with Rebecca Woolf) to launch parenting destination, Babble.com later acquired by Disney. Woolf also authored a weekly (feminist!) parenting column on Mom.me called I hear ya, sister and was responsible for designing multiple award-winning branding campaigns including Maddie Ziegler’s “Wear What Moves You” ad-campaign as a copywriter.  Woolf also served as a panelist on the hit web series, Momversation, has consulted for major corporations, including Disney, and has contributed essays to anthologies including The Moment: Wild, Poignant, Life-Changing Stories from 125 Writers and Artists Famous & Obscure (Harper Perennial, 2012) and Crush: 26 Real-life Tales of First Love (Mira, 2011) edited by Andrea N. Richesin. 

Woolf’s first short film WARPAINT FOR THE TEENAGE SOUL made its theatrical debut at the Bend Film Festival (2019) and is currently in development as a feature film (PANS). 

Woolf’s second book, ALL OF THIS (Harper One) hits shelves May 2022. 

She lives in Los Angeles with her son and three daughters. 

Rebecca Woolf (rebeccawoolf.com)(IG:@rebeccawooolf)(TW:@girlsgonechild) has worked as a freelance writer since age 16 when she became a leading contributor to the hit 90s book series, Chicken Soup for the Teenage Soul (Health Communications, Incorporated) and its subsequent Teen Love Series books.

Since then, Woolf has contributed to numerous publications, websites and anthologies, most notably her own award-winning personal blog, Girl’s Gone Child, which attracted millions of unique visitors worldwide.

As well as launching her own successful blog, Woolf has contributed dozens of personal essays to publications both on and offline including Refinery29, Huffington Post, Parenting, and Romper and in 2012 hosted Childstyle, a web series on HGTV.com. She has appeared on CNN and NPR and has been featured in The New York Times, Time Magazine and New York Mag.

In 2008, Woolf authored her first memoir, Rockabye: From Wild to Child (Seal Press) and was one of three bloggers (STRAIGHT FROM THE BOTTLE with Rebecca Woolf) to launch parenting destination, Babble.com later acquired by Disney. Woolf also authored a weekly (feminist!) parenting column on Mom.me called I hear ya, sister and was responsible for designing multiple award-winning branding campaigns including Maddie Ziegler’s “Wear What Moves You” ad-campaign as a copywriter.  Woolf also served as a panelist on the hit web series, Momversation, has consulted for major corporations, including Disney, and has contributed essays to anthologies including The Moment: Wild, Poignant, Life-Changing Stories from 125 Writers and Artists Famous & Obscure (Harper Perennial, 2012) and Crush: 26 Real-life Tales of First Love (Mira, 2011) edited by Andrea N. Richesin. 

Woolf’s first short film WARPAINT FOR THE TEENAGE SOUL made its theatrical debut at the Bend Film Festival (2019) and is currently in development as a feature film (PANS). 

Woolf’s second book, ALL OF THIS (Harper One) hits shelves May 2022. 

She lives in Los Angeles with her son and three daughters. 

Hillary Fisher (hillfish.com) was raised in New York City. She is a product of Whitney Houston Academy, LaGuardia High School of Music and Performing Arts, & Pace University’s Musical Theater BFA program. She got my start as a New Jersey recording artist. She then found myself performing in arenas such as Madison Square Garden, and Radio City Music Hall. From there, she started doing theater professionally at the age of 11 at the American Girl Doll Store in NYC. This led her to my on-camera career starting with a Guest Star Role on Sprout. She has always been passionate about working on new projects that fulfill my duty as an artist to move society forward. When she is not behind the camera, or up on stage you can find her enjoying a roller skating rink, a high energy group fitness class, or the beach. 

Hillary Fisher (hillfish.com) was raised in New York City. She is a product of Whitney Houston Academy, LaGuardia High School of Music and Performing Arts, & Pace University’s Musical Theater BFA program. She got my start as a New Jersey recording artist. She then found myself performing in arenas such as Madison Square Garden, and Radio City Music Hall. From there, she started doing theater professionally at the age of 11 at the American Girl Doll Store in NYC. This led her to my on-camera career starting with a Guest Star Role on Sprout. She has always been passionate about working on new projects that fulfill my duty as an artist to move society forward. When she is not behind the camera, or up on stage you can find her enjoying a roller skating rink, a high energy group fitness class, or the beach. 

Timothy Allen McDonald (itheatrics.com)(IG:@timmcdonaldnyc) is an award-winning musical theatre librettist, director, producer, and textbook co-author. Librettist credits include Roald Dahl’s James and the Giant Peach (Benj Pasek, Justin Paul), Jim Henson’s Emmet Otter’s Jug-Band Christmas (Paul Williams, Christopher Gattelli), Between The Lines (Elyssa Samsel, Kate Anderson) Roald Dahl’s Willy Wonka (Leslie Bricusse, Anthony Newley), The Big One-Oh!(Dean Pitchford, Doug Besterman), The Book Thief (Jodi Picoult, Elyssa Samsel, Kate Anderson), and Breathe (co-conceived and written with Jodi Picoult). In 2021, Breathe was inducted into the Library of Congress to represent musical theatre authors’ response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Tim’s musicals are exclusively represented by Music Theatre International worldwide.

Tim is the Founder of Junior Theater Festivals Worldwide which the New York Times hailed as “a rousing celebration of Theater.” JTFs are held annually in North America, Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom. McDonald is also the Founder and CEO of iTheatrics which creates and adapts musicals for young people to perform in school and afterschool programs all over the globe. An estimated 36 million people attend these musicals annually in North America alone, which is three times the annual audience for Broadway.

Timothy Allen McDonald (itheatrics.com)(IG:@timmcdonaldnyc) is an award-winning musical theatre librettist, director, producer, and textbook co-author. Librettist credits include Roald Dahl’s James and the Giant Peach (Benj Pasek, Justin Paul), Jim Henson’s Emmet Otter’s Jug-Band Christmas (Paul Williams, Christopher Gattelli), Between The Lines (Elyssa Samsel, Kate Anderson) Roald Dahl’s Willy Wonka (Leslie Bricusse, Anthony Newley), The Big One-Oh!(Dean Pitchford, Doug Besterman), The Book Thief (Jodi Picoult, Elyssa Samsel, Kate Anderson), and Breathe (co-conceived and written with Jodi Picoult). In 2021, Breathe was inducted into the Library of Congress to represent musical theatre authors’ response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Tim’s musicals are exclusively represented by Music Theatre International worldwide.

Tim is the Founder of Junior Theater Festivals Worldwide which the New York Times hailed as “a rousing celebration of Theater.” JTFs are held annually in North America, Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom. McDonald is also the Founder and CEO of iTheatrics which creates and adapts musicals for young people to perform in school and afterschool programs all over the globe. An estimated 36 million people attend these musicals annually in North America alone, which is three times the annual audience for Broadway.

Melanie Brook (melaniebrook.com)(IG:@mellyb14)  is a recent LA transplant where her television credits include "Dispatches from Elsewhere," "Mrs. Fletcher," "The Knick," "Modern Love" and several Comedy Central shorts. Born and raised in NY, Melanie became a staple in the off-Broadway and cabaret scene having written, produced, and performed several shows at Feinstein's/54 Below and Joe's Pub at the Public Theater. She will next appear in Project Pay Day on Apple TV and star in the upcoming film "Summertime Dropouts." In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with friends, singing and playing the guitar.

Melanie Brook (melaniebrook.com)(IG:@mellyb14)  is a recent LA transplant where her television credits include "Dispatches from Elsewhere," "Mrs. Fletcher," "The Knick," "Modern Love" and several Comedy Central shorts. Born and raised in NY, Melanie became a staple in the off-Broadway and cabaret scene having written, produced, and performed several shows at Feinstein's/54 Below and Joe's Pub at the Public Theater. She will next appear in Project Pay Day on Apple TV and star in the upcoming film "Summertime Dropouts." In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with friends, singing and playing the guitar.

 

Abbey O’Brien’s (abbeyo.com/abbeyo)(LI:@abbeyobriennyc)(IG:@abbeyobriennyc)career in the entertainment industry spans over 20 years. She kicked off her career as a Rockette on one of the world’s most renowned stages, Radio City Music Hall. Her professional experience is diverse, from Tony Award-winning cast member, to collaborating on an Emmy nominated TV show, to being on the creative teams of Tony winning Broadway shows, to choreographing music videos, directing original works, and working with major corporations. 

Abbey has worked with famed actors Uma Thurman, Hugh Jackman, Hank Azaria, Sara Bareilles, Megan Hilty, Katharine McPhee, Martha Plimpton, David Hyde Pierce, plus acclaimed directors Mike Nichols, Diane Paulus, Casey Nicholaw, Des McAnuff, Rob Ashford, Jerry Mitchell, Josh Bergasse, Anne Reinking, Joe Mantello, Lear DeBessonet, Bebe Neuwirth, Sidi Larbi, Daniel Sullivan, Stafford Arima, Joe Calarco, Graciela Daniele, Lorin Latarro and many more. 

Ms. O’Brien is currently the Associate Choreographer of not only Sara Bareilles’ Waitress the Musical, but Alanis Morissette’s 15 time Tony award nominated Jagged Little Pill. Abbey is also Resident Director of Jeffrey Finn’s Hot on Broadway, which creates evening length industrial shows for corporations across America. 

Director/Choreographer credits: Rocky Horror Show,13 the musical, Meet Me in St.Louis, A Quarantine Cabaret

Choreography credits include: ExtraOrdinary (Directed by Diane Paulus), Broadway for Biden (Directed by Liesl Tommy), NBC’s Jimmy Fallon Show, CBS’s Late Show with David Letterman, Sugarland (Music Video), Big Fish (Directed by Eric Woodall), NYC Mayor’s Inner Circle Gala, Smokey Joe’s Cafe (Directed by Julia Murney), Rock of Ages (Directed by Michael Berry), Mama Mia (Casa Mañana), American Idiot (TUTS), Dreamgirls (Directed by Lauren Kennedy), Spamalot (Atlanta Lyric Theatre), True Love (TriArts Sharon Playhouse), Performa Gala (Jennifer Rubell), Wizard of Oz (NewArts), and many industrial/ corporate entertainment events. 

Associate Director/Choreographer credits: Jagged Little Pill (Broadway and American Repertory Theater), Waitress (All Companies), #DateMe (Off-Broadway),Taste of Things to Come (The York Theatre and Chicago Broadway Playhouse), The Odyssey (Public Works at The Delacorte), Double Portrait (Film), Elf (Paper Mill Playhouse), Ragtime (Lincoln Center), Bernadette Peter’s Drama League Gala (The Plaza), NBC’s Smash, Company (Bucks Co. Playhouse), National Pastime (BCP), Plaid Tidings (BCP), Legs (Tory Burch commercial), Microsoft (Industrial), Norwegian Cruise Line (RWS), Chicago (Ogunquit Playhouse). Some of her performing credits include: NBC's Smash, Broadway’s Spamalot, Broadway’s Pal Joey, Radio City Rockette’s, NBC's Celebrity Apprentice, Longshot (Film), Martha Plimpton Sings? (Lincoln Center-American Songbook Series), Sinatra (Radio City Music Hall), No Strings (Encores!), The Met Gala (NYC), Carnivale (Radio City).

Abbey O’Brien is also a National Adjudicator, Master Teacher, Guest Artist, and Creative Consultant.

Abbey O’Brien’s (abbeyo.com/abbeyo)(LI:@abbeyobriennyc)(IG:@abbeyobriennyc)career in the entertainment industry spans over 20 years. She kicked off her career as a Rockette on one of the world’s most renowned stages, Radio City Music Hall. Her professional experience is diverse, from Tony Award-winning cast member, to collaborating on an Emmy nominated TV show, to being on the creative teams of Tony winning Broadway shows, to choreographing music videos, directing original works, and working with major corporations. 

Abbey has worked with famed actors Uma Thurman, Hugh Jackman, Hank Azaria, Sara Bareilles, Megan Hilty, Katharine McPhee, Martha Plimpton, David Hyde Pierce, plus acclaimed directors Mike Nichols, Diane Paulus, Casey Nicholaw, Des McAnuff, Rob Ashford, Jerry Mitchell, Josh Bergasse, Anne Reinking, Joe Mantello, Lear DeBessonet, Bebe Neuwirth, Sidi Larbi, Daniel Sullivan, Stafford Arima, Joe Calarco, Graciela Daniele, Lorin Latarro and many more. 

Ms. O’Brien is currently the Associate Choreographer of not only Sara Bareilles’ Waitress the Musical, but Alanis Morissette’s 15 time Tony award nominated Jagged Little Pill. Abbey is also Resident Director of Jeffrey Finn’s Hot on Broadway, which creates evening length industrial shows for corporations across America. 

Director/Choreographer credits: Rocky Horror Show,13 the musical, Meet Me in St.Louis, A Quarantine Cabaret

Choreography credits include: ExtraOrdinary (Directed by Diane Paulus), Broadway for Biden (Directed by Liesl Tommy), NBC’s Jimmy Fallon Show, CBS’s Late Show with David Letterman, Sugarland (Music Video), Big Fish (Directed by Eric Woodall), NYC Mayor’s Inner Circle Gala, Smokey Joe’s Cafe (Directed by Julia Murney), Rock of Ages (Directed by Michael Berry), Mama Mia (Casa Mañana), American Idiot (TUTS), Dreamgirls (Directed by Lauren Kennedy), Spamalot (Atlanta Lyric Theatre), True Love (TriArts Sharon Playhouse), Performa Gala (Jennifer Rubell), Wizard of Oz (NewArts), and many industrial/ corporate entertainment events. 

Associate Director/Choreographer credits: Jagged Little Pill (Broadway and American Repertory Theater), Waitress (All Companies), #DateMe (Off-Broadway),Taste of Things to Come (The York Theatre and Chicago Broadway Playhouse), The Odyssey (Public Works at The Delacorte), Double Portrait (Film), Elf (Paper Mill Playhouse), Ragtime (Lincoln Center), Bernadette Peter’s Drama League Gala (The Plaza), NBC’s Smash, Company (Bucks Co. Playhouse), National Pastime (BCP), Plaid Tidings (BCP), Legs (Tory Burch commercial), Microsoft (Industrial), Norwegian Cruise Line (RWS), Chicago (Ogunquit Playhouse). Some of her performing credits include: NBC's Smash, Broadway’s Spamalot, Broadway’s Pal Joey, Radio City Rockette’s, NBC's Celebrity Apprentice, Longshot (Film), Martha Plimpton Sings? (Lincoln Center-American Songbook Series), Sinatra (Radio City Music Hall), No Strings (Encores!), The Met Gala (NYC), Carnivale (Radio City).

Abbey O’Brien is also a National Adjudicator, Master Teacher, Guest Artist, and Creative Consultant.

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. 

Joe Barros (joebarros.com)(IG:@bisforbarros)(TW:@joebarros)(LI:@joe-barros) is a New York-based stage director and award-winning choreographer working on Broadway, Off-Broadway, regionally, and internationally.

Joe recently directed and choreographed two national tours of A Charlie Brown Christmas (Gershwin Entertainment), the new musical Love and Yogurt in New York, the musical Aida in Singapore, and A New Brain at Five Towns College on Long Island.

New York credits include the Broadway revival of Gigi (associate director, directed by Eric Schaeffer) starring Vanessa Hudgens and Victoria Clark, Cagney (associate director, directed by Bill Castellino), the New York premiere of Dan Elish and Douglas Cohen’s The Evolution of Mann Off-Broadway (starring Max Crumm and Allie Trimm, cast recording on iTunes and Spotify), the world premiere of Marc Acito and Amy Engelhardt’s critically acclaimed rock musical Bastard Jones Off-Broadway, Nine at CAP21/Molloy College, Out of the Box Theatrics’ Alice in Alice’s (Alice in Wonderland at Alice’s Tea Cup with a company of actors with disabilities, co-writer, world premiere at Weathervane Theatre), I Married Wyatt Earp at 59E59 Theatres (Prospect Theater Co./NY Theatre Barn), Hard Times (NY Innovative Theatre Award Nominee for Best Choreography, NY Times Critics’ Pick), Debra Barsha and Hollye Levin's A Taste of Things to Come (associate director, directed by Lorin Latarro, York Theatre Company, Bucks County Playhouse, Broadway in Chicago), and the world premiere of Cheryl Stern's Shoes & Baggage (The Cell). With New York Theatre Barn, Joe produced the new musical Sam's Room, inspired by real stories of nonverbal teens who find a way to communicate.

Joe Barros (joebarros.com)(IG:@bisforbarros)(TW:@joebarros)(LI:@joe-barros) is a New York-based stage director and award-winning choreographer working on Broadway, Off-Broadway, regionally, and internationally.

Joe recently directed and choreographed two national tours of A Charlie Brown Christmas (Gershwin Entertainment), the new musical Love and Yogurt in New York, the musical Aida in Singapore, and A New Brain at Five Towns College on Long Island.

New York credits include the Broadway revival of Gigi (associate director, directed by Eric Schaeffer) starring Vanessa Hudgens and Victoria Clark, Cagney (associate director, directed by Bill Castellino), the New York premiere of Dan Elish and Douglas Cohen’s The Evolution of Mann Off-Broadway (starring Max Crumm and Allie Trimm, cast recording on iTunes and Spotify), the world premiere of Marc Acito and Amy Engelhardt’s critically acclaimed rock musical Bastard Jones Off-Broadway, Nine at CAP21/Molloy College, Out of the Box Theatrics’ Alice in Alice’s (Alice in Wonderland at Alice’s Tea Cup with a company of actors with disabilities, co-writer, world premiere at Weathervane Theatre), I Married Wyatt Earp at 59E59 Theatres (Prospect Theater Co./NY Theatre Barn), Hard Times (NY Innovative Theatre Award Nominee for Best Choreography, NY Times Critics’ Pick), Debra Barsha and Hollye Levin's A Taste of Things to Come (associate director, directed by Lorin Latarro, York Theatre Company, Bucks County Playhouse, Broadway in Chicago), and the world premiere of Cheryl Stern's Shoes & Baggage (The Cell). With New York Theatre Barn, Joe produced the new musical Sam's Room, inspired by real stories of nonverbal teens who find a way to communicate.

PC-J Entertainment was set up by PIERS COTTEE-JONES (pcjentertainment.com)(TW:@PiersCJ)(LI:@piers-cottee-jones)(IG:@pierscotteejones), formerly a producer at Rigmarole Productions, who’s notable credits include Hair (UK Tour), Madagascar (UK Tour), Dark Sublime (Trafalgar Studios) and Pippin (Southwark Playhouse). Piers’ desire to ensure that theatre is for all led to Dark Sublime being the first show at Trafalgar Studios to host a relaxed performance, on top of its 2 BSL interpreted performances.

Notable credits include: Amélie (Criterion Theatre), Death Drop (Garrick Theatre), A Christmas Carol (Dominion Theatre), Wonderville (Palace Theatre), Treason (Streamed from Cadogan Hall) and The World Goes ‘Round (The Barn Theatre, Cirencester).

PC-J Entertainment was set up by PIERS COTTEE-JONES (pcjentertainment.com)(TW:@PiersCJ)(LI:@piers-cottee-jones)(IG:@pierscotteejones), formerly a producer at Rigmarole Productions, who’s notable credits include Hair (UK Tour), Madagascar (UK Tour), Dark Sublime (Trafalgar Studios) and Pippin (Southwark Playhouse). Piers’ desire to ensure that theatre is for all led to Dark Sublime being the first show at Trafalgar Studios to host a relaxed performance, on top of its 2 BSL interpreted performances.

Notable credits include: Amélie (Criterion Theatre), Death Drop (Garrick Theatre), A Christmas Carol (Dominion Theatre), Wonderville (Palace Theatre), Treason (Streamed from Cadogan Hall) and The World Goes ‘Round (The Barn Theatre, Cirencester).

 

 

 

J. Harrison Ghee (IG:@jharrisonghee)(TW:@jharrisonghee) is a North Carolina native and has been based in New York City for 13 years. J. has performed all over the world from Tokyo Disney Sea Resort to Norewgian Cruise Line as a lead vocalist. In 2017, he made his Broadway debut as "Lola" in Kinky Boots the musical, after having traveled the world on the international tour in the role. Ghee recently celebrated 10 years of being a drag artist, and has always been a lover of anything makeup/beauty related. You can also see J. on a HBO episode of High Maintainence and recurring on the Netflix series Raising Dion. J. hopes to inspire you to live in love, light, and all things true to you!

J. Harrison Ghee (IG:@jharrisonghee)(TW:@jharrisonghee) is a North Carolina native and has been based in New York City for 13 years. J. has performed all over the world from Tokyo Disney Sea Resort to Norewgian Cruise Line as a lead vocalist. In 2017, he made his Broadway debut as "Lola" in Kinky Boots the musical, after having traveled the world on the international tour in the role. Ghee recently celebrated 10 years of being a drag artist, and has always been a lover of anything makeup/beauty related. You can also see J. on a HBO episode of High Maintainence and recurring on the Netflix series Raising Dion. J. hopes to inspire you to live in love, light, and all things true to you!

SJ Arnegger (LI:@sarah-jane-arnegger)(TW:@sjarnegger) Director, iHeartRadio Broadway, podcast host - Growin’ Up Broadway and basic theatre nerd http://iheartradiobroadway.com Bringing you the best of Broadway 24/7. We discuss her journey to iHeartRadio and so much more. Enjoy!

SJ Arnegger (LI:@sarah-jane-arnegger)(TW:@sjarnegger) Director, iHeartRadio Broadway, podcast host - Growin’ Up Broadway and basic theatre nerd http://iheartradiobroadway.com Bringing you the best of Broadway 24/7. We discuss her journey to iHeartRadio and so much more. Enjoy!

Sam Gravitte (IG:@samgravitte) Broadway: Wicked. Regional/touring: Almost Famous (OC, Old Globe), Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (A.C.T.), Wicked. BA: Princeton University. We discuss everything from Wicked to Writing and so much more. Enjoy!

Sam Gravitte (IG:@samgravitte) Broadway: Wicked. Regional/touring: Almost Famous (OC, Old Globe), Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (A.C.T.), Wicked. BA: Princeton University. We discuss everything from Wicked to Writing and so much more. Enjoy!

Dev (devanandjanki.com)(liveandincolor.org)(TW:@devjanki)(LI:devanand-janki) is a New York-based Director and Choreographer who grew up spending summers at The Bingham Camp. His career spans all facets of the performing arts – theatre, opera, ballet and corporate entertainment. He began as a performer, appearing in numerous productions including Broadway’s Miss Saigon. Cats, The King & I, and Side Show. For the past 15 years, he has been a freelance director, working regionally and in New York on over 50 shows including Aladdin, Junie B. Jones, Man of La Mancha, Rent, The Full Monty and Off-Broadway’s Zanna Don’t for which he won the Lucille Lortel Award. His passion has always been creating new work for the stage. He is excited that The Bingham Camp, which inspired so much of his own creativity, is now a home for other theatre professionals. He looks forward to sharing their work with the community in the years to come.

Dev (devanandjanki.com)(liveandincolor.org)(TW:@devjanki)(LI:devanand-janki) is a New York-based Director and Choreographer who grew up spending summers at The Bingham Camp. His career spans all facets of the performing arts – theatre, opera, ballet and corporate entertainment. He began as a performer, appearing in numerous productions including Broadway’s Miss Saigon. Cats, The King & I, and Side Show. For the past 15 years, he has been a freelance director, working regionally and in New York on over 50 shows including Aladdin, Junie B. Jones, Man of La Mancha, Rent, The Full Monty and Off-Broadway’s Zanna Don’t for which he won the Lucille Lortel Award. His passion has always been creating new work for the stage. He is excited that The Bingham Camp, which inspired so much of his own creativity, is now a home for other theatre professionals. He looks forward to sharing their work with the community in the years to come.

Talia Suskauer (taliasuskauer.com)(IG:@taliasuskauer)(TW:@taliarach) is a New York based actress, and is currently playing Elphaba in WICKED on Broadway. Talia recently returned from touring the country as Elphaba on the Munchkinland National Tour of WICKED. 

 

Originally from Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, Talia attended Dreyfoos School of the Arts, and then went on to earn her BFA in Musical Theatre from Penn State University in 2018.  During her freshman year at Penn State, Talia was chosen to be a 2015 YoungArts winner in Theatre Arts. 

 

Talia has performed regionally at the New London Barn Playhouse in New London, New Hampshire, playing roles such as Princess Fiona in SHREK THE MUSICAL (NH Theatre Award Nomination), Rosa Bud in THE MYSTERY OF EDWIN DROOD (NH Theatre Award Nomination), Lily Craven in THE SECRET GARDEN, and most recently, Jo March in LITTLE WOMEN.

​

In 2018, Talia made her Off-Broadway debut in BE MORE CHILL at the Signature Theatre in New York City, as the female standby. Talia continued her journey with BE MORE CHILL as it transferred to the Lyceum Theatre on Broadway in February, 2019, and stayed with the production until it closed in August, 2019. 

​

Talia is happiest when she is traveling, eating pasta, or playing with her 5-year-old border collie, Tucker.

Talia Suskauer (taliasuskauer.com)(IG:@taliasuskauer)(TW:@taliarach) is a New York based actress, and is currently playing Elphaba in WICKED on Broadway. Talia recently returned from touring the country as Elphaba on the Munchkinland National Tour of WICKED. 

 

Originally from Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, Talia attended Dreyfoos School of the Arts, and then went on to earn her BFA in Musical Theatre from Penn State University in 2018.  During her freshman year at Penn State, Talia was chosen to be a 2015 YoungArts winner in Theatre Arts. 

 

Talia has performed regionally at the New London Barn Playhouse in New London, New Hampshire, playing roles such as Princess Fiona in SHREK THE MUSICAL (NH Theatre Award Nomination), Rosa Bud in THE MYSTERY OF EDWIN DROOD (NH Theatre Award Nomination), Lily Craven in THE SECRET GARDEN, and most recently, Jo March in LITTLE WOMEN.

​

In 2018, Talia made her Off-Broadway debut in BE MORE CHILL at the Signature Theatre in New York City, as the female standby. Talia continued her journey with BE MORE CHILL as it transferred to the Lyceum Theatre on Broadway in February, 2019, and stayed with the production until it closed in August, 2019. 

​

Talia is happiest when she is traveling, eating pasta, or playing with her 5-year-old border collie, Tucker.

Mike Isaacson, Currently in his ninth season and only the third person to hold this position in The Muny’s 103-year history. To date, he has produced 56 Muny shows, 23 of which had never been on the Muny stage before. He has collaborated at The Muny with many Tony award winners and breakthrough talents, including Christian Borle, Colin Donnell, Marcia Milgrom Dodge, Gary Griffin, Heather Headley, Jennifer Holliday, Denis Jones, Laura Michelle Kelly, Dan Knecht- ges, Beth Leavel, Norm Lewis, Beth Malone, Kathleen Marshall, Patti Murin, Josh Rhodes, Emily Skinner and Ken Page. The Riverfront Times wrote, “Under the leadership of executive producer Mike Isaacson, the quality of Muny productions rose like the proverbial phoenix.” The St. Louis Post-Dispatch named him “Theatre Artist of the Year,” noting that by “staging one impressive production after another, he made The Muny simultaneously hip and – be- lieve it – important to our community.” During Isaacson’s tenure, The Muny has produced new developmental productions of Irving Berlin’s Holiday Inn, Lerner and Loewe’s Paint Your Wagon and The Unsinkable Molly Brown. During its record-breaking 100th season, The Muny became the first theatre in the world to produce the legendary Jerome Robbins’ Broadway, doing unprecedented archival work on both the artistic and business side. During that same season, The Muny produced the U.S. regional premiere of Jersey Boys. Isaacson has changed the look and feel of a Muny production, overseeing a transformation in every aspect of pro- duction that culminated in 2019 with the arrival of the theatre’s extraordinary James S. Mc- Donnell stage, a state-of-the art stage house that includes revolutionary LED technology, automated sets and a host of other innovations. During the summer of 2020, when The Muny was closed due to COVID-19, Mike produced and created The Muny 2020 Variety Hour Live!, an online show that reached more than a worldwide audience of over 400,000.

 

With Kristin Caskey, Isaacson has produced more than 23 Broadway musicals and plays, national tours, off-Broadway and London productions. All told, his productions have received more than 122 Tony nominations and 34 Tony Awards. Last year, he produced the highly ac- claimed David Byrne’s American Utopia, which made every major “Top 10” list, and became a highly acclaimed film by Spike Lee on HBO, for which he also served as an executive produc- er. Just as the COVID-19 shutdown of Broadway began, he was awaiting the first preview of Neil Simon’s Plaza Suite, starring Mathew Broderick and Sarah Jessica Parker.

 

Also, during the shutdown, Isaacson served as a supporting producer of the acclaimed re- vival of The Unsinkable Molly Brown at New York’s Transport Group. Other career highlights include: Fun Home (2015 Tony Award, Best Musical; 2018 Olivier nominee for Best Musical), Legally Blonde the Musical (2011 Olivier Award, Best Musical), Thoroughly Modern Millie (2002 Tony Award, Best Musical), Red (2010 Tony Award, Best Play), The Humans (2016 Tony Award, Best Play), If/Then, starring Idina Menzel, Lanford Wilson’s Burn This, starring Adam Driver and Kerri Russell (2019 Tony nomination for Best Revival of a Play), Bring It On: The Musical (2013 Tony nomination for Best Musical), A Doll’s House 2 (2017 Tony nomination for Best Play), You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown (1999 Tony nomination for Best Revival of a Musical), The Seagull, starring Kristin Scott Thomas, Carey Mulligan and Peter Sarsgaard, Caroline, or Change (Tony nomination for Best Musical); One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest (2001 Tony Award, Best Revival of a Play) and Death of a Salesman (1999 Tony Award, Best Revival of a Play). For the Independent Presenters Network, Isaacson served as producer for Spamalot (2005 Tony Award, Best Musical), Ragtime (revival) and The Color Purple (2006 Tony nomination for Best Musical).

 

He has received the St. Louis Arts and Education Council’s Award for Excellence in the Arts and has been awarded The Broadway League’s and Theatre Development Fund’s Commercial Theater Institute “Robert Whitehead” Award for excellence in producing. He has served on the board of governors and executive committee of The Broadway League and received the Samuel J. L’Hommedieu Award. He has also received the Equality Award from the St. Louis Chapter of Human Rights Campaign.

Mike Isaacson, Currently in his ninth season and only the third person to hold this position in The Muny’s 103-year history. To date, he has produced 56 Muny shows, 23 of which had never been on the Muny stage before. He has collaborated at The Muny with many Tony award winners and breakthrough talents, including Christian Borle, Colin Donnell, Marcia Milgrom Dodge, Gary Griffin, Heather Headley, Jennifer Holliday, Denis Jones, Laura Michelle Kelly, Dan Knecht- ges, Beth Leavel, Norm Lewis, Beth Malone, Kathleen Marshall, Patti Murin, Josh Rhodes, Emily Skinner and Ken Page. The Riverfront Times wrote, “Under the leadership of executive producer Mike Isaacson, the quality of Muny productions rose like the proverbial phoenix.” The St. Louis Post-Dispatch named him “Theatre Artist of the Year,” noting that by “staging one impressive production after another, he made The Muny simultaneously hip and – be- lieve it – important to our community.” During Isaacson’s tenure, The Muny has produced new developmental productions of Irving Berlin’s Holiday Inn, Lerner and Loewe’s Paint Your Wagon and The Unsinkable Molly Brown. During its record-breaking 100th season, The Muny became the first theatre in the world to produce the legendary Jerome Robbins’ Broadway, doing unprecedented archival work on both the artistic and business side. During that same season, The Muny produced the U.S. regional premiere of Jersey Boys. Isaacson has changed the look and feel of a Muny production, overseeing a transformation in every aspect of pro- duction that culminated in 2019 with the arrival of the theatre’s extraordinary James S. Mc- Donnell stage, a state-of-the art stage house that includes revolutionary LED technology, automated sets and a host of other innovations. During the summer of 2020, when The Muny was closed due to COVID-19, Mike produced and created The Muny 2020 Variety Hour Live!, an online show that reached more than a worldwide audience of over 400,000.

 

With Kristin Caskey, Isaacson has produced more than 23 Broadway musicals and plays, national tours, off-Broadway and London productions. All told, his productions have received more than 122 Tony nominations and 34 Tony Awards. Last year, he produced the highly ac- claimed David Byrne’s American Utopia, which made every major “Top 10” list, and became a highly acclaimed film by Spike Lee on HBO, for which he also served as an executive produc- er. Just as the COVID-19 shutdown of Broadway began, he was awaiting the first preview of Neil Simon’s Plaza Suite, starring Mathew Broderick and Sarah Jessica Parker.

 

Also, during the shutdown, Isaacson served as a supporting producer of the acclaimed re- vival of The Unsinkable Molly Brown at New York’s Transport Group. Other career highlights include: Fun Home (2015 Tony Award, Best Musical; 2018 Olivier nominee for Best Musical), Legally Blonde the Musical (2011 Olivier Award, Best Musical), Thoroughly Modern Millie (2002 Tony Award, Best Musical), Red (2010 Tony Award, Best Play), The Humans (2016 Tony Award, Best Play), If/Then, starring Idina Menzel, Lanford Wilson’s Burn This, starring Adam Driver and Kerri Russell (2019 Tony nomination for Best Revival of a Play), Bring It On: The Musical (2013 Tony nomination for Best Musical), A Doll’s House 2 (2017 Tony nomination for Best Play), You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown (1999 Tony nomination for Best Revival of a Musical), The Seagull, starring Kristin Scott Thomas, Carey Mulligan and Peter Sarsgaard, Caroline, or Change (Tony nomination for Best Musical); One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest (2001 Tony Award, Best Revival of a Play) and Death of a Salesman (1999 Tony Award, Best Revival of a Play). For the Independent Presenters Network, Isaacson served as producer for Spamalot (2005 Tony Award, Best Musical), Ragtime (revival) and The Color Purple (2006 Tony nomination for Best Musical).

 

He has received the St. Louis Arts and Education Council’s Award for Excellence in the Arts and has been awarded The Broadway League’s and Theatre Development Fund’s Commercial Theater Institute “Robert Whitehead” Award for excellence in producing. He has served on the board of governors and executive committee of The Broadway League and received the Samuel J. L’Hommedieu Award. He has also received the Equality Award from the St. Louis Chapter of Human Rights Campaign.

Jamal Lee Harris (IG:@maleemall)(TW:@jamallee) joins the show to discuss his time with The Lion King on tour and on Broadway. He also dives deep on energy control and training dogs. I hope you enjoy!

Jamal Lee Harris (IG:@maleemall)(TW:@jamallee) joins the show to discuss his time with The Lion King on tour and on Broadway. He also dives deep on energy control and training dogs. I hope you enjoy!

JOANN M. HUNTER (IG:@joann_m_hunter)(LI:@joann-m-hunter)has 20 Broadway shows to her credit as a Choreographer, Assoc Choreographer and Performer. Choreography includes: Broadway – SCHOOL OF ROCK (Bdway and West End), DISASTER, ON A CLEAR DAY…, BROADWAY BOUND. Off Broadway – ROCK AND ROLL REFUGEE, DEDALUS LOUNGE, THE TWELVE (workshop). National Tour/Regional:  A SIGN OF THE TIMES (Goodspeed) by Bruce Vilanch,  HARMONY (Ahmanson Theatre) by Barry Manilow and Bruce Sussman, World premier of Marvin Hamlisch and Rupert Holmes’ THE NUTTY PROFESSOR directed by Jerry Lewis. Nat’l tour of CHTTY CHITTY BANG BANG. PUMP BOYS AND DINETTES, GREASE, OLIVER and CURTAINS all at (PMP). She has directed Debra Monk in her one woman show with special guest Ron Rifkin, Andrea Martin, Victor Garber, and David Hyde Pierce. In development,  Lourds Lane superhero rock musical CHIX 6 and PERFECT SPIRAL, conceived by JoAnn is a ballet with words about the will to do what you were born to do regardless of a possible outcome, the loss of your own identity. Assoc Broadway Choreographer – SPRING AWAKENING, CURTAINS, THE WEDING SINGER, ALL SHOOK UP. As a performer,  THOROUGHLY MODERN MILLIE, THOU SHALT NOT, KISS ME KATE, CHICAGO, A FUNNY THING HAPPENED…, STEEL PIER, HOW TO SUCCEED…, DAMN YANKEES, GUYS AND DOLLS, MISS SAIGON, SHOGUN THE MUSICAL, JEROME ROBBINS BROADWAY.

JOANN M. HUNTER (IG:@joann_m_hunter)(LI:@joann-m-hunter)has 20 Broadway shows to her credit as a Choreographer, Assoc Choreographer and Performer. Choreography includes: Broadway – SCHOOL OF ROCK (Bdway and West End), DISASTER, ON A CLEAR DAY…, BROADWAY BOUND. Off Broadway – ROCK AND ROLL REFUGEE, DEDALUS LOUNGE, THE TWELVE (workshop). National Tour/Regional:  A SIGN OF THE TIMES (Goodspeed) by Bruce Vilanch,  HARMONY (Ahmanson Theatre) by Barry Manilow and Bruce Sussman, World premier of Marvin Hamlisch and Rupert Holmes’ THE NUTTY PROFESSOR directed by Jerry Lewis. Nat’l tour of CHTTY CHITTY BANG BANG. PUMP BOYS AND DINETTES, GREASE, OLIVER and CURTAINS all at (PMP). She has directed Debra Monk in her one woman show with special guest Ron Rifkin, Andrea Martin, Victor Garber, and David Hyde Pierce. In development,  Lourds Lane superhero rock musical CHIX 6 and PERFECT SPIRAL, conceived by JoAnn is a ballet with words about the will to do what you were born to do regardless of a possible outcome, the loss of your own identity. Assoc Broadway Choreographer – SPRING AWAKENING, CURTAINS, THE WEDING SINGER, ALL SHOOK UP. As a performer,  THOROUGHLY MODERN MILLIE, THOU SHALT NOT, KISS ME KATE, CHICAGO, A FUNNY THING HAPPENED…, STEEL PIER, HOW TO SUCCEED…, DAMN YANKEES, GUYS AND DOLLS, MISS SAIGON, SHOGUN THE MUSICAL, JEROME ROBBINS BROADWAY.

A theatre producer and lawyer, Michael Rubinoff (TW:@mrubinof) IG:@mrubinoff)is most passionate about igniting creation and supporting storytellers. Over the last decade he sparked a renaissance in Canadian musical theatre by developing thirty new musicals through the Canadian Music Theatre Project (the "CMTP"), an internationally recognized incubator of new works that he founded in 2011. Michael conceived the creation of the international hit musical Come From Away, for which he is a Producer and the Creative Consultant on productions worldwide, and has received the Olivier Award for Best Musical, a Tony Award Nomination for Best New Musical and the Meritorious Service Cross awarded by the Governor General of Canada on behalf of Her Majesty the Queen and all Canadians. During a decade of service in post-secondary education, Michael has served as academic leader, director of a research centre and elected member of a Board of Governors. He has collaborated with producers, creators and educators around the world to support innovation and creativity in theatre and arts education. As a leading expert and thought leader in the development of new musicals, he has been called upon to provide guidance and leadership to not for profit organizations, colleges and universities, commercial producers, emerging arts practitioners and government agencies.

Education: Michael completed his B.A. (Political Science) and LL.B. at Western University. He was the recipient of the Dean Ivan C. Rand Award in recognition of meritorious academic standing throughout his years in law, and outstanding contributions in the service of the undergraduate students of the Faculty of Law. He remains the only student to have been elected twice as president of Western Law’s Student Legal Society. He also served as the elected student representative to Western’s Board of Governors. He was a member of the 2000 winning team of the Niagara International Law Moot Court Competition and the valedictorian of his graduating law class. He was called to the Ontario Bar in 2002 and is a member of the Law Society of Ontario. Michael is a graduate of the Commercial Theatre Institute's intensive producing program in New York and is a 2015 member of the Governor General’s Canadian Leadership Conference.   

“I think only people in the theater know what a producer is. The public does not know. It knows a writer writes, and an actor acts, and a director tells them what to do. A producer raises money. Well, he does, and in some cases that's all he does. But the workers in the theater know that this is not the real thing. A producer is a rare, paradoxical genius -hard-headed, soft-hearted, cautious, reckless, a hopeful innocent in fair weather, a stern pilot in stormy weather, a mathematician who prefers to ignore the laws of mathematics and trust intuition, an idealist, a realist, a practical dreamer, a sophisticated gambler, a stage-struck child. That's a producer.”— Oscar Hammerstein II

A theatre producer and lawyer, Michael Rubinoff (TW:@mrubinof) IG:@mrubinoff)is most passionate about igniting creation and supporting storytellers. Over the last decade he sparked a renaissance in Canadian musical theatre by developing thirty new musicals through the Canadian Music Theatre Project (the "CMTP"), an internationally recognized incubator of new works that he founded in 2011. Michael conceived the creation of the international hit musical Come From Away, for which he is a Producer and the Creative Consultant on productions worldwide, and has received the Olivier Award for Best Musical, a Tony Award Nomination for Best New Musical and the Meritorious Service Cross awarded by the Governor General of Canada on behalf of Her Majesty the Queen and all Canadians. During a decade of service in post-secondary education, Michael has served as academic leader, director of a research centre and elected member of a Board of Governors. He has collaborated with producers, creators and educators around the world to support innovation and creativity in theatre and arts education. As a leading expert and thought leader in the development of new musicals, he has been called upon to provide guidance and leadership to not for profit organizations, colleges and universities, commercial producers, emerging arts practitioners and government agencies.

Education: Michael completed his B.A. (Political Science) and LL.B. at Western University. He was the recipient of the Dean Ivan C. Rand Award in recognition of meritorious academic standing throughout his years in law, and outstanding contributions in the service of the undergraduate students of the Faculty of Law. He remains the only student to have been elected twice as president of Western Law’s Student Legal Society. He also served as the elected student representative to Western’s Board of Governors. He was a member of the 2000 winning team of the Niagara International Law Moot Court Competition and the valedictorian of his graduating law class. He was called to the Ontario Bar in 2002 and is a member of the Law Society of Ontario. Michael is a graduate of the Commercial Theatre Institute's intensive producing program in New York and is a 2015 member of the Governor General’s Canadian Leadership Conference.   

“I think only people in the theater know what a producer is. The public does not know. It knows a writer writes, and an actor acts, and a director tells them what to do. A producer raises money. Well, he does, and in some cases that's all he does. But the workers in the theater know that this is not the real thing. A producer is a rare, paradoxical genius -hard-headed, soft-hearted, cautious, reckless, a hopeful innocent in fair weather, a stern pilot in stormy weather, a mathematician who prefers to ignore the laws of mathematics and trust intuition, an idealist, a realist, a practical dreamer, a sophisticated gambler, a stage-struck child. That's a producer.”— Oscar Hammerstein II

Julie Benko, (juliebenko.com)(TW:@JujujulieBee)(IG:@jujujuliebee) an award-winning actress, singer, and writer based in NYC,  is currently marching her band out all across Broadway as the standby Fanny Brice in Funny Girl. Look for her new album, Hand in Hand, which will be released on Club44 Records this August. You can listen to her debut jazz album on Spotify here!

Julie is a recipient of the Wilde Award for Best Leading Actress in a Musical for her performance as Girl in Once. She also received a BroadwayWorld nomination for Best Leading Actress in a Musical for her portrayal of Luisa in The Fantasticks, as well as Theatre Bay Area Awards and SF Critics Circle Awards Best Featured Actress in a Musical nominations for her interpretation of Bella in Rags. She holds a BFA in Drama and an MFA in Acting from NYU's Tisch School of the Arts.

In addition to lending her voice to the 85th Academy Awards and the 70th Tony Awards ceremonies, Julie took home the Gold Medal and the Johnny Mercer Award in the national American Traditions Vocal Competition. In spring 2021, she was named a semi-finalist in the international Lotte Lenya Competition.

Julie recently wrote, directed, and starred in her first short, "The Newlywed's Guide to Physical Intimacy." The film won an Honorable Mention at its premiere July 2020 premiere at New Faces New Voices Film Festival and has since gained admission and won praise in numerous other festivals. Her first full-length play, "The District," received a public reading at Astoria Performing Arts Center in fall 2021 and is currently in development.

She spent the pandemic raising money for various charities via her "Quarantunes" musical duo series with jazz pianist (and her spouse) Jason Yeager, picking up French and Yiddish on DuoLingo, and fulfilling her lifelong dream of learning to play the clarinet.

Julie Benko, (juliebenko.com)(TW:@JujujulieBee)(IG:@jujujuliebee) an award-winning actress, singer, and writer based in NYC,  is currently marching her band out all across Broadway as the standby Fanny Brice in Funny Girl. Look for her new album, Hand in Hand, which will be released on Club44 Records this August. You can listen to her debut jazz album on Spotify here!

Julie is a recipient of the Wilde Award for Best Leading Actress in a Musical for her performance as Girl in Once. She also received a BroadwayWorld nomination for Best Leading Actress in a Musical for her portrayal of Luisa in The Fantasticks, as well as Theatre Bay Area Awards and SF Critics Circle Awards Best Featured Actress in a Musical nominations for her interpretation of Bella in Rags. She holds a BFA in Drama and an MFA in Acting from NYU's Tisch School of the Arts.

In addition to lending her voice to the 85th Academy Awards and the 70th Tony Awards ceremonies, Julie took home the Gold Medal and the Johnny Mercer Award in the national American Traditions Vocal Competition. In spring 2021, she was named a semi-finalist in the international Lotte Lenya Competition.

Julie recently wrote, directed, and starred in her first short, "The Newlywed's Guide to Physical Intimacy." The film won an Honorable Mention at its premiere July 2020 premiere at New Faces New Voices Film Festival and has since gained admission and won praise in numerous other festivals. Her first full-length play, "The District," received a public reading at Astoria Performing Arts Center in fall 2021 and is currently in development.

She spent the pandemic raising money for various charities via her "Quarantunes" musical duo series with jazz pianist (and her spouse) Jason Yeager, picking up French and Yiddish on DuoLingo, and fulfilling her lifelong dream of learning to play the clarinet.

Patrick O’Neill (patrickoneill.me)(IG:@itspatrickoneill)(TW:@ptonyc)(LI:@ptonyc)is an American choreographer, director, and educator who is passionate about developing work that connects us and cultivates communication and understanding. We discuss School of Rock and so much more! Enjoy!

Patrick O’Neill (patrickoneill.me)(IG:@itspatrickoneill)(TW:@ptonyc)(LI:@ptonyc)is an American choreographer, director, and educator who is passionate about developing work that connects us and cultivates communication and understanding. We discuss School of Rock and so much more! Enjoy!

Jean Louisa Kelly (IG:@jeanlouisakelly)(TW:@jeanlouisakelly)(FB:@JeanLouisaKelly)(jeanlouisakelly.com) is an American actress. After making her film debut as Tia Russell in Uncle Buck (1989) alongside John Candy, she appeared in a wide range of other films including The Fantasticks (1995) and Mr. Holland's Opus (1995). From 2000 to 2006, she was known for portraying Kim Warner on the CBS sitcom Yes, Dear. She portrays Sarah Kazansky - wife of “Iceman” - ] in the 2022 action drama film Top Gun: Maverick

Jean Louisa Kelly (IG:@jeanlouisakelly)(TW:@jeanlouisakelly)(FB:@JeanLouisaKelly)(jeanlouisakelly.com) is an American actress. After making her film debut as Tia Russell in Uncle Buck (1989) alongside John Candy, she appeared in a wide range of other films including The Fantasticks (1995) and Mr. Holland's Opus (1995). From 2000 to 2006, she was known for portraying Kim Warner on the CBS sitcom Yes, Dear. She portrays Sarah Kazansky - wife of “Iceman” - ] in the 2022 action drama film Top Gun: Maverick

Sammy (IG:@shlopez21)(LI:@shlopez21)(sammy-lopez.com) is a co-founder and producer with P3 Productions, an artist-driven production company that’s built on three pillars: thought-provoking stories, strong values, and opening doors. They are currently developing: GUN & POWDER (World Premiere: Signature Theatre 2020), HOW TO DANCE IN OHIO (Upcoming World Premiere: Syracuse Stage, Fall 2022), MIDSUMMER (In Development), BRADICAL (In Development), and two additional projects in development with award-winning artists John Leguizamo and Shakina Nayfack. He launched the company with his partners, Ben Holtzman and Fiona Howe Rudin. He is a co-founding member of The Industry Standard Group (TISG) and Second Act Theatrical Capital (2ATC), a decentralized leadership cohort of BIPOC producers who came together through a shared affinity and commonality of often being the only collaborator of color in many rooms on Broadway. We seek to create change by re-imagining the pathways to participation within the decision-making levels of theater-making. Brought up by parents who are educators, Sammy is very passionate about sharing access and transparency within the commercial theatre industry. He is the 2022 program mentor for Theatre Producers Of Color (TPOC) and teaches with The Business of Broadway. He has made presentations and been a part of many theatre panels with Syracuse University, New York University, Center Theatre Group's College and Career Fair for the Arts, SolTalk Podcast, and The Fabulous Invalid Podcast. Most recently, he is a recipient of The Shubert Organization’s Artistic Circle, receiving bespoke support from The Shubert Organization to help further his career as a commercial producer. In addition, he is on the producing and social media team for The Old Vic's A CHRISTMAS CAROL. In 2018, he made his co-producing Off-Broadway debut with BE MORE CHILL—which transferred to Broadway in 2019. In 2017, he began his production company, Holtzman-Lopez Productions LLC, with his producing partner, longtime collaborator, and best friend Ben Holtzman. In addition to P3 Productions, they produce the Syracuse University Lewis Hecker Drama Showcase and manage the volunteer alumni group, Orange In The Apple.

After graduating from Syracuse University—Sammy got his start on Broadway with the NYC team at Your Theatrics International, a full-service entertainment production company specializing in the production and management of theatrical events, where he worked with Tom Smedes Productions on the Broadway production of THE VISIT starring Chita Rivera. During this time, he also worked on MOTHERS & SONS on Broadway, The New York Musical Festival (NYMF), the International Cabaret Contest in Australia and New Zealand, and the pre-Broadway development of BANDSTAND.

In 2017 he was a recipient of the Rising Star Fellowship with The Broadway League as well as the Associate Producer for the musical BANDSTAND, winner of the 2017 Tony Award® for Best Choreography.

Sammy (IG:@shlopez21)(LI:@shlopez21)(sammy-lopez.com) is a co-founder and producer with P3 Productions, an artist-driven production company that’s built on three pillars: thought-provoking stories, strong values, and opening doors. They are currently developing: GUN & POWDER (World Premiere: Signature Theatre 2020), HOW TO DANCE IN OHIO (Upcoming World Premiere: Syracuse Stage, Fall 2022), MIDSUMMER (In Development), BRADICAL (In Development), and two additional projects in development with award-winning artists John Leguizamo and Shakina Nayfack. He launched the company with his partners, Ben Holtzman and Fiona Howe Rudin. He is a co-founding member of The Industry Standard Group (TISG) and Second Act Theatrical Capital (2ATC), a decentralized leadership cohort of BIPOC producers who came together through a shared affinity and commonality of often being the only collaborator of color in many rooms on Broadway. We seek to create change by re-imagining the pathways to participation within the decision-making levels of theater-making. Brought up by parents who are educators, Sammy is very passionate about sharing access and transparency within the commercial theatre industry. He is the 2022 program mentor for Theatre Producers Of Color (TPOC) and teaches with The Business of Broadway. He has made presentations and been a part of many theatre panels with Syracuse University, New York University, Center Theatre Group's College and Career Fair for the Arts, SolTalk Podcast, and The Fabulous Invalid Podcast. Most recently, he is a recipient of The Shubert Organization’s Artistic Circle, receiving bespoke support from The Shubert Organization to help further his career as a commercial producer. In addition, he is on the producing and social media team for The Old Vic's A CHRISTMAS CAROL. In 2018, he made his co-producing Off-Broadway debut with BE MORE CHILL—which transferred to Broadway in 2019. In 2017, he began his production company, Holtzman-Lopez Productions LLC, with his producing partner, longtime collaborator, and best friend Ben Holtzman. In addition to P3 Productions, they produce the Syracuse University Lewis Hecker Drama Showcase and manage the volunteer alumni group, Orange In The Apple.

After graduating from Syracuse University—Sammy got his start on Broadway with the NYC team at Your Theatrics International, a full-service entertainment production company specializing in the production and management of theatrical events, where he worked with Tom Smedes Productions on the Broadway production of THE VISIT starring Chita Rivera. During this time, he also worked on MOTHERS & SONS on Broadway, The New York Musical Festival (NYMF), the International Cabaret Contest in Australia and New Zealand, and the pre-Broadway development of BANDSTAND.

In 2017 he was a recipient of the Rising Star Fellowship with The Broadway League as well as the Associate Producer for the musical BANDSTAND, winner of the 2017 Tony Award® for Best Choreography.

Tiler Peck (IG:@tilerpeck) was born in Bakersfield, California. She began her dance training at the age of two at her mother’s dance studio, Bakersfield Dance Company.

At the age of seven, she began studying privately with former Bolshoi Ballet principal dancer Alla Khaniashvili in Hollywood. At the age of 11 she began studying at Conjunctive Point in Culver City, California, with former New York City Ballet dancers Colleen and Patricia Neary.

During this time, she also studied with former NYCB principal Yvonne Mounsey at Westside School of Ballet in Santa Monica. At the age of 12, Ms. Peck entered the School of American Ballet, the official school of New York City Ballet, for most of the 2000-2001 Winter Term.

She returned to SAB during the summers of 2002 and 2003, and that fall began as a full-time student. In September 2004, Ms. Peck became an apprentice with New York City Ballet. In February 2005 she joined the Company as a member of the corps de ballet.

She was promoted to soloist in December 2006 and principal dancer in October 2009.

Alex Robertson (IG:@alexandererobertson)(LI:alexrobertson)(a-robertson.com) is a NYC-based producer, actor, and creative. He independently produces for Broadway/Off-Broadway, and works with brands such as Dunkin’ Brand Inc., to create content for social media. Alex serves as the Producing Associate for iTheatrics, currently working on Jim Henson’s Emmet Otter Jug-Band Christmas. He is co-producer of Douglas Carter Beane’s FAIRYCAKES Off-Broadway. Alex graduated from The Hartt School, University of Hartford with a BFA in Music Theatre and minor in Performing Arts Management. He studied at Carnegie Mellon University in the Master’s in Entertainment Industry Management program prior to joining the iTheatrics team. He has been seen across various stages in the Northeastern region of the U.S. Some of his favorite productions include The Scottsboro Boys (Playhouse on Park), Newsies (New London Barn Playhouse), and Lies & Love (Hudson Guild). Alex hopes to continue to bring a positive and unique perspective to the ever-evolving entertainment industry.

Alex Robertson (IG:@alexandererobertson)(LI:alexrobertson)(a-robertson.com) is a NYC-based producer, actor, and creative. He independently produces for Broadway/Off-Broadway, and works with brands such as Dunkin’ Brand Inc., to create content for social media. Alex serves as the Producing Associate for iTheatrics, currently working on Jim Henson’s Emmet Otter Jug-Band Christmas. He is co-producer of Douglas Carter Beane’s FAIRYCAKES Off-Broadway. Alex graduated from The Hartt School, University of Hartford with a BFA in Music Theatre and minor in Performing Arts Management. He studied at Carnegie Mellon University in the Master’s in Entertainment Industry Management program prior to joining the iTheatrics team. He has been seen across various stages in the Northeastern region of the U.S. Some of his favorite productions include The Scottsboro Boys (Playhouse on Park), Newsies (New London Barn Playhouse), and Lies & Love (Hudson Guild). Alex hopes to continue to bring a positive and unique perspective to the ever-evolving entertainment industry.

Bonnie Comley(bonniecomley.com)(LI:@bonniecomley) is a three-time Tony Award-winning producer. She has, also, won an Olivier Award and two Drama Desk Awards for her stage productions. She is a full member of The Broadway League and the Audience Engagement and Education Committee. Comley has produced over 40 films, winning five Telly Awards and one W3 Award. She is the founder and CEO of BroadwayHD, the world’s premier online streaming platform delivering over 300 premium live productions to theatre fans globally. The theatre community has honored Comley for her philanthropic work; she is the recipient of The Actors Fund Medal of Honor, The Drama League Special Contribution to the Theater Award, The Paul Newman Award from Arts Horizons and The Theater Museum Distinguished Service Award. Comley’s educational honors include The Distinguished Alumni Award from Emerson College and The Distinguished Alumni Award from the University of Massachusetts and the business honor society Beta Gamma Sigma. The Music Theatre Program at Boston University is named in her honor, The Musical Theatre Society Room at Emerson College bears her name, the 500-seat theater at the University of Massachusetts Lowell is known as the Comley-Lane Theatre, and The Stewart F. Lane and Bonnie Comley Stage is housed within the Booth Arts Complex in Boston. Comley has been a keynote speaker or panelist at BroadwayCon, C2E2 (Chicago ComicCon), SXSW, Theatre Resources Unlimited (TRU) and City National Bank Women Entrepreneurs, and taught masterclasses or guest lectured at Columbia University, New York University, Emerson College, NYFA, Five Towns College and UMass, among others.

Bonnie Comley(bonniecomley.com)(LI:@bonniecomley) is a three-time Tony Award-winning producer. She has, also, won an Olivier Award and two Drama Desk Awards for her stage productions. She is a full member of The Broadway League and the Audience Engagement and Education Committee. Comley has produced over 40 films, winning five Telly Awards and one W3 Award. She is the founder and CEO of BroadwayHD, the world’s premier online streaming platform delivering over 300 premium live productions to theatre fans globally. The theatre community has honored Comley for her philanthropic work; she is the recipient of The Actors Fund Medal of Honor, The Drama League Special Contribution to the Theater Award, The Paul Newman Award from Arts Horizons and The Theater Museum Distinguished Service Award. Comley’s educational honors include The Distinguished Alumni Award from Emerson College and The Distinguished Alumni Award from the University of Massachusetts and the business honor society Beta Gamma Sigma. The Music Theatre Program at Boston University is named in her honor, The Musical Theatre Society Room at Emerson College bears her name, the 500-seat theater at the University of Massachusetts Lowell is known as the Comley-Lane Theatre, and The Stewart F. Lane and Bonnie Comley Stage is housed within the Booth Arts Complex in Boston. Comley has been a keynote speaker or panelist at BroadwayCon, C2E2 (Chicago ComicCon), SXSW, Theatre Resources Unlimited (TRU) and City National Bank Women Entrepreneurs, and taught masterclasses or guest lectured at Columbia University, New York University, Emerson College, NYFA, Five Towns College and UMass, among others.

Thomas Laub (IG:@tjslaub)(LI:@thomaslaub) is a Tony Award winning theatrical and film producer, with productions on and off-Broadway and in partner cities across North America, as well as on screen. We discuss his current productions, Apple TV and much more. Enjoy!

Thomas Laub (IG:@tjslaub)(LI:@thomaslaub) is a Tony Award winning theatrical and film producer, with productions on and off-Broadway and in partner cities across North America, as well as on screen. We discuss his current productions, Apple TV and much more. Enjoy!

Victoria Weinberg (IG:@msvictorialeigh)(LI:@victoria-weinberg) is an independent theater and live event producer. She has been working with Glass Hall Full Productions as their U.S. Associate Producer for over 3 years. Most recently, GHF’s work includes the recent Broadway revival of “Betrayal,” “Sea Wall/A Life,” “The Lehman Trilogy,” and “Network.” A South Florida native, Victoria graduated from NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts. Upon graduation, alongside Nick Luckebaugh, Victoria started Libra Theater Company, where she produced readings, concerts of new work (including music by Rob Rokicki, Joe Iconis, and Paul Gordon), and original plays at venues such as 59E59 Theaters. Her passion lies in developing exciting and diverse new work in the commercial theatre space. She is currently developing SYNCING INK, a new hip-hop experience by emcee NSangou Njikam, directed by Awoye Timpo slated for summer 2021. Additionally, Victoria works in live event production, as the co-producer of the PEN America Literary Awards, associate producer for the Drama Desk Awards. She’s a proud dog mama of Tobi, the magical chi-weenie and her favorite Disney film is absolutely “The Aristocats.” We discuss her latest project Syncing Ink (IG:@syncingink) and so much more! 

Victoria Weinberg (IG:@msvictorialeigh)(LI:@victoria-weinberg) is an independent theater and live event producer. She has been working with Glass Hall Full Productions as their U.S. Associate Producer for over 3 years. Most recently, GHF’s work includes the recent Broadway revival of “Betrayal,” “Sea Wall/A Life,” “The Lehman Trilogy,” and “Network.” A South Florida native, Victoria graduated from NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts. Upon graduation, alongside Nick Luckebaugh, Victoria started Libra Theater Company, where she produced readings, concerts of new work (including music by Rob Rokicki, Joe Iconis, and Paul Gordon), and original plays at venues such as 59E59 Theaters. Her passion lies in developing exciting and diverse new work in the commercial theatre space. She is currently developing SYNCING INK, a new hip-hop experience by emcee NSangou Njikam, directed by Awoye Timpo slated for summer 2021. Additionally, Victoria works in live event production, as the co-producer of the PEN America Literary Awards, associate producer for the Drama Desk Awards. She’s a proud dog mama of Tobi, the magical chi-weenie and her favorite Disney film is absolutely “The Aristocats.” We discuss her latest project Syncing Ink (IG:@syncingink) and so much more! 

Alessandra Mesa (IG:@ale_mesa) and Ani Mesa (IG:@anamarimesa) are the stars of Erin Vassilopoulos’ debut feature Superior, a fascinating, fun, and suspenseful genre-blending exploration of identity. The three collaborated on a short of the same name six years earlier, and the feature functions almost like a sequel. In this episode they talk about the benefits of having the “real memories” of the short as a kind of backstory to use in the feature, how they made the anxiety of shooting on film work to their advantage, the interesting way Ani helped Alessandra (who co-wrote the script) take off the writer’s hat and put on the actor’s hat during production, how “world building” tangibly helps the acting process, why the mysterious elements shared by any two actors in a scene have even more useful potential when those two people are identical twins, plus much more.

Superior opens March 25th at BAM Rose Cinemas.

Alessandra Mesa (IG:@ale_mesa) and Ani Mesa (IG:@anamarimesa) are the stars of Erin Vassilopoulos’ debut feature Superior, a fascinating, fun, and suspenseful genre-blending exploration of identity. The three collaborated on a short of the same name six years earlier, and the feature functions almost like a sequel. In this episode they talk about the benefits of having the “real memories” of the short as a kind of backstory to use in the feature, how they made the anxiety of shooting on film work to their advantage, the interesting way Ani helped Alessandra (who co-wrote the script) take off the writer’s hat and put on the actor’s hat during production, how “world building” tangibly helps the acting process, why the mysterious elements shared by any two actors in a scene have even more useful potential when those two people are identical twins, plus much more.

Superior opens March 25th at BAM Rose Cinemas.

A songwriter, singer, pianist, actor, and comedian known for his caustic sociopolitical humor, Eddie Perfect (IG: @edmundperfect) (TW:@theeddieperfect) released his first comedy album, Welcome to the Inside of Ed's Head, in 2003. Having already worked original songs into his live comedy act, he wrote the satirical Shane Warne: The Musical, based on the life of the Australian cricketer. It premiered in 2008. Starting in 2010, he spent six years on the TV comedy-drama Offspring, and appeared as a judge on Australia's Got Talent's eighth season in 2016. Trying his hand at Broadway, he found work as a lyricist on King Kong in 2018. A year later, Perfect received a Tony Award nomination for his playful score to Broadway's Beetlejuice.

A native of Mentone, Victoria, Perfect earned a bachelor's degree from the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts in 2001. While honing his live stage material, he landed guests spots on Australian TV series such as the drama Blue Heelers and sitcom Kath & Kim. He released his first two comedy albums, Welcome to the Inside of Ed's Head and Angry Eddie, in 2003 and 2005, respectively.

His live show The Big Con, a collaboration with actor Max Gillies, toured theaters in 2005. Also that year, he premiered his own comedy show, Drink Pepsi, Bitch!, releasing an album of the same name in 2006. The year 2007 saw Perfect playing multiple characters in Casey Bennetto's Keating! The Musical, about former prime minister Paul Keating. Perfect's own Shane Warne: The Musical opened at the Melbourne Athenaeum Theatre in December 2008, with a national tour to follow. The show won the Helpmann Award for Best New Australian Work. Meanwhile, Eddie Perfect & the Renovators contributed two songs to the March 2009 Vitamin Records release The Colors Tribute Album, Vol. 1. The show-business polymath next directed and hosted all ten episodes of reality show The Ultimate School Musical and performed the autobiographical song cycle Songs from the Middle, both in 2010.

Later in 2010, he took the role of Mick Holland in the hit Channel Ten comedy-drama series Offspring, where he stayed through 2016. In the meantime, he played Mack the Knife in two different productions of the musical play The Threepenny Opera, and his show Misanthropology, a mix of music and social satire, premiered at the Sydney Festival in 2011. A live album of the show arrived later that year. Perfectstarred in an updated version of Shane Warne: The Musical in 2013, with a cast recording to follow a year later. In 2015, a revived Songs from the Middle was captured live at the Sydney Opera House, featuring Perfect, Iain Grandage, and the Brodsky Quartet.

Around the end of his run on Offspring in 2016, Perfect appeared as a judge on the eighth edition of Australia's Got Talent, alongside Kelly Osbourne, writer/actor Ian Dickson, and actress Sophie Monk. By then, Perfect had moved his home base to New York City, where, partly inspired by the success of countryman Tim Minchin, he pursued a career on Broadway. His first credit was writing lyrics for the Broadway version King Kong. With music by Marius de Vries, the musical had premiered in Melbourne in 2013, with a reworked version making its New York debut in October 2018. Featuring music and lyrics by Perfect and a book by Scott Brown and Anthony King, the stage musical Beetlejuice (based on the 1988 Tim Burton film) premiered in Washington, D.C., that same month before moving to Broadway's Winter Garden Theatre in April 2019. The show went on to receive eight Tony Award nominations, including Best Musical and Best Original Score. The cast album was released by Ghostlight in June 2019 and reached the Top Ten of Billboard's independent albums chart.

A songwriter, singer, pianist, actor, and comedian known for his caustic sociopolitical humor, Eddie Perfect (IG: @edmundperfect) (TW:@theeddieperfect) released his first comedy album, Welcome to the Inside of Ed's Head, in 2003. Having already worked original songs into his live comedy act, he wrote the satirical Shane Warne: The Musical, based on the life of the Australian cricketer. It premiered in 2008. Starting in 2010, he spent six years on the TV comedy-drama Offspring, and appeared as a judge on Australia's Got Talent's eighth season in 2016. Trying his hand at Broadway, he found work as a lyricist on King Kong in 2018. A year later, Perfect received a Tony Award nomination for his playful score to Broadway's Beetlejuice.

A native of Mentone, Victoria, Perfect earned a bachelor's degree from the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts in 2001. While honing his live stage material, he landed guests spots on Australian TV series such as the drama Blue Heelers and sitcom Kath & Kim. He released his first two comedy albums, Welcome to the Inside of Ed's Head and Angry Eddie, in 2003 and 2005, respectively.

His live show The Big Con, a collaboration with actor Max Gillies, toured theaters in 2005. Also that year, he premiered his own comedy show, Drink Pepsi, Bitch!, releasing an album of the same name in 2006. The year 2007 saw Perfect playing multiple characters in Casey Bennetto's Keating! The Musical, about former prime minister Paul Keating. Perfect's own Shane Warne: The Musical opened at the Melbourne Athenaeum Theatre in December 2008, with a national tour to follow. The show won the Helpmann Award for Best New Australian Work. Meanwhile, Eddie Perfect & the Renovators contributed two songs to the March 2009 Vitamin Records release The Colors Tribute Album, Vol. 1. The show-business polymath next directed and hosted all ten episodes of reality show The Ultimate School Musical and performed the autobiographical song cycle Songs from the Middle, both in 2010.

Later in 2010, he took the role of Mick Holland in the hit Channel Ten comedy-drama series Offspring, where he stayed through 2016. In the meantime, he played Mack the Knife in two different productions of the musical play The Threepenny Opera, and his show Misanthropology, a mix of music and social satire, premiered at the Sydney Festival in 2011. A live album of the show arrived later that year. Perfectstarred in an updated version of Shane Warne: The Musical in 2013, with a cast recording to follow a year later. In 2015, a revived Songs from the Middle was captured live at the Sydney Opera House, featuring Perfect, Iain Grandage, and the Brodsky Quartet.

Around the end of his run on Offspring in 2016, Perfect appeared as a judge on the eighth edition of Australia's Got Talent, alongside Kelly Osbourne, writer/actor Ian Dickson, and actress Sophie Monk. By then, Perfect had moved his home base to New York City, where, partly inspired by the success of countryman Tim Minchin, he pursued a career on Broadway. His first credit was writing lyrics for the Broadway version King Kong. With music by Marius de Vries, the musical had premiered in Melbourne in 2013, with a reworked version making its New York debut in October 2018. Featuring music and lyrics by Perfect and a book by Scott Brown and Anthony King, the stage musical Beetlejuice (based on the 1988 Tim Burton film) premiered in Washington, D.C., that same month before moving to Broadway's Winter Garden Theatre in April 2019. The show went on to receive eight Tony Award nominations, including Best Musical and Best Original Score. The cast album was released by Ghostlight in June 2019 and reached the Top Ten of Billboard's independent albums chart.

Miranda Otto (IG:@miranda.otto) made her major film debut in Emma's War (1987), in which she played a teenager who moves to Australia's bush country during World War II. After a decade of critically acclaimed roles in Australian films, Otto gained Hollywood's attention during the 1990s after appearing in supporting roles in the films The Thin Red Line (1998) and What Lies Beneath (2000). She played Éowyn in the second and third installments of Peter Jackson's The Lord of the Rings film series. We discuss key moments in her career, her acting process, self talk and how important it is to listen. 

Miranda Otto (IG:@miranda.otto) made her major film debut in Emma's War (1987), in which she played a teenager who moves to Australia's bush country during World War II. After a decade of critically acclaimed roles in Australian films, Otto gained Hollywood's attention during the 1990s after appearing in supporting roles in the films The Thin Red Line (1998) and What Lies Beneath (2000). She played Éowyn in the second and third installments of Peter Jackson's The Lord of the Rings film series. We discuss key moments in her career, her acting process, self talk and how important it is to listen. 

Larry Rogowsky (IG:@larryrogowsky)(LI:@larryrogowsky)(infinecompany.com) is a Tony and Grammy Award winning theatre producer. Credits include Moulin Rouge!; Broadway, West End, Australia and N.A. National Tour, Jagged Little Pill Broadway, Australia and N.A. National Tour; Company; Angels in America; Natasha, Pierre, & the Great Comet of 1812; M. Butterfly; Disaster! The Musical; Significant Other, The Museum Of Broadway. Off-Broadway: The Other Josh Cohen. A Commercial Jingle For Regina Comet. Larry is also the owner of Urban Body Fix, a wellness consulting firm. He is skilled in Licensed Massage Therapy, Wellness Coaching, and Dietary Supplements. He is a strong business development professional. Larry is the author of The Urban Body Fix: Everything in Moderation, Especially Moderation.

Larry Rogowsky (IG:@larryrogowsky)(LI:@larryrogowsky)(infinecompany.com) is a Tony and Grammy Award winning theatre producer. Credits include Moulin Rouge!; Broadway, West End, Australia and N.A. National Tour, Jagged Little Pill Broadway, Australia and N.A. National Tour; Company; Angels in America; Natasha, Pierre, & the Great Comet of 1812; M. Butterfly; Disaster! The Musical; Significant Other, The Museum Of Broadway. Off-Broadway: The Other Josh Cohen. A Commercial Jingle For Regina Comet. Larry is also the owner of Urban Body Fix, a wellness consulting firm. He is skilled in Licensed Massage Therapy, Wellness Coaching, and Dietary Supplements. He is a strong business development professional. Larry is the author of The Urban Body Fix: Everything in Moderation, Especially Moderation.

Nik Walker (IG:@nikkywalks)(TW:@nikkywalks)currently in Hamilton was recently seen in Ain't Too Proud. We discuss writing, self talk and so much more! Nik dives deep on his views of life and moving forward. There's a bunch of fantastic takeaways and lessons learned here. Enjoy!

Nik Walker (IG:@nikkywalks)(TW:@nikkywalks)currently in Hamilton was recently seen in Ain't Too Proud. We discuss writing, self talk and so much more! Nik dives deep on his views of life and moving forward. There's a bunch of fantastic takeaways and lessons learned here. Enjoy!

Pierre Marais (IG:@pierre_marais)(TW:@pierre_marais) most recently directed the Ensemble Documentary airing on Broadway on Demand March 11th(IG:@ensemblefilmofficial). He recently joined the Broadway production of Aladdin at New Amsterdam Theatre. He also performed as the principal understudy for Aladdin in the national tour. He performed as the lead singer for Dancing Queen, and has also performed in West Side Story, Saturday Night Feverand Rock of Ages.

Pierre Marais (IG:@pierre_marais)(TW:@pierre_marais) most recently directed the Ensemble Documentary airing on Broadway on Demand March 11th(IG:@ensemblefilmofficial). He recently joined the Broadway production of Aladdin at New Amsterdam Theatre. He also performed as the principal understudy for Aladdin in the national tour. He performed as the lead singer for Dancing Queen, and has also performed in West Side Story, Saturday Night Feverand Rock of Ages.

Academy Award & Golden Globe winner, George Chakiris, is perhaps best known internationally for his role of Bernardo in West Side Story. In Nov of 2012, Chakiris received what many refer to as the highest honor in Hollywood - His Hand & Foot Prints were placed in cement for all history in connection with the 50th anniversary of classic film West Side Story which premiered at Grauman's over 50 years ago.  George Chakiris was born in Norwood, Ohio. He is the son of Steven and Zoe Chakiris. They were immigrants from Greece.  A graduate of the American School of Dance, Chakiris recalls the early days of passing the Grauman's Chinese Theatre, "where the worlds most glamorous people were seen," never thinking that one day he would be attending his own premiere for "Westside Story" (For which he received a Golden Globe and an Academy Award) and eventually, in Dec, 2011, would have his hand and foot prints placed in the famous forecourt, among those whom he had idolized. In 1947, Chakiris made his film debut in the chorus of Song of Love. Later he appeared in several small roles, usually as a dancer or a member of the chorus in various musical films. He was one of the dancers in Marilyn Monroe's "Diamonds Are a Girl's Best Friend" number in Gentlemen Prefer Blondes released in 1953. He again appeared as a dancer alongside Rosemary Clooney in "White Christmas" in "Love, You Didn't Do Right by Me." In 1961, George's biggest success came with the film West Side Story, for which he won the Golden Globe and the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role as Bernardo, leader of the Sharks.  He had also appeared as Riff, leader of the Jets, in the West End in London. He starred as a doctor in the film Diamond Head released in 1963, opposite Charlton Heston and Yvette Mimieux, and in 1967, he appeared alongside Gene Kelly in Jacques Demy's French musical Les Demoiselles de Rochefort. Besides films, Chakiris performed on Broadway and for television. In the early 1960s, he embarked on a career as a pop singer, resulting in a couple of minor hit songs. In 1960, he recorded one single with noted producer Joe Meek. George worked more in television in the 1970s and 1980s, appearing on such shows as Wonder Woman, Medical Center, Hawaii Five-O, Dallas, Murder, She Wrote and the TV daytime drama Santa Barbara In Superboy, he appeared as Professor Peterson during the series first two seasons from 1988-1990. Chakiris's last role to date was in a 1996 episode of the sitcom Last of the Summer Wine. FROM THE SILVER SCREEN TO STERLING SILVER -  George Chakiris, parlayed his talent from the Silver Screen to Sterling Silver Jewelry, featuring necklaces, bracelets, earrings, dramatic belts and more.  Many of his designs have been inspired by colleagues such as Marilyn Monroe and Rosemarie Clooney, whom he had the privelege of dancing with, in "Gentlemen Prefer Blonds" and "White Christmas" respectfully.  Living a life with passion for the creative arts drew George quite by chance to jewelry making as a hobby. What began as a diversion became a full time appreciation for design and construction and a new creative outlet, which became The George Chakiris Collections.   Chakiris recently unveiled his latest collection in Japan.  The George Chakiris collections are now on display at Tokyo's prestigious Mitsukoshi Department Store as well as in America online at his georgechakiris.com. Among those artists seen on red carpets and national interviews such as The Today Show and CNN wearing George's accessory creations are Morgan Fairchild, Rita Moreno, Tippi Hedren, Loni Anderson, Carol Channing, Donna Mills, Romi Dames, Phyllis Diller, Alison Arngrim, Mary McDonough, Michael Learned and Judy Norton. 

Michael Herlihy (mherlihymusic.com)(IG:@m.herlihy) is a Producer and Session Musician based in the LA area. He has been making music for over 20 years.

Michael entered the musical world at the age 9 through playing the piano. Throughout his schooling, Michael has performed on many stages, with everything from small rock trios to symphony orchestras. All of these experiences provided him with many different outlets to explore all that music has to offer. He is also a part of IG:@strayandthesoundtrack

We cover it all from limitations, kindness & Stray and the Soundtrack. Enjoy!

Michael Herlihy (mherlihymusic.com)(IG:@m.herlihy) is a Producer and Session Musician based in the LA area. He has been making music for over 20 years.

Michael entered the musical world at the age 9 through playing the piano. Throughout his schooling, Michael has performed on many stages, with everything from small rock trios to symphony orchestras. All of these experiences provided him with many different outlets to explore all that music has to offer. He is also a part of IG:@strayandthesoundtrack

We cover it all from limitations, kindness & Stray and the Soundtrack. Enjoy!

Marti Gould Cummings (martigcummings.com)(IG:@martigcummings)(TW:@martigcummings)(FB:@martigcummings) is a NYC drag artist, television personality, and political figure. Throughout their nearly decade long drag career Marti has been a regular fixture in the nightlife world performing up to 6 regular shows a week. They have sold out concerts at 54 Below, Lincoln Centers Big Apple Circus, Dixon Place and regularly tour the world with Atlantis Cruises. 

Marti's album A Very Mary Holiday features some of broadways brightest stars including Tony Award winner Cady Huffman and Tony Award Nominee Daphne Rubin-Vega.

You can see Marti on Fusion televisions Shade Queens of NYC, on The Marti Report on LOGO, Dragged on Yahoo! and on The X Change Rate on The Build Series. 

Marti Gould Cummings (martigcummings.com)(IG:@martigcummings)(TW:@martigcummings)(FB:@martigcummings) is a NYC drag artist, television personality, and political figure. Throughout their nearly decade long drag career Marti has been a regular fixture in the nightlife world performing up to 6 regular shows a week. They have sold out concerts at 54 Below, Lincoln Centers Big Apple Circus, Dixon Place and regularly tour the world with Atlantis Cruises. 

Marti's album A Very Mary Holiday features some of broadways brightest stars including Tony Award winner Cady Huffman and Tony Award Nominee Daphne Rubin-Vega.

You can see Marti on Fusion televisions Shade Queens of NYC, on The Marti Report on LOGO, Dragged on Yahoo! and on The X Change Rate on The Build Series. 

Tislarm Bouie (IG:@tislarmbouie)(tislarmbouie.com) was born and raised in Brownsville, Brooklyn. He attended Professional Performing Arts School (NYC) and received his B.F.A from the University of the Arts (Philadelphia). His Film/TV credits include In the Heights, Saturday Night Live, Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade, Live from Lincoln Center and Mrs. America. His theater credits include: Gary a Sequel to Titus Andronicus (Broadway) Carmen (Houston Grand Opera) Blueprint Specials (The Public Theater) and Regional productions of Annie, The Bodyguard and Swing!. He has danced for Coldplay, Alicia Keys, Jon Batiste, Bebe Rexha, Ronald K. Brown/ Evidence Dance Company and Norwegian Cruise Line. His print and commercial credits include Vogue, Estèe Lauder, Dior, Cadillac,Toyota,Samsung and Champ Sports. Tislarm’s choreography has been featured in Dance Magazine, Brooklyn Dance Festival, New York Theater Barn, Young Choreographers Festival, Ars Nova and MonetXchange. He the ceo of his production company Planet Bouie.

Tislarm Bouie (IG:@tislarmbouie)(tislarmbouie.com) was born and raised in Brownsville, Brooklyn. He attended Professional Performing Arts School (NYC) and received his B.F.A from the University of the Arts (Philadelphia). His Film/TV credits include In the Heights, Saturday Night Live, Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade, Live from Lincoln Center and Mrs. America. His theater credits include: Gary a Sequel to Titus Andronicus (Broadway) Carmen (Houston Grand Opera) Blueprint Specials (The Public Theater) and Regional productions of Annie, The Bodyguard and Swing!. He has danced for Coldplay, Alicia Keys, Jon Batiste, Bebe Rexha, Ronald K. Brown/ Evidence Dance Company and Norwegian Cruise Line. His print and commercial credits include Vogue, Estèe Lauder, Dior, Cadillac,Toyota,Samsung and Champ Sports. Tislarm’s choreography has been featured in Dance Magazine, Brooklyn Dance Festival, New York Theater Barn, Young Choreographers Festival, Ars Nova and MonetXchange. He the ceo of his production company Planet Bouie.

Crystal Skillman (IG:@crystalskillman)(TW:@crystalskillman)(LI:@crystalskillman)(crystalskillman.com) is a playwright and four time NYT Critics’ Pick, as well as an award-winner as a bookwriter for the musical  MARY AND MAX  (with composer  Bobby Cronin ), and her comic book credits include work for Marvel and “Adventure Time”. You can watch the trailer of her NYTimes Critics’ Pick OPEN here or listen to the popular audio drama KING KIRBY (with writer Fred Van Lente) released from Broadway Podcast Network this year. A passionate believer in art and activism, Crystal is the author of the play RAIN AND ZOE SAVE THE WORLD, a coming of age story of two teenage climate activists, which has been optioned for a premiere next year and political thriller PULP VÉRITÉ (The Kilroys) presented earlier this year at the Playwrights’ Center in the Ruth Easton New Play Series. Upcoming work in television includes the animated series EAT FIGHTER(Based on her WebToon comic), the YA animated series COSMIC CRITTERS, and the musical half hour comedy OVERNIGHT SUCCESS (Co-Conceiver Lauren Elder, Kampfire Films). Crystal's new audio drama THE MAGICIAN'S MAGICIAN will launch this fall. 

Crystal Skillman (IG:@crystalskillman)(TW:@crystalskillman)(LI:@crystalskillman)(crystalskillman.com) is a playwright and four time NYT Critics’ Pick, as well as an award-winner as a bookwriter for the musical  MARY AND MAX  (with composer  Bobby Cronin ), and her comic book credits include work for Marvel and “Adventure Time”. You can watch the trailer of her NYTimes Critics’ Pick OPEN here or listen to the popular audio drama KING KIRBY (with writer Fred Van Lente) released from Broadway Podcast Network this year. A passionate believer in art and activism, Crystal is the author of the play RAIN AND ZOE SAVE THE WORLD, a coming of age story of two teenage climate activists, which has been optioned for a premiere next year and political thriller PULP VÉRITÉ (The Kilroys) presented earlier this year at the Playwrights’ Center in the Ruth Easton New Play Series. Upcoming work in television includes the animated series EAT FIGHTER(Based on her WebToon comic), the YA animated series COSMIC CRITTERS, and the musical half hour comedy OVERNIGHT SUCCESS (Co-Conceiver Lauren Elder, Kampfire Films). Crystal's new audio drama THE MAGICIAN'S MAGICIAN will launch this fall. 

Jessica Darrow (IG:@jessdarrow_)(TK:@jessdarrow_)(TW:@itmejessdarrow)was mostly recently Luisa in Disney's Encanto. Originally from Miami, Florida. She studied theater at Shakespeare's Globe Theater in London for 5 months. Afterwards, she graduated from Rutgers University w/ a BFA in acting. She resides in New York City w/ her orange tabby cat Giles. We discuss Encanto, her life path and so much more! Enjoy!

Jessica Darrow (IG:@jessdarrow_)(TK:@jessdarrow_)(TW:@itmejessdarrow)was mostly recently Luisa in Disney's Encanto. Originally from Miami, Florida. She studied theater at Shakespeare's Globe Theater in London for 5 months. Afterwards, she graduated from Rutgers University w/ a BFA in acting. She resides in New York City w/ her orange tabby cat Giles. We discuss Encanto, her life path and so much more! Enjoy!

Dan Looney (TW:@dan_looney)(IG:@dan.looney)(LI:@dan-looney)is a founder of the DLAP Group which is an award-winning corporation focusing on commercial entertainment across the globe. Comprised of ten subsidiary companies: DLAP Production, DLAP Management, DLAP Accountancy, DLAP Programming, DLAP Venues, DLAP Tickets, DLAP Agency, Creative Rights International, Fourth Wall Live and Ace Pantomimes. The company has won four Olivier awards for its co-production of Stephen Sondheim’s musical, Company at the Gielgud Theatre in London’s West End. It also received the Best Musical Award at the 2019 Deagu International Musical Festival in South Korea for their production of The Wedding Singer. DLAP produced the world premiere stage adaptation of The Last King of Scotland, based on the award-winning novel by Giles Foden (Sheffield Crucible Theatre) and the UK premiere of Kander and Ebb’s musical-whodunnit, Curtains, starring Jason Manford (UK Tour and Wyndham’s Theatre, West End) as well as The Last Five Years (Garrick Theatre, West End). DLAP’s hit production of the 80’s rock musical Rock of Ages toured the UK and Berlin in 2018-2019 and is currently playing on its second major UK Tour. DLAP has also produced the 30th Anniversary production of Fame! the musical on tour in the UK, internationally and in the West End (Peacock Theatre), as well as The Wedding Singer on tour in the UK throughout 2017 and at the Wembley Park Theatre in London in 2020, starring Strictly Come Dancing’s Kevin Clifton. The company produced the legendary Broadway star, Chita Rivera Live in Concert at Cadogan Hall in 2019 and Phantom of the Opera In Concert at Beau Sejour, Guernsey. In 2020, DLAP launched a major new IP acquisition and development company, Creative Rights International, backed by venture capitalist Patrick Bradley of Station12 and in paertnership with InFine Theatre. The company controls a large portfolio of theatre, film and TV IP which it exploits globally. DLAP formed a new live events and concerts company, Fourth Wall Live, with renowned concert producer, Darren Bell. Fourth Wall produced the Live in London season at the London Hippodrome Casino in December 2019. 2021/22 concerts include Bonnie & Clyde In Concert (Theatre Royal Drury Lane), The Greatest Showman’s Keala Settle as well as Shoshana Bean, Jenna Russell and Jessica Vosk (all at London’s Cadogan Hall). DLAP most recently formed Ace Pantomimes with seasoned pantomime producers, Immersion Theatre.

Dan Looney (TW:@dan_looney)(IG:@dan.looney)(LI:@dan-looney)is a founder of the DLAP Group which is an award-winning corporation focusing on commercial entertainment across the globe. Comprised of ten subsidiary companies: DLAP Production, DLAP Management, DLAP Accountancy, DLAP Programming, DLAP Venues, DLAP Tickets, DLAP Agency, Creative Rights International, Fourth Wall Live and Ace Pantomimes. The company has won four Olivier awards for its co-production of Stephen Sondheim’s musical, Company at the Gielgud Theatre in London’s West End. It also received the Best Musical Award at the 2019 Deagu International Musical Festival in South Korea for their production of The Wedding Singer. DLAP produced the world premiere stage adaptation of The Last King of Scotland, based on the award-winning novel by Giles Foden (Sheffield Crucible Theatre) and the UK premiere of Kander and Ebb’s musical-whodunnit, Curtains, starring Jason Manford (UK Tour and Wyndham’s Theatre, West End) as well as The Last Five Years (Garrick Theatre, West End). DLAP’s hit production of the 80’s rock musical Rock of Ages toured the UK and Berlin in 2018-2019 and is currently playing on its second major UK Tour. DLAP has also produced the 30th Anniversary production of Fame! the musical on tour in the UK, internationally and in the West End (Peacock Theatre), as well as The Wedding Singer on tour in the UK throughout 2017 and at the Wembley Park Theatre in London in 2020, starring Strictly Come Dancing’s Kevin Clifton. The company produced the legendary Broadway star, Chita Rivera Live in Concert at Cadogan Hall in 2019 and Phantom of the Opera In Concert at Beau Sejour, Guernsey. In 2020, DLAP launched a major new IP acquisition and development company, Creative Rights International, backed by venture capitalist Patrick Bradley of Station12 and in paertnership with InFine Theatre. The company controls a large portfolio of theatre, film and TV IP which it exploits globally. DLAP formed a new live events and concerts company, Fourth Wall Live, with renowned concert producer, Darren Bell. Fourth Wall produced the Live in London season at the London Hippodrome Casino in December 2019. 2021/22 concerts include Bonnie & Clyde In Concert (Theatre Royal Drury Lane), The Greatest Showman’s Keala Settle as well as Shoshana Bean, Jenna Russell and Jessica Vosk (all at London’s Cadogan Hall). DLAP most recently formed Ace Pantomimes with seasoned pantomime producers, Immersion Theatre.

Jisel Soleil Ayon (IG:@jiselsayon)(jiselsoleilayon.com)currently on the Waitress national tour describes herself as a statuesque cocktail of African American and Latina ferocity with a sturdy mix belt and sugary soprano sound. She radiates an infectiously gregarious glow, but don’t get it twisted - she’s hellacious in a pair of heels and plays hard to forget. She is a Southern California based EMC singer, actor, dancer, who earned her BA in Theater Arts at California State University, Fullerton. 

Jisel Soleil Ayon (IG:@jiselsayon)(jiselsoleilayon.com)currently on the Waitress national tour describes herself as a statuesque cocktail of African American and Latina ferocity with a sturdy mix belt and sugary soprano sound. She radiates an infectiously gregarious glow, but don’t get it twisted - she’s hellacious in a pair of heels and plays hard to forget. She is a Southern California based EMC singer, actor, dancer, who earned her BA in Theater Arts at California State University, Fullerton. 

Ann Harada (IG:@iamannharada)(TW:@annharada) originated the role of Christmas Eve in Avenue Q on Broadway and the West End. Other Broadway includes Cinderella, 9 to 5, M Butterfly, Seussical, Les Miserables (revival). Recent Off – Broadway includes Brooklynite (Vineyard Theatre) and Love, Loss, and What I Wore (Westside Theatre). Regionally: 42nd Street and Mamma Mia (MUNY), and God of Carnage (George Street Playhouse) FILM: Youth in Oregon, Sisters, Trouble, Admission, Hope Springs, and The Art of Getting By. TV: “The Jim Gaffigan Show,” “The Good Wife,” “SMASH,” “30 Rock,” “House of Cards,” “Master of None.”

Ann Harada (IG:@iamannharada)(TW:@annharada) originated the role of Christmas Eve in Avenue Q on Broadway and the West End. Other Broadway includes Cinderella, 9 to 5, M Butterfly, Seussical, Les Miserables (revival). Recent Off – Broadway includes Brooklynite (Vineyard Theatre) and Love, Loss, and What I Wore (Westside Theatre). Regionally: 42nd Street and Mamma Mia (MUNY), and God of Carnage (George Street Playhouse) FILM: Youth in Oregon, Sisters, Trouble, Admission, Hope Springs, and The Art of Getting By. TV: “The Jim Gaffigan Show,” “The Good Wife,” “SMASH,” “30 Rock,” “House of Cards,” “Master of None.”

Kevin Spirtas (kevinspirtas.com)(IG:@kevinspirtas) is most recognized around the world as Dr. Craig Wesley from NBC’s Daytime Drama: Days of Our Lives, and the cult classic film sequels: Friday the 13th – Part VII: The New Blood, and Wes Craven’s: The Hills Have Eyes – Part II, in 2008 the 30-year acting veteran produced the NY Shakespeare Festival reading-presentation of Don Cummings’: A Good Smoke, starring Academy Award winning actress, Meryl Streep, and directed by Tony Award winning director, Pam McKinnon. Shortly thereafter in 2009, Spirtas made his debut as a Broadway producer on the critically acclaimed revival of Finian’s Rainbow, and in 2012 he co-produced the hit Broadway musical: Priscilla…Queen of the Desert. In 2014, after running into Days Of Our Lives alum, the late, Michael Slade in a New York gym, the two set out to create the critically acclaimed, 6 x Emmy Award Winning Digital Drama Series: After Forever, In 2019 After Forever – Season 1 made history by becoming the most Emmy-awarded LGBTQ-themed drama series on any platform and Spirtas received an Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Digital Drama, along with 3 additional Emmys that he shares with Slade for Outstanding Digital Drama Series 2019 and Outstanding Writing Team for a Digital Drama 2019 and 2020. Spirtas played his DAYS character opposite Matt LeBlanc’s Dr. Drake Ramory on FRIENDS: The One That Could Have Been- Part 1. Spirtas won  the 2016 Indie Series Award for Best Actor in a drama, (of which he also earned an Emmy nomination) for his role as Dominic Delacorte on the digital drama series: Winterthorne. Some of Spirtas’ Broadway credits include: A Chorus Line, Meet Me In St. Louis, and Hairspray, and The Boy From Oz (Stand-by for Hugh Jackman). 

 

Kevin Spirtas (kevinspirtas.com)(IG:@kevinspirtas) is most recognized around the world as Dr. Craig Wesley from NBC’s Daytime Drama: Days of Our Lives, and the cult classic film sequels: Friday the 13th – Part VII: The New Blood, and Wes Craven’s: The Hills Have Eyes – Part II, in 2008 the 30-year acting veteran produced the NY Shakespeare Festival reading-presentation of Don Cummings’: A Good Smoke, starring Academy Award winning actress, Meryl Streep, and directed by Tony Award winning director, Pam McKinnon. Shortly thereafter in 2009, Spirtas made his debut as a Broadway producer on the critically acclaimed revival of Finian’s Rainbow, and in 2012 he co-produced the hit Broadway musical: Priscilla…Queen of the Desert. In 2014, after running into Days Of Our Lives alum, the late, Michael Slade in a New York gym, the two set out to create the critically acclaimed, 6 x Emmy Award Winning Digital Drama Series: After Forever, In 2019 After Forever – Season 1 made history by becoming the most Emmy-awarded LGBTQ-themed drama series on any platform and Spirtas received an Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Digital Drama, along with 3 additional Emmys that he shares with Slade for Outstanding Digital Drama Series 2019 and Outstanding Writing Team for a Digital Drama 2019 and 2020. Spirtas played his DAYS character opposite Matt LeBlanc’s Dr. Drake Ramory on FRIENDS: The One That Could Have Been- Part 1. Spirtas won  the 2016 Indie Series Award for Best Actor in a drama, (of which he also earned an Emmy nomination) for his role as Dominic Delacorte on the digital drama series: Winterthorne. Some of Spirtas’ Broadway credits include: A Chorus Line, Meet Me In St. Louis, and Hairspray, and The Boy From Oz (Stand-by for Hugh Jackman). 

 

Doug Shapiro (dougshapiro.com)(IG: @fearless_mensch)(LI:@dougshapiro) My guiding values are Love and Integrity.  I lead with Kindness. What Tom Hanks said recently in accepting his Cecil B. DeMille award at the 2020 Golden Globes resonated strongly with me:  Show up on time, know your lines, and then go there with a head full of ideas. I’m paraphrasing, but this is what I always strive to bring to what we’ll create together. Voicing your cartoon, singing your musical, role-playing with your executives, narrating your audiobook, all of it.My career has found me, for the most part, playing several characters at a time with only a week of rehearsal.

• I've voiced several characters for Disney's FINDING NEMO: THE MUSICAL

• Toured the nation as the MC and principal vocalist for a 15-piece 1940's big band

• Played most of Shakespeare's women in less than ninety minutes, and

• Been a proud acting company member with The Barnstormers in Tamworth, NH going on 20 years.

Lately, my life has opened up to narrating audiobooks and role-playing with executives and future medical professionals.

Doug Shapiro (dougshapiro.com)(IG: @fearless_mensch)(LI:@dougshapiro) My guiding values are Love and Integrity.  I lead with Kindness. What Tom Hanks said recently in accepting his Cecil B. DeMille award at the 2020 Golden Globes resonated strongly with me:  Show up on time, know your lines, and then go there with a head full of ideas. I’m paraphrasing, but this is what I always strive to bring to what we’ll create together. Voicing your cartoon, singing your musical, role-playing with your executives, narrating your audiobook, all of it.My career has found me, for the most part, playing several characters at a time with only a week of rehearsal.

• I've voiced several characters for Disney's FINDING NEMO: THE MUSICAL

• Toured the nation as the MC and principal vocalist for a 15-piece 1940's big band

• Played most of Shakespeare's women in less than ninety minutes, and

• Been a proud acting company member with The Barnstormers in Tamworth, NH going on 20 years.

Lately, my life has opened up to narrating audiobooks and role-playing with executives and future medical professionals.

Davon Williams (davonwilliams.com)(IG:@daywilling)(TW:@daywilling) whom you can see this Sunday, December 19th @ Don't Tell Mama in Davon & the Spectacle (donttellmamanyc.com/davon-the-spectacle-12-19-21) is an international performer, Davon crafts performances that frame the voice of his generation. An artist actively working to promote change, he has been referred to as “a magician in guy’s guy clothing” by M.A.S.H. casting director, Sam Christensen. We cover it all in this two part conversation. Enjoy! 

Davon Williams (davonwilliams.com)(IG:@daywilling)(TW:@daywilling) whom you can see this Sunday, December 19th @ Don't Tell Mama in Davon & the Spectacle is an international performer, Davon crafts performances that frame the voice of his generation. An artist actively working to promote change, he has been referred to as “a magician in guy’s guy clothing” by M.A.S.H. casting director, Sam Christensen. We cover it all in this two part conversation. Enjoy! 

Anissa Felix (IG:@anissafelix)(anissafelix.com) currently in A Sherlock Carol. Previous Broadway/1st Nat'l Tour: Motown the Musical Regional: Little Shop of Horrors, Around the World in 80 Days. University of Mary Washington Graduate. We a cover A LOT in a little time and I hope you enjoy! 

Anissa Felix (IG:@anissafelix)(anissafelix.com) currently in A Sherlock Carol. Previous Broadway/1st Nat'l Tour: Motown the Musical Regional: Little Shop of Horrors, Around the World in 80 Days. University of Mary Washington Graduate. We a cover A LOT in a little time and I hope you enjoy! 

Jenny Laroche, (jennylaroche.org)(IG:@jennylaroche)(thelarocheapproach.com) whom you can see this Thursday Dec 2nd on NBC in Annie Live! is originally from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, is a graduate of SUNY Buffalo, where she earned her B.F.A, Cum Laude, and was awarded the program’s Distinguished Alumni Award. Jenny began her career as a Radio City Rockette, and as a Rockette she made her big screen debut in the movie New Years Eve. Her feature film credits also include Annie 2014, The Merry Widow HD Live, and Netflix special by Bill Murray, A Very Murray Christmas.

      Jenny originated the role of Norman Brokaw in the Broadway musical SUMMER. Her theatre credits also include Pal Joey directed by Tony Goldwyn, the role of Clo-Clo in The Merry Widow MetOpera, directed by Tony winner Susan Stroman; Annette in Can-Can at Paper Mill Playhouse, Suzanne Duval in Paint your wagon; Fly at Dallas Theatre Center, and Guys and dolls at Carnegie Hall.

   Jenny is also known for her recurring role of Sue in the drama series SMASH on NBC produced by Steven Spielberg.  She has worked with recording artist such as Beyonce, Mariah Carey, and Liza Minnelli. She has also worked under the direction of Baz Luhrmann in The Great Gatsby Premiere event. 

         Live television credits include The Tony Awards 70th anniversary, Jimmy Fallon, SNL40, America’s Got Talent, Best Time Ever, The Wendy William’s show, The Today Show, TVLAND Awards and the Billboard Awards. 

             Jenny is the Associate Choreographer for SUMMER the First National Tour, casting and co-creating equity touring productions. She works in TV, Film, and Theatre as an artist and choreographer meanwhile training professionals through her founded program, The Laroche Approach. Catch her in the upcoming Netflix film Tick Tick Boom, directed by Tony winner Lin-Manuel Miranda, choreographed by Grammy-award nominee Ryan Heffington. She is also the founder of Laroche Approach, a musical theatre training program and Period.Laroche.NYC a chapter of the advocacy organization Period.

Jenny Laroche (jennylaroche.org)(IG:@jennylaroche)(thelarocheapproach.com) whom you can see this Thursday Dec 2nd on NBC in Annie Live! is originally from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, is a graduate of SUNY Buffalo, where she earned her B.F.A, Cum Laude, and was awarded the program’s Distinguished Alumni Award. Jenny began her career as a Radio City Rockette, and as a Rockette she made her big screen debut in the movie New Years Eve. Her feature film credits also include Annie 2014, The Merry Widow HD Live, and Netflix special by Bill Murray, A Very Murray Christmas.

      Jenny originated the role of Norman Brokaw in the Broadway musical SUMMER. Her theatre credits also include Pal Joey directed by Tony Goldwyn, the role of Clo-Clo in The Merry Widow MetOpera, directed by Tony winner Susan Stroman; Annette in Can-Can at Paper Mill Playhouse, Suzanne Duval in Paint your wagon; Fly at Dallas Theatre Center, and Guys and dolls at Carnegie Hall.

   Jenny is also known for her recurring role of Sue in the drama series SMASH on NBC produced by Steven Spielberg.  She has worked with recording artist such as Beyonce, Mariah Carey, and Liza Minnelli. She has also worked under the direction of Baz Luhrmann in The Great Gatsby Premiere event. 

         Live television credits include The Tony Awards 70th anniversary, Jimmy Fallon, SNL40, America’s Got Talent, Best Time Ever, The Wendy William’s show, The Today Show, TVLAND Awards and the Billboard Awards. 

             Jenny is the Associate Choreographer for SUMMER the First National Tour, casting and co-creating equity touring productions. She works in TV, Film, and Theatre as an artist and choreographer meanwhile training professionals through her founded program, The Laroche Approach. Catch her in the upcoming Netflix film Tick Tick Boom, directed by Tony winner Lin-Manuel Miranda, choreographed by Grammy-award nominee Ryan Heffington. She is also the founder of Laroche Approach, a musical theatre training program and Period.Laroche.NYC a chapter of the advocacy organization Period.

Kristolyn Lloyd (IG:@kristolynlloyd)(TW:@kristolynlloyd) currently in Fairycakes has previous been seen on Broadway: Dear Evan Hansen. Off Broadway: Little Women (Primary Stages), Invisible Thread (Second Stage Theatre), Heathers The Musical (New World Stages ). Select directing credits include: Dainty (BOLD Festival, The Garden Workshop), Nick and The Prizefighter (Urbanite Theatre Modern Works Festival), A Patriots Place (B-Street Theatre, BOLD Festival).

Kristolyn Lloyd (IG:@kristolynlloyd)(TW:@kristolynlloyd) currently in Fairycakes has previous been seen on Broadway: Dear Evan Hansen. Off Broadway: Little Women (Primary Stages), Invisible Thread (Second Stage Theatre), Heathers The Musical (New World Stages ). Select directing credits include: Dainty (BOLD Festival, The Garden Workshop), Nick and The Prizefighter (Urbanite Theatre Modern Works Festival), A Patriots Place (B-Street Theatre, BOLD Festival).

Jason Tam(IG:@jasonwtam)(TW:@jasonwtam)currently in Fairycakes. Also, has been seen on Broadway in IF/THEN, Lysistrata Jones (Astaire Award nomination), A Chorus Line (original revival cast) and Les Misérables. His off-Broadway credits include Be More Chill, KPOP (Lortel Award), Marry Me A Little, Lysistrata Jones. Tour: Les Misérables. NY: Nobody Loves You, Allegiance, The Last Goodbye, US, Clueless, The Black Suits. Regional: Hollywood Bowl, Guthrie Theater, Sacramento Music Circus, Sharon Playhouse, Casa Mañana He's been seen on TV in Jesus Christ Superstar Live, Do No Harm, Guilty, Hawaii 5-0, One Life to Live and Beyond the Break and on film in Every Little Step (documentary). BFA – NYU Tisch.

Jason Tam(IG:@jasonwtam)(TW:@jasonwtam)currently in Fairycakes. Also, has been seen on Broadway in IF/THEN, Lysistrata Jones (Astaire Award nomination), A Chorus Line (original revival cast) and Les Misérables. His off-Broadway credits include Be More Chill, KPOP (Lortel Award), Marry Me A Little, Lysistrata Jones. Tour: Les Misérables. NY: Nobody Loves You, Allegiance, The Last Goodbye, US, Clueless, The Black Suits. Regional: Hollywood Bowl, Guthrie Theater, Sacramento Music Circus, Sharon Playhouse, Casa Mañana He's been seen on TV in Jesus Christ Superstar Live, Do No Harm, Guilty, Hawaii 5-0, One Life to Live and Beyond the Break and on film in Every Little Step (documentary). BFA – NYU Tisch.

Julie Halston (IG:@actressjuliehalston)(TW:@juliehalston) is currently in Fairycakes. Previous Broadway credits include Tootsie, You Can’t Take It With You, On the Town, Anything Goes, Hairspray, Gypsy and Twentieth Century. She is a founding member of Charles Busch’s Theatre in Limbo company, and has co-starred with Busch in such productions as Vampire Lesbians of Sodom, The Tribute Artist, The Divine Sister and Red Scare on Sunset.

Julie Halston (IG:@actressjuliehalston)(TW:@juliehalston) is currently in Fairycakes. Previous Broadway credits include Tootsie, You Can’t Take It With You, On the Town, Anything Goes, Hairspray, Gypsy and Twentieth Century. She is a founding member of Charles Busch’s Theatre in Limbo company, and has co-starred with Busch in such productions as Vampire Lesbians of Sodom, The Tribute Artist, The Divine Sister and Red Scare on Sunset.

Emmy winner Mo Rocca (TW:@morocca) is a correspondent for CBS Sunday Morning and a frequent panelist on NPR’s hit weekly quiz show Wait, Wait…Don’t Tell Me! Currently, you can see him in Fairycakes at the Greenwich House Theatre. 

Mo spent four seasons as a correspondent on The Daily Show with Jon Stewart. He created and hosted Cooking Channel’s My Grandmother’s Ravioli, in which he learned to cook from grandparents across America.

Mo began his career in TV as a writer and producer for the Emmy and Peabody Award–winning PBS children’s series Wishbone. Currently he hosts The Henry Ford’s Innovation Nation Saturday mornings on CBS.

On stage Mo starred on Broadway in The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee and as Doody in the Southeast Asian tour of the musical Grease.

Mo is the author of All the Presidents’ Pets, a historical novel about White House pets and their role in presidential decision-making.

Emmy winner Mo Rocca (TW:@morocca) is a correspondent for CBS Sunday Morning and a frequent panelist on NPR’s hit weekly quiz show Wait, Wait…Don’t Tell Me! Currently, you can see him in Fairycakes at the Greenwich House Theatre. 

Mo spent four seasons as a correspondent on The Daily Show with Jon Stewart. He created and hosted Cooking Channel’s My Grandmother’s Ravioli, in which he learned to cook from grandparents across America.

Mo began his career in TV as a writer and producer for the Emmy and Peabody Award–winning PBS children’s series Wishbone. Currently he hosts The Henry Ford’s Innovation Nation Saturday mornings on CBS.

On stage Mo starred on Broadway in The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee and as Doody in the Southeast Asian tour of the musical Grease.

Mo is the author of All the Presidents’ Pets, a historical novel about White House pets and their role in presidential decision-making.

Akron Watson (IG:@akronwatson)(TW:@akronwatson) is an actor/singer/artist who has been on Broadway 3 times, first with The Color Purple Revival, where he won a Tony, Grammy, and Emmy, secondly with the Tony winning The Play That Goes Wrong, and currently as Aaron Burr in Hamilton an American Musical. Akron has been Off-Broadway, in the The Fortress of Solitude at the (Public Theater), as well as performing in regional productions across the country in cities like Boston, Dallas, and St Louis, as lead characters in shows like Dreamgirls, To Kill A Mockingbird, and the Royal. He can be seen on TV as Trevor in NBC’s Chicago Med, and in movies like Seasons of Gray and Spilt Milk. Akron is also the voice of anime characters like Satoshi on Toonami’s Michiko and Hatchin, he’s Chris in The Walking Dead Video Game, and he plays as himself in Borderlands, the Presequel on Playstation and Xbox. He was even a golden ticket winner on American Idol, Season 7.

Akron Watson (IG:@akronwatson)(TW:@akronwatson) is an actor/singer/artist who has been on Broadway 3 times, first with The Color Purple Revival, where he won a Tony, Grammy, and Emmy, secondly with the Tony winning The Play That Goes Wrong, and currently as Aaron Burr in Hamilton an American Musical. Akron has been Off-Broadway, in the The Fortress of Solitude at the (Public Theater), as well as performing in regional productions across the country in cities like Boston, Dallas, and St Louis, as lead characters in shows like Dreamgirls, To Kill A Mockingbird, and the Royal. He can be seen on TV as Trevor in NBC’s Chicago Med, and in movies like Seasons of Gray and Spilt Milk. Akron is also the voice of anime characters like Satoshi on Toonami’s Michiko and Hatchin, he’s Chris in The Walking Dead Video Game, and he plays as himself in Borderlands, the Presequel on Playstation and Xbox. He was even a golden ticket winner on American Idol, Season 7.

Rashad V. Chambers (IG:@rashadvchambers)(esquireentertainment.com) is a Tony Award-nominated producer, talent manager and lawyer. A licensed attorney in New York and Connecticut, Rashad is the Founder and President of Esquire Entertainment. His Broadway producing credits include American Son, Ain’t Too Proud – The Life and Times of The Temptations, Betrayal and The Inheritance. Rashad also produced the world premiere of It Happened In Key West in London. His first feature film, True to the Heart, won four awards at the Long Island International Film Expo and was an official selection at the Big Apple Film Festival. In addition, his short film, Hunger, was an official selection at the Urban World Film Festival and Latino Film Market Festival. Rashad attended Morehouse College where he graduated magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration. He also earned his JD and MBA degrees from The Ohio State University. Rashad is a founding member of The Industry Standard Group as well as a board member of On Broadway Performing Arts Training Program and Houses on the Moon Theater Company.

Rashad V. Chambers (IG:@rashadvchambers)(esquireentertainment.com) is a Tony Award-nominated producer, talent manager and lawyer. A licensed attorney in New York and Connecticut, Rashad is the Founder and President of Esquire Entertainment. His Broadway producing credits include American Son, Ain’t Too Proud – The Life and Times of The Temptations, Betrayal and The Inheritance. Rashad also produced the world premiere of It Happened In Key West in London. His first feature film, True to the Heart, won four awards at the Long Island International Film Expo and was an official selection at the Big Apple Film Festival. In addition, his short film, Hunger, was an official selection at the Urban World Film Festival and Latino Film Market Festival. Rashad attended Morehouse College where he graduated magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration. He also earned his JD and MBA degrees from The Ohio State University. Rashad is a founding member of The Industry Standard Group as well as a board member of On Broadway Performing Arts Training Program and Houses on the Moon Theater Company.

Kris Kukul (kriskukul.com)(IG:@kriskukul) is a New York City Based Orchestrator, Arranger, Music Director and Composer. 

Currently he is Music Supervisor, Orchestrator, co-arranger and Conductor for Broadway’s Tony nominated Beetlejuice The Musical! Other recent projects include, The Liz Swados Project for Ghostlight Records, In The Green at Lincoln Center Theatre, David Byrne’s Joan of Arc the Public Theatre, Songbird by Michael Kimmel and Lauren Pritchard, a remounting of Elizabeth Swados' Runaways at New York’s City Center, The Last Goodbye, an adaptation of Romeo and Juliet featuring the music of Jeff Buckley, and The Heart of Robin Hood, music by Parsonsfield.

He has also arranged, orchestrated and conducted solo concerts for Broadway powerhouses Kate Baldwin (Extraordinary Machine), and Amy Spanger (The Music Be the Place) and the Lincoln Center American Songbook concert celebrating the music of Elizabeth Swados.

For 10 seasons, he served as the resident music director for the Williamstown Theatre Festival. Productions included June Moon, The Last Goodbye, Animal Crackers and others. There he also directed the legendary Late-Night Cabarets, featuring iconic performers including Renee Fleming, Lewis Black, Kathleen Turner, Allison Janey, Tyne Daly, David Hyde Pierce, Judy Kuhn, Lena Hall, Judy Gold, Steven Pasquale, Kelli O’Hara, Phillipa Sou, Renee Elise Goldsberry, Debra Monk, Michael McKean, Harriet Harris and many others. 

Kris began his career working for musical theatre icon Elizabeth Swados. Together, they created Jabu, Kaspar Hauser, The Nomad, The LaMama Cantata and numerous concerts and recordings. He and Director/Choreographer Sam Pinkleton are committed to keeping her legacy alive.  

He music directed the film scores for Of Many, a documentary produced by Chelsea Clinton, and My Depression, an HBO animated film featuring the voices of Sigourney Weaver, Steve Buscemi and Fred Armisten.

As Composer, Kris has written the music for the musicals Beauty Queen and Dash Dexter and the family friendly musicals Camp Monster and Wing It!, both produced by the Williamstown Theatre Festival. He also wrote the music for Oliver Twist at The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey and A Midsummer Night’s Dream for The Greek National Theatre. 

Internationally, he spent 3 seasons with The National Theatre of Greece, conducting and arranging music for tours of classical plays in ancient amphitheaters, including the festival of Epidaurus. He performed at the Edinburgh Fringe with the musical From the Fire. With The LaMama Cantata, he performed in Tokyo, Spoleto, Istanbul, Zagreb, Skopje and Belgrade.

In New York City, Kris has worked at Playwrights Horizons, The Vineyard, New York Theatre Workshop, The Atlantic, The Flea, LaMama, Joe’s Pub, 54 Below, Birdland, the Cherry Lane and the Lucille Lortel. He has worked regionally at San Diego’s Old Globe, Arena Stage, Hartford Stage, A.R.T., Emerson Arts, Two River, Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey, Williamstown, The Village Theatre and Royal Manitoba Theatre Center.

Kris is a Graduate of NYU Tisch School of the Arts. He is adjunct faculty at Tisch/Playwrights Horizons Theatre School, and has taught at The New School, Duke University, Columbia University, Belmont University, and Queens College.

Kris Kukul (kriskukul.com)(IG:@kriskukul) is a New York City Based Orchestrator, Arranger, Music Director and Composer. 

Currently he is Music Supervisor, Orchestrator, co-arranger and Conductor for Broadway’s Tony nominated Beetlejuice The Musical! Other recent projects include, The Liz Swados Project for Ghostlight Records, In The Green at Lincoln Center Theatre, David Byrne’s Joan of Arc the Public Theatre, Songbird by Michael Kimmel and Lauren Pritchard, a remounting of Elizabeth Swados' Runaways at New York’s City Center, The Last Goodbye, an adaptation of Romeo and Juliet featuring the music of Jeff Buckley, and The Heart of Robin Hood, music by Parsonsfield.

He has also arranged, orchestrated and conducted solo concerts for Broadway powerhouses Kate Baldwin (Extraordinary Machine), and Amy Spanger (The Music Be the Place) and the Lincoln Center American Songbook concert celebrating the music of Elizabeth Swados.

For 10 seasons, he served as the resident music director for the Williamstown Theatre Festival. Productions included June Moon, The Last Goodbye, Animal Crackers and others. There he also directed the legendary Late-Night Cabarets, featuring iconic performers including Renee Fleming, Lewis Black, Kathleen Turner, Allison Janey, Tyne Daly, David Hyde Pierce, Judy Kuhn, Lena Hall, Judy Gold, Steven Pasquale, Kelli O’Hara, Phillipa Sou, Renee Elise Goldsberry, Debra Monk, Michael McKean, Harriet Harris and many others. 

Kris began his career working for musical theatre icon Elizabeth Swados. Together, they created Jabu, Kaspar Hauser, The Nomad, The LaMama Cantata and numerous concerts and recordings. He and Director/Choreographer Sam Pinkleton are committed to keeping her legacy alive.  

He music directed the film scores for Of Many, a documentary produced by Chelsea Clinton, and My Depression, an HBO animated film featuring the voices of Sigourney Weaver, Steve Buscemi and Fred Armisten.

As Composer, Kris has written the music for the musicals Beauty Queen and Dash Dexter and the family friendly musicals Camp Monster and Wing It!, both produced by the Williamstown Theatre Festival. He also wrote the music for Oliver Twist at The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey and A Midsummer Night’s Dream for The Greek National Theatre. 

Internationally, he spent 3 seasons with The National Theatre of Greece, conducting and arranging music for tours of classical plays in ancient amphitheaters, including the festival of Epidaurus. He performed at the Edinburgh Fringe with the musical From the Fire. With The LaMama Cantata, he performed in Tokyo, Spoleto, Istanbul, Zagreb, Skopje and Belgrade.

In New York City, Kris has worked at Playwrights Horizons, The Vineyard, New York Theatre Workshop, The Atlantic, The Flea, LaMama, Joe’s Pub, 54 Below, Birdland, the Cherry Lane and the Lucille Lortel. He has worked regionally at San Diego’s Old Globe, Arena Stage, Hartford Stage, A.R.T., Emerson Arts, Two River, Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey, Williamstown, The Village Theatre and Royal Manitoba Theatre Center.

Kris is a Graduate of NYU Tisch School of the Arts. He is adjunct faculty at Tisch/Playwrights Horizons Theatre School, and has taught at The New School, Duke University, Columbia University, Belmont University, and Queens College.

Michael Buchanan (TW:@mwbuchanan)(IG:@michaelwbuchanan) Sex-positive, fashionable, sexy, silly. Rich in love and friends. Performing artist living in New York City. We discuss the return of theatre, how he has stayed positive throughout this time, and much more. I hope you enjoy! 

Michael Buchanan (TW:@mwbuchanan)(IG:@michaelwbuchanan) Sex-positive, fashionable, sexy, silly. Rich in love and friends. Performing artist living in New York City. We discuss the return of theatre, how he has stayed positive throughout this time, and much more. I hope you enjoy! 

Michael Mills (LI:@michaelmills)(IG:@michaelmillsnyc)(ddmproductionsnyc.com) is a New York City-based communications consultant and producer with more than 25 years of global experience in broadcast, public relations, communications/image consulting and theatrical producing. He designs and leads comprehensive, engaging and impactful individual, team and group communications workshops and trainings. Participants include corporate executives, spokespersons, celebrities, industry leaders, experts, authors, not-for-profits, physicians, researchers, government officials, NGOs, associations, trade organizations, and sales and marketing staff. Michael has held sessions for more than 12,000 individuals and groups throughout the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Europe, Africa, Australia and Asia. Michael’s impressive client base has been built by word of mouth and referral. He is known for relevant, informational, enjoyable, efficient and results-oriented sessions designed to develop and/or enhance messages, introduce or reinforce techniques, practice effective communication strategies and help develop leaders. He has extensive health and medical, nutrition and lifestyle expertise. Michael is also a Drama Desk Award winning theatrical producer, Executive Producer and Director. Current productions include; Little Shop of Horrors Off Broadway, Concrete Jungle, Mary and Max, Spandex the Musical, Kleptocracy, Monopoly Life-sized. Previous productions include Be More Chill, Unexpected Joy, Come Out, Come Out and The Made-up Musical.

Michael Mills (LI:@michaelmills)(IG:@michaelmillsnyc)(ddmproductionsnyc.com) is a New York City-based communications consultant and producer with more than 25 years of global experience in broadcast, public relations, communications/image consulting and theatrical producing. He designs and leads comprehensive, engaging and impactful individual, team and group communications workshops and trainings. Participants include corporate executives, spokespersons, celebrities, industry leaders, experts, authors, not-for-profits, physicians, researchers, government officials, NGOs, associations, trade organizations, and sales and marketing staff. Michael has held sessions for more than 12,000 individuals and groups throughout the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Europe, Africa, Australia and Asia. Michael’s impressive client base has been built by word of mouth and referral. He is known for relevant, informational, enjoyable, efficient and results-oriented sessions designed to develop and/or enhance messages, introduce or reinforce techniques, practice effective communication strategies and help develop leaders. He has extensive health and medical, nutrition and lifestyle expertise. Michael is also a Drama Desk Award winning theatrical producer, Executive Producer and Director. Current productions include; Little Shop of Horrors Off Broadway, Concrete Jungle, Mary and Max, Spandex the Musical, Kleptocracy, Monopoly Life-sized. Previous productions include Be More Chill, Unexpected Joy, Come Out, Come Out and The Made-up Musical.

Shawn W. Smith(IG:@shawnwsmith)(TW:@straysoundtrack)(@StrayAndTheSoundtrack) is a veteran of the stage and recording booth. In theatre he has been seen in “For the Record: The Brat Pack”, “Jesus Christ Superstar”, “Lysistrata Jones”, “Godspell”, and the national touring company of “Waitress” where you can currently see him in the role of Earl. In 2019 he released an album of original music entitled “That’s What You Get for Doing the Wrong Thing” and this past summer released a new original album with his music partner Michael Herlihy under the band name and album title “Stray and the Soundtrack”. 

Shawn W. Smith(IG:@shawnwsmith)(TW:@straysoundtrack)(@StrayAndTheSoundtrack) is a veteran of the stage and recording booth. In theatre he has been seen in “For the Record: The Brat Pack”, “Jesus Christ Superstar”, “Lysistrata Jones”, “Godspell”, and the national touring company of “Waitress” where you can currently see him in the role of Earl. In 2019 he released an album of original music entitled “That’s What You Get for Doing the Wrong Thing” and this past summer released a new original album with his music partner Michael Herlihy under the band name and album title “Stray and the Soundtrack”. 

Pilar Adara (pilaradara.com)(IG:@pilar_adar) (bridges4life.org) was raised in Atlanta, Georgia, She is a former competitive martial arts fighter, blackbelt, and an award winning composer. And she ♥ dogs.

Pilar grew up with a deep love for the arts. After honing her craft in Georgia and Florida, she moved to New York City to pursue her life as an actor, singer, and writer.

When she's not in rehearsal or acting class, you can find her reading on the subway or in Central Park kissing someone else’s dog.

Pilar Adara (pilaradara.com)(IG:@pilar_adar) (bridges4life.org) was raised in Atlanta, Georgia, She is a former competitive martial arts fighter, blackbelt, and an award winning composer. And she ♥ dogs.

Pilar grew up with a deep love for the arts. After honing her craft in Georgia and Florida, she moved to New York City to pursue her life as an actor, singer, and writer.

Simon-Anthony Rhoden (IG:@simonanthonyrhoden)(TW:@simonanthonyr) is currently playing Aaron Burr in Thomas Kail’s Hamilton at the Victoria Palace Theatre/Cameron Mackintosh, he was Lola in Jerry Mitchell’s Kinky Boots (Playful Productions); Jim Conley in Suzanne Emerson’s Parade (One-Off Productions); Lance in Mark Finbow’s Beauties Legacy at The Keeper’s Daughter; Man in Matt Peover & Hannah Eidinow’s If I Should Stay (Desmon O’Conner & Sarah-Louise Young); Devon in Chris Urch’s Married to the Game at the Theatre 503; Ash in Anna Jordan’s Marianne at Without a Paddle.

While in training, he has also performed in several shows such as Hannah Eidinow’s Man of Mode as Young Bellair; Aaron Mullen’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream as Fairy/Flute the Bellows Mender; Joseph Blatchley’s Mechanical Piano as Gerasim Cusmic Petrin; John Baxter’s Vernon God Little as Pastor Lassalle/Brian Large; Lyndsey Turner’s The Grace of Mary Traverse as Mr Hardlong; Rodney Cottier’s Revenger’s Tragedy as Junior; Gari Jones’ Gas Station Angel as Mr Entertainment/Dyfrig.

Simon-Anthony Rhoden (IG:@simonanthonyrhoden)(TW:@simonanthonyr) is currently playing Aaron Burr in Thomas Kail’s Hamilton at the Victoria Palace Theatre/Cameron Mackintosh, he was Lola in Jerry Mitchell’s Kinky Boots (Playful Productions); Jim Conley in Suzanne Emerson’s Parade (One-Off Productions); Lance in Mark Finbow’s Beauties Legacy at The Keeper’s Daughter; Man in Matt Peover & Hannah Eidinow’s If I Should Stay (Desmon O’Conner & Sarah-Louise Young); Devon in Chris Urch’s Married to the Game at the Theatre 503; Ash in Anna Jordan’s Marianne at Without a Paddle.

While in training, he has also performed in several shows such as Hannah Eidinow’s Man of Mode as Young Bellair; Aaron Mullen’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream as Fairy/Flute the Bellows Mender; Joseph Blatchley’s Mechanical Piano as Gerasim Cusmic Petrin; John Baxter’s Vernon God Little as Pastor Lassalle/Brian Large; Lyndsey Turner’s The Grace of Mary Traverse as Mr Hardlong; Rodney Cottier’s Revenger’s Tragedy as Junior; Gari Jones’ Gas Station Angel as Mr Entertainment/Dyfrig.

Tyler Mount (IG:@tylergmount)(TW:@TylerGMount)(LI:@tylermount)(tylermountventures.com) (The Tyler Mount Vlog) is a Tony-award winning producer and digital strategist bringing people together one GIF at a time. Connoisseur of all things social media, content curation and Oprah Winfrey. We dive deep on this chat. Tyler is extremely generous in sharing his lessons and takeaways. Enjoy! 

Tyler Mount (IG:@tylergmount)(TW:@TylerGMount)(LI:@tylermount)(tylermountventures.com) (The Tyler Mount Vlog) is a Tony-award winning producer and digital strategist bringing people together one GIF at a time. Connoisseur of all things social media, content curation and Oprah Winfrey. We dive deep on this chat. Tyler is extremely generous in sharing his lessons and takeaways. Enjoy! 

This is a very special re-air from 2018. Luis Salgado (IG:@salgadoprods)(TW:@LSalgadoART)(luissalgado.com) is a choreographer in the broadway community. Him and I discuss many of his previous projects that have brought him to where he is today. I love how truthful Luis is. His "full on" commitment to every project he works on is absolutely incredible including our conversation on this podcast. His works stretch world wide and continue to connect those to their feelings what they mean. I love this chat. Hope you do too!

This is a very special re-air from 2018. Luis Salgado (IG:@salgadoprods)(TW:@LSalgadoART)(luissalgado.com) is a choreographer in the broadway community. Him and I discuss many of his previous projects that have brought him to where he is today. I love how truthful Luis is. His "full on" commitment to every project he works on is absolutely incredible including our conversation on this podcast. His works stretch world wide and continue to connect those to their feelings what they mean. I love this chat. Hope you do too!

Tom Vazzana (LI:@tomvazzana)(TW:@tomvazzana) is a creator and Show Director of live shows, events, press events, and spectaculars. As Senior Show Director for Asia Pacific Disney, he has created shows, parades, and large scale-multicultural events in 10 countries in Asia. Tom has a strong theatrical background from my work in NYC. Additionally, he has a strong Disney brand awareness and ability to invent and reinvent Disney shows, events, and tours for all ages. His professional goal is to enrich the lives of other people through engaging, interactive, exciting, and relevant, diverse, and all inclusive theater. 

Tom Vazzana (LI:@tomvazzana)(TW:@tomvazzana) is a creator and Show Director of live shows, events, press events, and spectaculars. As Senior Show Director for Asia Pacific Disney, he has created shows, parades, and large scale-multicultural events in 10 countries in Asia. Tom has a strong theatrical background from my work in NYC. Additionally, he has a strong Disney brand awareness and ability to invent and reinvent Disney shows, events, and tours for all ages. His professional goal is to enrich the lives of other people through engaging, interactive, exciting, and relevant, diverse, and all inclusive theater. Tom's personal life is dedicated to finding the best pistachio ice cream on the planet.

Michael McElroy(IG:@michaelmichaeltheartist) (umich.edu/michael-mcelroy)(blacktheatreunited.com)(broadwayinspirationalvoices.org) has appeared on Broadway in Sunday in the Park With George (2017 revival with Jake Gyllenhaal and Annaleigh Ashford), Next To Normal, Rent (Closing Cast), The Wild Party, Big River (Tony Nomination Best Supporting Actor in a Musical, Drama Desk Nomination Best Actor in a Musical), The Who’s Tommy, Miss Saigon, Patti LuPone on Broadway, and High Roller Social Pleasure Club. New York Philharmonic: Candide. National Tour: Next to Normal, Rent, Big River Sarafina. Off-Broadway: Some Men by Terrance McNally (Second Stage Theater), Blue (Roundabout), Violet (Original Cast, Playwrights Horizons, Drama Desk Nomination), Thunder Knocking on the Door (Minetta Lane), Richard III (NYSF starring Denzel Washington).

Michael McElroy(IG:@michaelmichaeltheartist) (umich.edu/michael-mcelroy)(blacktheatreunited.com)(broadwayinspirationalvoices.org) has appeared on Broadway in Sunday in the Park With George (2017 revival with Jake Gyllenhaal and Annaleigh Ashford), Next To Normal, Rent (Closing Cast), The Wild Party, Big River (Tony Nomination Best Supporting Actor in a Musical, Drama Desk Nomination Best Actor in a Musical), The Who’s Tommy, Miss Saigon, Patti LuPone on Broadway, and High Roller Social Pleasure Club. New York Philharmonic: Candide. National Tour: Next to Normal, Rent, Big River Sarafina. Off-Broadway: Some Men by Terrance McNally (Second Stage Theater), Blue (Roundabout), Violet (Original Cast, Playwrights Horizons, Drama Desk Nomination), Thunder Knocking on the Door (Minetta Lane), Richard III (NYSF starring Denzel Washington).

Hunter Arnold (IG:@huntercarnold) has produced Broadway: Hadestown (Tony Award), The Inheritance (Tony Nomination), Tina: The Musical (Tony Nomination), Moulin Rouge! (Tony Nomination), Betrayal (Tony Nomination), Slava’s Snowshow, Once On This Island (Tony Award), Dear Evan Hansen (Tony Award), Kinky Boots (Tony Award and Olivier Award), Frankie and Johnny in the Clair de Lune, Pretty Woman: The Musical, Anastasia, Gettin’ the Band Back Together, Head Over Heels,  M Butterfly, Disaster!, Allegiance, Deaf West Theatre’s Spring Awakening (Tony Nomination), The Visit (Tony Nomination), It’s Only a Play, Mothers and Sons (Tony Nomination), The Bridges of Madison County, Macbeth, Godspell, Chinglish. London: The Inheritance (Olivier Award), The Jungle, Hadestown, Tina: The Musical, Edward Albee’s The Goat with Damian Lewis.  Off-Broadway: Little Shop of Horrors, Daddy Long Legs and more.

In addition to his producing projects Hunter is the founder and CEO of ARTech Holdings, LLC an incubator and holding company focused on generating technologies to support the live arts community. Amongst Artech’s offerings is the premier amateur theatrical ticketing and web presence software www.OnTheStage.com.  Hunter earned his bachelor’s degree in Entrepreneurial Business from DePaul University and his Master’s in Business Administration from TRIUM, a joint program representing NYU Stern School of Business, H.E.C. Paris and the London School of Economics. He is a frequent lecturer and guest professor on entertainment trends and economics, Commercial Theater and working in the arts.

Hunter Arnold (IG:@huntercarnold) has produced Broadway: Hadestown (Tony Award), The Inheritance (Tony Nomination), Tina: The Musical (Tony Nomination), Moulin Rouge! (Tony Nomination), Betrayal (Tony Nomination), Slava’s Snowshow, Once On This Island (Tony Award), Dear Evan Hansen (Tony Award), Kinky Boots (Tony Award and Olivier Award), Frankie and Johnny in the Clair de Lune, Pretty Woman: The Musical, Anastasia, Gettin’ the Band Back Together, Head Over Heels,  M Butterfly, Disaster!, Allegiance, Deaf West Theatre’s Spring Awakening (Tony Nomination), The Visit (Tony Nomination), It’s Only a Play, Mothers and Sons (Tony Nomination), The Bridges of Madison County, Macbeth, Godspell, Chinglish. London: The Inheritance (Olivier Award), The Jungle, Hadestown, Tina: The Musical, Edward Albee’s The Goat with Damian Lewis.  Off-Broadway: Little Shop of Horrors, Daddy Long Legs and more.

In addition to his producing projects Hunter is the founder and CEO of ARTech Holdings, LLC an incubator and holding company focused on generating technologies to support the live arts community. Amongst Artech’s offerings is the premier amateur theatrical ticketing and web presence software www.OnTheStage.com.  Hunter earned his bachelor’s degree in Entrepreneurial Business from DePaul University and his Master’s in Business Administration from TRIUM, a joint program representing NYU Stern School of Business, H.E.C. Paris and the London School of Economics. He is a frequent lecturer and guest professor on entertainment trends and economics, Commercial Theater and working in the arts.

Danny K Bernstein (IG:@dannykbernstein) is an award-winning composer-lyricist, writer, pianist and music director based in New York City. Shows include Far From Canterbury (Book, Music, Lyrics - Best Musical, 2015 New York International Fringe Festival), and Wings (Book, Music, Lyrics). We cover it all, from early inspirations to current projects! Enjoy! 

Danny K Bernstein (IG:@dannykbernstein) is an award-winning composer-lyricist, writer, pianist and music director based in New York City. Shows include Far From Canterbury (Book, Music, Lyrics - Best Musical, 2015 New York International Fringe Festival), and Wings (Book, Music, Lyrics). We cover it all, from early inspirations to current projects! Enjoy! 

*This episode is a re-air of a conversation that originally took place in 2018.* Peter Flynn (TW:@peterflynn212)(peterflynndirector.com) is an accomplished director in NYC. He has worked on many projects all of which can be seen on his website. Peter and I have a wonderfully candid conversation regarding work/life ethics. We cover his upbringing and what he learned from his youth all the way through current projects that teach him the most about himself. He lives in many mantra's two of them being "Try thank you" and "No absolutes." Both of these speak very loudly to me. I hope this conversation speaks loudly to you. Enjoy!

*This episode is a re-air of a conversation that originally took place in 2018.* Peter Flynn (TW:@peterflynn212)(peterflynndirector.com) is an accomplished director in NYC. He has worked on many projects all of which can be seen on his website. Peter and I have a wonderully candid conversation regarding work/life ethics. We cover his upbringing and what he learned from his youth all the way through current projects that teach him the most about himself. He lives in many mantra's two of them being "Try thank you" and "No absolutes." Both of these speak very loudly to me. I hope this conversation speaks loudly to you. Enjoy!

*This episode is a re-air of a conversation that originally took place in 2018.* Brenda Braxton-(IG:@bbraxtonact2)(TW:@bbraxtonact2)(brendabraxton.com) talks about her career and life path. We discuss what brought her to creating an upscale barber shop while performing on broadway to writing her book (The Little Black Book of Backstage Etiquette) which is a great quick read everyone should check out. We cover dealing with rejection, living life, staying the course, and she breaks down the meaning of Diva among so much more! Brenda brings up some wonderfully insightful thoughts on life. Enjoy.

*This episode is a re-air of a conversation that originally took place in 2018.* Brenda Braxton-(IG:@bbraxtonact2)(TW:@bbraxtonact2)(brendabraxton.com) talks about her career and life path. We discuss what brought her to creating an upscale barber shop while performing on broadway to writing her book (The Little Black Book of Backstage Etiquette) which is a great quick read everyone should check out. We cover dealing with rejection, living life, staying the course, and she breaks down the meaning of Diva among so much more! Brenda brings up some wonderfully insightful thoughts on life. Enjoy.

*This episode is a re-air of a conversation that originally took place in 2018.* Townsend (LI:@townsendteague) is a respected voice on the topics of company formation, organizational development and the relationship between Broadway, technology and media businesses. His theatrical career spans two decades, during which he has collaborated with many of the world's leading producers and creatives, and held senior positions on Broadway, touring and international productions, including titles presented in Canada, China, Indonesia, Japan and Singapore. As a theatrical General Manager, he has provided expertise budgeting, negotiating and overseeing operations for productions of An American In Paris, Annie, 42nd Street, Ghost, Bring It On, West Side Story and Priscilla Queen of the Desert. Prior to this, he was Company Manager for tours of Catch Me If You Can, Cats, the 25th Anniversary of Les Misérables, and Mel Brooks' Young Frankenstein and The Producers. Broadway credits include The Norman Conquests, Gypsy, The Producers and Radio Golf, for which he received a Tony Award and Drama Desk Award nomination as Producer. As an investor and/or advisor, he is involved with technology driven companies, including Arilyn, a content management system for creative brands and professionals to create, manage and publish augmented reality content; TodayTix, a digital ticketing platform for theatrical & cultural experiences, ProductionPro, a portal for creative collaboration in Film, TV and Theatre production; Winc Wine, an algorithm driven winery and official wine partner of the Barclays Center and Hollywood Bowl; and WindowsWear, a retail visual merchandising database and community. Townsend received a B.A. in Arts Management and is a certified member of the Association of Theatrical Press Agents and Managers. He happily volunteers time to various causes. A personal highlight is Broadway Bets, the annual poker tournament benefiting Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, for which he is a Host Committee member. He is an optimist!

*This episode is a re-air of a conversation that originally took place in 2018.* Townsend Teague (LI:@townsendteague) is a respected voice on the topics of company formation, organizational development and the relationship between Broadway, technology and media businesses. His theatrical career spans two decades, during which he has collaborated with many of the world's leading producers and creatives, and held senior positions on Broadway, touring and international productions, including titles presented in Canada, China, Indonesia, Japan and Singapore. As a theatrical General Manager, he has provided expertise budgeting, negotiating and overseeing operations for productions of An American In Paris, Annie, 42nd Street, Ghost, Bring It On, West Side Story and Priscilla Queen of the Desert. Prior to this, he was Company Manager for tours of Catch Me If You Can, Cats, the 25th Anniversary of Les Misérables, and Mel Brooks' Young Frankenstein and The Producers. Broadway credits include The Norman Conquests, Gypsy, The Producers and Radio Golf, for which he received a Tony Award and Drama Desk Award nomination as Producer. As an investor and/or advisor, he is involved with technology driven companies, including Arilyn, a content management system for creative brands and professionals to create, manage and publish augmented reality content; TodayTix, a digital ticketing platform for theatrical & cultural experiences, ProductionPro, a portal for creative collaboration in Film, TV and Theatre production; Winc Wine, an algorithm driven winery and official wine partner of the Barclays Center and Hollywood Bowl; and WindowsWear, a retail visual merchandising database and community. Townsend received a B.A. in Arts Management and is a certified member of the Association of Theatrical Press Agents and Managers. He happily volunteers time to various causes. A personal highlight is Broadway Bets, the annual poker tournament benefiting Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, for which he is a Host Committee member. He is an optimist!

*This episode is a re-air of a conversation that originally took place in 2018.* Jelani Remy IG/TW (@itsjelaniremy&@jelaniremy) is currently playing Simba in Disney's THE LION KING on Broadway! We chat about his career path and what he learned along the way. He loves Kombucha and his go to brand is Aqua ViTea. Jelani is an incredibly kind and giving human. This interview takes place in his dressing room at the Minskoff Theatre on 45th street in times square in between his two show day! I love this epsiode. I hope you do too!!

*This episode is a re-air of a conversation that originally took place in 2018.* Jelani Remy IG/TW (@itsjelaniremy&@jelaniremy) is currently playing Simba in Disney's THE LION KING on Broadway! We chat about his career path and what he learned along the way. He loves Kombucha and his go to brand is Aqua ViTea. Jelani is an incredibly kind and giving human. This interview takes place in his dressing room at the Minskoff Theatre on 45th street in times square in between his two show day! I love this epsiode. I hope you do too!!

*This episode is a re-air of a conversation that originally took place in 2018.* Gabriela (gabriela-garcia.com)(IG:@dancinvida)(TW:@dancinvida) is a native of La Paz, Baja California Sur, Mexico. She holds a BA in Performing Arts from Saint Mary’s College of California.  Most recent theater credits include the role of Best Friend/Maid in Rodrigo Nogueira's play REAL and Half Time directed and choreographed by Jerry Mitchell.  She is a former cast member and dance captain for CHICAGO - The Musical on Broadway and National Tours.  During her time at CHICAGO she worked with celebrities such as George Hamilton, Marilu Henner, Huey Lewis, Taye Diggs, Usher, Melanie Griffith, Patrick Swayze, Brooke Shields and more. Other musical theater credits include Roman Holiday (Guthrie), West Side Story, Joseph…Dreamcoat, Carousel and the Vienna and Mexico City companies of CHICAGO where she played the role of “Velma Kelly” in their native language and was Dance Associate for the Düsseldorf Company. As a choreographer, she served as Movement Associate for the production of Sweeney Todd at the Barrow Street Theater; Associate Choreographer for Public Works' musical production of Twelfth Night at the Delacorte theater; choreographer of Sweet Charity in Lima, Perú under Preludio Asociación Cultural where she also served as choreography adviser to Preludio's Production of CHICAGO in 2012. She has created works for the Joffrey Ballet School's NYC Jazz and Contemporary summer intensive performances, BC/EFA benefits, and R.Evolución Latina's Choreographer Festival. Within the concert dance world she acted as Co-coordinator and faculty for the Joffrey Ballet School's "Joffrey Ensemble" and Jazz and Contemporary Program in New York City. Her dance training began under the RAD syllabus, followed by study at the San Francisco Ballet School and Pacific Northwest Ballet School.  During her time at Pacific Northwest Ballet performed in ballets such as Serenade, Swan Lake, Midsummer's Night dream, Nutcracker, Coppelia, Symphony in C and others. As a soloist she danced with Tanzforum der Oper Koeln in Germany (where she originated several roles), Ballet del Instituto Cabañas, and Balletteatro Contemponáneo in Guadalajara, Mexico. She has taught Classical Ballet, Jazz and Musical Theater at schools in Germany, Austria, Mexico, Peru, Sweden, China, DR, and in New York at STEPS, Ellison Ballet, BDC, Joffrey Ballet School, Molloy College/CAP21, Ithaca College and Pace University.  TV credits include "Succession" and "Jessica Jones".  Film credits:  In The Heights (Summer 2020), Whatever Lola Wants (Tribeca film festival) and Enchanted.  As a voiceover actor, her voice can be heard in numerous TV commercials and radio spots for the US national Hispanic market as well as Spanish language audio books.  Gabriela is Co-Founder and Director of R.Evolución Latina (RL), a nonprofit organization making a difference through the arts.  Through her nonprofit work Gabriela has brought the RL mission to underprivileged students in New York by teaching workshops at community centers and offering master classes to the local dance communities.  She is a passionate teacher, inspiring, mentoring and instilling her values and work ethic to her students.  She is a recipient of El Diario’s 2010 Mujeres Destacadas award. 

*This episode is a re-air of a conversation that originally took place in 2018.* Gabriela (gabriela-garcia.com)(IG:@dancinvida)(TW:@dancinvida) is a native of La Paz, Baja California Sur, Mexico. She holds a BA in Performing Arts from Saint Mary’s College of California.  Most recent theater credits include the role of Best Friend/Maid in Rodrigo Nogueira's play REAL and Half Time directed and choreographed by Jerry Mitchell.  She is a former cast member and dance captain for CHICAGO - The Musical on Broadway and National Tours.  During her time at CHICAGO she worked with celebrities such as George Hamilton, Marilu Henner, Huey Lewis, Taye Diggs, Usher, Melanie Griffith, Patrick Swayze, Brooke Shields and more. Other musical theater credits include Roman Holiday (Guthrie), West Side Story, Joseph…Dreamcoat, Carousel and the Vienna and Mexico City companies of CHICAGO where she played the role of “Velma Kelly” in their native language and was Dance Associate for the Düsseldorf Company. As a choreographer, she served as Movement Associate for the production of Sweeney Todd at the Barrow Street Theater; Associate Choreographer for Public Works' musical production of Twelfth Night at the Delacorte theater; choreographer of Sweet Charity in Lima, Perú under Preludio Asociación Cultural where she also served as choreography adviser to Preludio's Production of CHICAGO in 2012. She has created works for the Joffrey Ballet School's NYC Jazz and Contemporary summer intensive performances, BC/EFA benefits, and R.Evolución Latina's Choreographer Festival. Within the concert dance world she acted as Co-coordinator and faculty for the Joffrey Ballet School's "Joffrey Ensemble" and Jazz and Contemporary Program in New York City. Her dance training began under the RAD syllabus, followed by study at the San Francisco Ballet School and Pacific Northwest Ballet School.  During her time at Pacific Northwest Ballet performed in ballets such as Serenade, Swan Lake, Midsummer's Night dream, Nutcracker, Coppelia, Symphony in C and others. As a soloist she danced with Tanzforum der Oper Koeln in Germany (where she originated several roles), Ballet del Instituto Cabañas, and Balletteatro Contemponáneo in Guadalajara, Mexico. She has taught Classical Ballet, Jazz and Musical Theater at schools in Germany, Austria, Mexico, Peru, Sweden, China, DR, and in New York at STEPS, Ellison Ballet, BDC, Joffrey Ballet School, Molloy College/CAP21, Ithaca College and Pace University.  TV credits include "Succession" and "Jessica Jones".  Film credits:  In The Heights (Summer 2020), Whatever Lola Wants (Tribeca film festival) and Enchanted.  As a voiceover actor, her voice can be heard in numerous TV commercials and radio spots for the US national Hispanic market as well as Spanish language audio books.  Gabriela is Co-Founder and Director of R.Evolución Latina (RL), a nonprofit organization making a difference through the arts.  Through her nonprofit work Gabriela has brought the RL mission to underprivileged students in New York by teaching workshops at community centers and offering master classes to the local dance communities.  She is a passionate teacher, inspiring, mentoring and instilling her values and work ethic to her students.  She is a recipient of El Diario’s 2010 Mujeres Destacadas award.  

Chris (christopherdarga.com)(imdb)(TW:@cdarga)has been a working actor in Hollywood for the past twenty years. Appearing in well over a hundred films and TV shows, including "Bruce Almighty", "The Hudsucker Proxy", "Seinfeld", "Curb your Enthusiasm" and "Deadwood". Chris’s interest in sculpting started after the release of the film "Jurassic Park". Two years later he created an entire line of dinosaurs for Horizon Models. In the last twelve years or so he has become an established paleo, wildlife, and portrait sculptor. Chris’s works grace the homes and businesses of celebrities and other clients around the country.

Christopher Darga (christopherdarga.com)(imdb)(TW:@cdarga)has been a working actor in Hollywood for the past twenty years. Appearing in well over a hundred films and TV shows, including "Bruce Almighty", "The Hudsucker Proxy", "Seinfeld", "Curb your Enthusiasm" and "Deadwood". Chris’s interest in sculpting started after the release of the film "Jurassic Park". Two years later he created an entire line of dinosaurs for Horizon Models. In the last twelve years or so he has become an established paleo, wildlife, and portrait sculptor. Chris’s works grace the homes and businesses of celebrities and other clients around the country.

ANDRÉA BURNS (andreaburns.com)(IG:@theandreaburns) received an Outer Critics Circle Award Nomination for her portrayal of Gloria Fajardo in Broadway’s On Your Feet! She is a winner of a Drama Desk Award for her creation of the role of Daniela, the saucy hairdresser in the Tony Award-winning musical In The Heights. 

Ms. Burns began her career touring the opera houses of Europe as Maria in West Side Story when she was 18 years old. She has appeared on Broadway as Belle in Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, as Vicki Nichols in The Full Monty, as Googie Gomez in The Ritz and has sung concerts at Carnegie Hall. She starred opposite Nathan Lane on Broadway in the Lincoln Center production of The Nance  which subsequently broadcast on PBS' "Great Performances". Ms. Burns was in the original company of Jason Robert Brown’s critically acclaimed Songs for a New World and has since become one of the foremost interpreters of his work. Burns portrayed Lucille Frank in the national tour of Jason Robert Brown's Parade, directed by Harold Prince, for which she received a Touring Broadway Awards nomination for Best Actress. She was also selected by Stephen Sondheim to create the role of Celeste in his musical Saturday Night in its New York premiere. 

Ms. Burns' debut solo album A Deeper Shade Of Red was described by Playbill as "superb on all counts”. “100 Stories," a single she co-wrote with her brother, music producer Mike Burns, rose to the #2 spot on the 2006 Billboard Hot Dance Club Play charts. A favorite at 54 Below Broadway Supper Club,  Andréa performs her one woman show all of over the world, which has been hailed by the New York Times as “ uproarious, ebullient and playful”.

Television credits include Mad About You (Reboot), Jessica Jones, Kevin Can Wait, Blue Bloods, Law & Order: SVU, Rescue Me, The Electric Company (2009 TV series), and Wonder Pets. She can also be heard on the original cast recordings of On Your Feet!, In The Heights, Songs for a New World, This Ordinary Thursday - The Songs of Georgia Stitt, Saturday Night, It’s Only Life, Dear Edwina, Shine, Broadway Bound, and Broadway Musicals of 1953.

Ms. Burns can be heard as the voice of Elaine Stritch in Alexandra Jacob’s new biography, “Still Here - The Madcap, Nervy, Singular Life of Elaine Stritch.”

She is married to director Peter Flynn. Their son, Hudson, is featured on the cover art of her solo album, A Deeper Shade of Red.

ANDRÉA BURNS (andreaburns.com)(IG:@theandreaburns) received an Outer Critics Circle Award Nomination for her portrayal of Gloria Fajardo in Broadway’s On Your Feet! She is a winner of a Drama Desk Award for her creation of the role of Daniela, the saucy hairdresser in the Tony Award-winning musical In The Heights. 

Ms. Burns began her career touring the opera houses of Europe as Maria in West Side Story when she was 18 years old. She has appeared on Broadway as Belle in Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, as Vicki Nichols in The Full Monty, as Googie Gomez in The Ritz and has sung concerts at Carnegie Hall. She starred opposite Nathan Lane on Broadway in the Lincoln Center production of The Nance  which subsequently broadcast on PBS' "Great Performances". Ms. Burns was in the original company of Jason Robert Brown’s critically acclaimed Songs for a New World and has since become one of the foremost interpreters of his work. Burns portrayed Lucille Frank in the national tour of Jason Robert Brown's Parade, directed by Harold Prince, for which she received a Touring Broadway Awards nomination for Best Actress. She was also selected by Stephen Sondheim to create the role of Celeste in his musical Saturday Night in its New York premiere. 

Ms. Burns' debut solo album A Deeper Shade Of Red was described by Playbill as "superb on all counts”. “100 Stories," a single she co-wrote with her brother, music producer Mike Burns, rose to the #2 spot on the 2006 Billboard Hot Dance Club Play charts. A favorite at 54 Below Broadway Supper Club,  Andréa performs her one woman show all of over the world, which has been hailed by the New York Times as “ uproarious, ebullient and playful”.

Television credits include Mad About You (Reboot), Jessica Jones, Kevin Can Wait, Blue Bloods, Law & Order: SVU, Rescue Me, The Electric Company (2009 TV series), and Wonder Pets. She can also be heard on the original cast recordings of On Your Feet!, In The Heights, Songs for a New World, This Ordinary Thursday - The Songs of Georgia Stitt, Saturday Night, It’s Only Life, Dear Edwina, Shine, Broadway Bound, and Broadway Musicals of 1953.

Ms. Burns can be heard as the voice of Elaine Stritch in Alexandra Jacob’s new biography, “Still Here - The Madcap, Nervy, Singular Life of Elaine Stritch.”

She is married to director Peter Flynn. Their son, Hudson, is featured on the cover art of her solo album, A Deeper Shade of Red.

Telly Leung (tellyleung.com)(IG:@tellyleung)(TW:@tellyleung) (Tickets to Telly's Latest directing project Godspell U-M Dept. Production ) was born and raised in New York City. He grew up in a traditional Chinese home in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn. He is a proud alumni of New York's prestigious math & science specialized high school, Stuyvesant High School. After Stuyvesant, Telly was admitted to Carnegie Mellon University's School of Drama (CMU), where he received most of his formal training in acting, singing, and dance. It was also at CMU that Telly met fellow CMU-alum and KINKY BOOTS Tony-Award Winner, Billy Porter, who returned to his alma mater to direct the main stage production of Sondheim's COMPANY. After casting Telly as Bobby in "Company", Porter made a phone call to his colleagues who were involved in the upcoming Broadway revival of FLOWER DRUM SONG and landed Telly an audition. In the fall of 2002, Telly made his Broadway debut in the revival of 'Flower Drum Song", starring Lea Salonga, as a member of the ensemble and an understudy for Wang Ta. After playing Bobby in Sondheim's COMPANY in college, Telly would later get the opportunity to work with the legendary Stephen Sondheim in Roundabout's Broadway revival of PACIFIC OVERTURES in 2005. After PACIFIC OVERTURES, Telly originated the role of Boq in the Chicago company of WICKED, collaborating with fellow CMU-alum, Stephen Schwartz. Other Broadway credits include the final company of RENT - where he also got to make his film debut in Radical Media / Sony's RENT: FILMED LIVE ON BROADWAY, which is available on DVD and Blue Ray. After RENT ended its Broadway run, Telly went on an international tour with original RENT stars Adam Pascal and Anthony Rapp in RENT: THE BROADWAY TOUR. He would later reprise the role of Angel in RENT at the Hollywood Bowl, directed by Neil Patrick Harris and starring Vanessa Hudgens, Aaron Tveit, Skylar Astin, & Wayne Brady. In 2011, Telly would get another opportunity to collaborate with composer Stephen Schwartz in the Broadway revival of GODSPELL at the Circle in the Square Theater.

Telly was involved in the development of Broadway's ALLEGIANCE, creating the role of "Sammy" alongside Lea Salonga (MISS SAIGON) and George Takei (STAR TREK). ALLEGIANCE is the story of one Japanese-American family's struggles and triumphs during the Japanese Internment of World War II. The musical made its sold-out world premiere at the Old Globe Theater in San Diego in 2012 and premiered on Broadway in the Fall of 2015. He received critical aceeclaim for his "star turn" (NBC-NY) as Sammy, performed with "breakout power" (Newsday), with Rex Reed of the NY Observer praising his portrayal of Sammy as "beautifully played and powerfully sung by handsome and awesomely talented Telly Leung." In 2016, Telly starred opposite Justin Guarini (American Idol) in IN TRANSIT, Broadway's first a cappella musical with music by Oscar-winner Kristen Anderson-Lopez, Russell Kaplan, Sara Wordsworth and James-Allen Ford, with direction and choreography by Tony-Award Winner Kathleen Marshall. In June 2017, Telly Leung began his star turn as the title character in Disney’s ALADDIN on Broadway. He would continue to play the role for two years, and his caricature would eventually earn a coveted spot on the wall’s of New York’s historic Sardi’s restaurant. Telly has performed live all over the world. Notable venues include Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center, the Hollywood Bowl, the Baltimore Symphony, the St. Louis MUNY, The Shakespeare Theater (DC), Pittsburgh CLO, Paper Mill Playhouse, Dallas Theater Center, Philadelphia Theater Company, Sacramento Music Circus, the Old Globe, Fords Theater, North Carolina Theater, Four Seasons Theater, North Shore Music Theater, The Coterie in Los Angeles, The Magic Castle, NYC's Feinstein's / 54 Below, Birdland Jazz Club, and London's Hippodrome. Telly has appeared on television in GLEE (as Wes of the Dalton Academy Warblers), INSTINCT (CBS), ODD MOM OUT (Bravo), DEADBEAT (on Hulu), LAW AND ORDER: CRIMINAL INTENT and played Kevin in the pilot of ABC's performing arts drama, LIMELIGHT. He was also heavily featured in the PBS documentary BROADWAY OR BUST as a teacher and performance coach for the Jimmy Awards. 

Telly is featured on the recordings of IN TRANSIT, ALLEGIANCE, GODSPELL, PACIFIC OVERTURES, FLOWER DRUMS SONG, DEAR EDWINA, THE BERNSTEIN MASS, SWEET BYE AND BYE and the mini-album of ALLEGIANCE. In 2012, Telly released his first solo album entitled {i'll cover you} on the Yellow Sound Label in 2012, and his follow-up album, "Songs for You" was released in 2016. All recordings are available on iTunes, Amazon, and Spotify. In 2013, Telly started TELLY LEUNG PRODUCTIONS and began his career as a producer. His producing credits include GRIND (a musical short film, starring Anthony Rapp) and BROADWAY @ LEARNING (a concert starring Broadway stars Adam Pascal, Eden Espinosa, and Marcus Paul James). In 2020, Telly started producing and co-hosting EMPATHY, a series of concerts and conversations with corporate learning leader and long-time collaborator Elliott Masie. He served as star and executive producer of THE NICE LIST, an original family-friendly holiday musical for “virtually” everyone that was completely created during the global pandemic with music by Gary Adler and Book / Lyrics by Phoebe Kreutz, directed by Alan Muraoka.Telly passionately believes in "paying it forward" and giving back to the next generation of theater artists and performers. Besides being heavily featured as a performance coach for the Jimmy awards on PBS' BROADWAY OR BUST, he can also be frequently seen teaching as a guest instructor in master classes all over the country. In 2013, he was selected as the Tam & Young Arts Chair at Iolani High School in Honolulu and spent a week teaching and performing alongside the students and faculty. He continues to teach young performers as part of a team of coaches at MTCA (Music Theater College Auditions) that helps high school students gain admission into the competitive university training programs. He also gives online coaching to aspiring performers via Stagelighter.com. In 2013, Telly joined the faculty at NYU's NEW STUDIO ON BROADWAY as an adjunct professor.

 

Telly Leung (tellyleung.com)(IG:@tellyleung)(TW:@tellyleung) (Tickets to Telly's Latest directing project Godspell U-M Dept. Production ) was born and raised in New York City. He grew up in a traditional Chinese home in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn. He is a proud alumni of New York's prestigious math & science specialized high school, Stuyvesant High School. After Stuyvesant, Telly was admitted to Carnegie Mellon University's School of Drama (CMU), where he received most of his formal training in acting, singing, and dance. It was also at CMU that Telly met fellow CMU-alum and KINKY BOOTS Tony-Award Winner, Billy Porter, who returned to his alma mater to direct the main stage production of Sondheim's COMPANY. After casting Telly as Bobby in "Company", Porter made a phone call to his colleagues who were involved in the upcoming Broadway revival of FLOWER DRUM SONG and landed Telly an audition. In the fall of 2002, Telly made his Broadway debut in the revival of 'Flower Drum Song", starring Lea Salonga, as a member of the ensemble and an understudy for Wang Ta. After playing Bobby in Sondheim's COMPANY in college, Telly would later get the opportunity to work with the legendary Stephen Sondheim in Roundabout's Broadway revival of PACIFIC OVERTURES in 2005. After PACIFIC OVERTURES, Telly originated the role of Boq in the Chicago company of WICKED, collaborating with fellow CMU-alum, Stephen Schwartz. Other Broadway credits include the final company of RENT - where he also got to make his film debut in Radical Media / Sony's RENT: FILMED LIVE ON BROADWAY, which is available on DVD and Blue Ray. After RENT ended its Broadway run, Telly went on an international tour with original RENT stars Adam Pascal and Anthony Rapp in RENT: THE BROADWAY TOUR. He would later reprise the role of Angel in RENT at the Hollywood Bowl, directed by Neil Patrick Harris and starring Vanessa Hudgens, Aaron Tveit, Skylar Astin, & Wayne Brady. In 2011, Telly would get another opportunity to collaborate with composer Stephen Schwartz in the Broadway revival of GODSPELL at the Circle in the Square Theater.

Telly was involved in the development of Broadway's ALLEGIANCE, creating the role of "Sammy" alongside Lea Salonga (MISS SAIGON) and George Takei (STAR TREK). ALLEGIANCE is the story of one Japanese-American family's struggles and triumphs during the Japanese Internment of World War II. The musical made its sold-out world premiere at the Old Globe Theater in San Diego in 2012 and premiered on Broadway in the Fall of 2015. He received critical aceeclaim for his "star turn" (NBC-NY) as Sammy, performed with "breakout power" (Newsday), with Rex Reed of the NY Observer praising his portrayal of Sammy as "beautifully played and powerfully sung by handsome and awesomely talented Telly Leung." In 2016, Telly starred opposite Justin Guarini (American Idol) in IN TRANSIT, Broadway's first a cappella musical with music by Oscar-winner Kristen Anderson-Lopez, Russell Kaplan, Sara Wordsworth and James-Allen Ford, with direction and choreography by Tony-Award Winner Kathleen Marshall. In June 2017, Telly Leung began his star turn as the title character in Disney’s ALADDIN on Broadway. He would continue to play the role for two years, and his caricature would eventually earn a coveted spot on the wall’s of New York’s historic Sardi’s restaurant. Telly has performed live all over the world. Notable venues include Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center, the Hollywood Bowl, the Baltimore Symphony, the St. Louis MUNY, The Shakespeare Theater (DC), Pittsburgh CLO, Paper Mill Playhouse, Dallas Theater Center, Philadelphia Theater Company, Sacramento Music Circus, the Old Globe, Fords Theater, North Carolina Theater, Four Seasons Theater, North Shore Music Theater, The Coterie in Los Angeles, The Magic Castle, NYC's Feinstein's / 54 Below, Birdland Jazz Club, and London's Hippodrome. Telly has appeared on television in GLEE (as Wes of the Dalton Academy Warblers), INSTINCT (CBS), ODD MOM OUT (Bravo), DEADBEAT (on Hulu), LAW AND ORDER: CRIMINAL INTENT and played Kevin in the pilot of ABC's performing arts drama, LIMELIGHT. He was also heavily featured in the PBS documentary BROADWAY OR BUST as a teacher and performance coach for the Jimmy Awards. 

Telly is featured on the recordings of IN TRANSIT, ALLEGIANCE, GODSPELL, PACIFIC OVERTURES, FLOWER DRUMS SONG, DEAR EDWINA, THE BERNSTEIN MASS, SWEET BYE AND BYE and the mini-album of ALLEGIANCE. In 2012, Telly released his first solo album entitled {i'll cover you} on the Yellow Sound Label in 2012, and his follow-up album, "Songs for You" was released in 2016. All recordings are available on iTunes, Amazon, and Spotify. In 2013, Telly started TELLY LEUNG PRODUCTIONS and began his career as a producer. His producing credits include GRIND (a musical short film, starring Anthony Rapp) and BROADWAY @ LEARNING (a concert starring Broadway stars Adam Pascal, Eden Espinosa, and Marcus Paul James). In 2020, Telly started producing and co-hosting EMPATHY, a series of concerts and conversations with corporate learning leader and long-time collaborator Elliott Masie. He served as star and executive producer of THE NICE LIST, an original family-friendly holiday musical for “virtually” everyone that was completely created during the global pandemic with music by Gary Adler and Book / Lyrics by Phoebe Kreutz, directed by Alan Muraoka.Telly passionately believes in "paying it forward" and giving back to the next generation of theater artists and performers. Besides being heavily featured as a performance coach for the Jimmy awards on PBS' BROADWAY OR BUST, he can also be frequently seen teaching as a guest instructor in master classes all over the country. In 2013, he was selected as the Tam & Young Arts Chair at Iolani High School in Honolulu and spent a week teaching and performing alongside the students and faculty. He continues to teach young performers as part of a team of coaches at MTCA (Music Theater College Auditions) that helps high school students gain admission into the competitive university training programs. He also gives online coaching to aspiring performers via Stagelighter.com. In 2013, Telly joined the faculty at NYU's NEW STUDIO ON BROADWAY as an adjunct professor.

 

Tony Yazbeck (tonyyazbeckonline.com)(IG:@tonyyazbeckofficial)(TW:@tonyyazbeck) is an American actor, singer, and dancer, best known for his work on the Broadway stage including the 2014 revival of On the Town for which he received 2015 Tony Award and Outer Critics Circle Award nominations for lead actor in a musical. He will be appearing in "Flying Over Sunset" this fall as Cary Grant (flying-over-sunset.com). Yazbeck is also known for his principal roles on Broadway including J.M. Barrie in the Broadway production of Finding Neverland, Tulsa in Gypsy starring Patti LuPone, Billy Flynn in Chicago, Phil Davis in White Christmas, Al Deluca in A Chorus Line and the original casts of Broadway’s Never Gonna Dance and Oklahoma (2002 revival).

Yazbeck made his Broadway debut at the age of eleven playing a newsboy in the revival of Gypsy starring Tyne Daly. On television he was featured on NBC’s Smash, and he appeared in the feature documentary Every Little Step about the casting process for the 2006 revival of A Chorus Line on Broadway. Yazbeck is on the board of the YOUNG/ARTS program of the National Foundation for Advancement in the Arts.

Tony Yazbeck (tonyyazbeckonline.com)(IG:@tonyyazbeckofficial)(TW:@tonyyazbeck) is an American actor, singer, and dancer, best known for his work on the Broadway stage including the 2014 revival of On the Town for which he received 2015 Tony Award and Outer Critics Circle Award nominations for lead actor in a musical. He will be appearing in "Flying Over Sunset" this fall as Cary Grant (flying-over-sunset.com). Yazbeck is also known for his principal roles on Broadway including J.M. Barrie in the Broadway production of Finding Neverland, Tulsa in Gypsy starring Patti LuPone, Billy Flynn in Chicago, Phil Davis in White Christmas, Al Deluca in A Chorus Line and the original casts of Broadway’s Never Gonna Dance and Oklahoma (2002 revival).

Yazbeck made his Broadway debut at the age of eleven playing a newsboy in the revival of Gypsy starring Tyne Daly. On television he was featured on NBC’s Smash, and he appeared in the feature documentary Every Little Step about the casting process for the 2006 revival of A Chorus Line on Broadway. Yazbeck is on the board of the YOUNG/ARTS program of the National Foundation for Advancement in the Arts.

Christiani Pitts (IG:@christianiworld)(christianipitts.com) is an actress, singer, dancer, performer, and educator. This conversation takes place at P.S. Kitchen on 48th street in MidTown Manhattan. We discuss her early inspirations to perform all the way to present day. I found there were many life lessons that could be taken away from this conversation and felt the chat to be quite relaxing. In the sense that, once you know your purpose, you can find comfort in that and allow it to move you on to larger goals/life achievements. Which is exactly what Christiani is doing. Enjoy!

Christiani Pitts (IG:@christianiworld)(christianipitts.com) is an actress, singer, dancer, performer, and educator. This conversation takes place at P.S. Kitchen on 48th street in MidTown Manhattan. We discuss her early inspirations to perform all the way to present day. I found there were many life lessons that could be taken away from this conversation and felt the chat to be quite relaxing. In the sense that, once you know your purpose, you can find comfort in that and allow it to move you on to larger goals/life achievements. Which is exactly what Christiani is doing. Enjoy!

CorBen Williams(corbenwilliams.com)(IG:@corben_w)(IG:@htbisb) is an actor based professionally out of New York City. Born and reared in North Pole, Alaska he attended New York Film Academy professional conservatory program, where he majored in Musical Theatre and Acting for Film. With additional schooling and training from UNCSA school of Dance (High School), NYCDA, Edge Performing Art Center, Millenium Dance Complex, Broadway Dance Center, and Steps on Broadway.

He most recently made his debut at Goodspeed Musical in their production of Meredith Wilson’s production of The Music Man as Davey Brit featured ensemble dancer. Via RWS workshopped Night Spot dir/chor. by Jesse Robb, His Song dir/chor. by Robin Levine, and Million Dreams dir/chor. by Chip Abbott for RWS Entertainment Group. He performed the role of T.J. in Westchester Broadway Theatre’s production of Sister Act. Working with the iconic Disney Cruise Line aboard the Disney Wonder, portrayed Simba in the Golden Mickeys, and Grand Pabbie in Frozen A Musical Spectacular. 

CorBen Williams(corbenwilliams.com)(IG:@corben_w)(IG:@htbisb) is an actor based professionally out of New York City. Born and reared in North Pole, Alaska he attended New York Film Academy professional conservatory program, where he majored in Musical Theatre and Acting for Film. With additional schooling and training from UNCSA school of Dance (High School), NYCDA, Edge Performing Art Center, Millenium Dance Complex, Broadway Dance Center, and Steps on Broadway.

He most recently made his debut at Goodspeed Musical in their production of Meredith Wilson’s production of The Music Man as Davey Brit featured ensemble dancer. Via RWS workshopped Night Spot dir/chor. by Jesse Robb, His Song dir/chor. by Robin Levine, and Million Dreams dir/chor. by Chip Abbott for RWS Entertainment Group. He performed the role of T.J. in Westchester Broadway Theatre’s production of Sister Act. Working with the iconic Disney Cruise Line aboard the Disney Wonder, portrayed Simba in the Golden Mickeys, and Grand Pabbie in Frozen A Musical Spectacular. 

Shoshana Bean’s (IG:@shobean)(TW:@shoshanabean)(shoshanabean.com)    three independent solo albums have all topped the iTunes R&B and Blues charts in the US and UK, with her fourth and most recent project, SPECTRUM, debuting at #1 on the Billboard Jazz charts. She has sold out solo concerts around the globe, lent her voice to countless films and television shows, amassed millions of views on YouTube, and performed alongside Ariana Grande, David Foster, Postmodern Jukebox, Brian McKnight, and Michael Jackson. Shoshana is a veteran of the Broadway stage having made her debut in the original cast of Hairspray, starring as the very first replacement for Elphaba in Wicked and most recently as Jenna in Waitress. She won a IRNE Award for her performance as Fanny Brice in Funny Girl and earned a Jeff Award nomination for her portrayal of CeeCee Bloom in the pre-Broadway musical production of Beaches.

Shoshana Bean’s (IG:@shobean)(TW:@shoshanabean)(shoshanabean.com)    three independent solo albums have all topped the iTunes R&B and Blues charts in the US and UK, with her fourth and most recent project, SPECTRUM, debuting at #1 on the Billboard Jazz charts. She has sold out solo concerts around the globe, lent her voice to countless films and television shows, amassed millions of views on YouTube, and performed alongside Ariana Grande, David Foster, Postmodern Jukebox, Brian McKnight, and Michael Jackson. Shoshana is a veteran of the Broadway stage having made her debut in the original cast of Hairspray, starring as the very first replacement for Elphaba in Wicked and most recently as Jenna in Waitress. She won a IRNE Award for her performance as Fanny Brice in Funny Girl and earned a Jeff Award nomination for her portrayal of CeeCee Bloom in the pre-Broadway musical production of Beaches.

Clayton Howe (IG:@inclaynation)(LI:@clayton-howe)This is a different episode. I wanted to share with you what my life has looked like for the last couple months along with lessons I've learned along the way. I'm keeping it a single part episode this week and SHORT because why say more than what could be said in less words. This has been a different time and I feel some of the journey that I've been on others' can learn from! So I hope you enjoy this episode and keep on keepin' on! 

JOE MANTELLO most recently received Emmy and Critics’ Choice Television Award nominations for his performance in HBO’s The Normal Heart (dir. Ryan Murphy). This two-time Tony Award-winning director’s credits include: The Last Ship, Casa Valentina, I’ll Eat You Last, The Other Place, Dogfight, Other Desert Cities, The Pride, Pal Joey, 9 to 5, November, The Receptionist, The Ritz, Blackbird, Three Days of Rain, The Odd Couple, Glengarry Glen Ross (Tony nomination), Laugh Whore, Assassins (Tony Award), Wicked, Take Me Out (Tony Award), Frankie and Johnny in the Clair de Lune, A Man of No Importance, Design for Living, The Vagina Monologues, Bash, Love! Valour! Compassion! (Tony nomination), Proposals, The Mineola Twins, and Corpus Christi. Acting credits: The Normal Heart (Tony nomination), Angels in America (Tony nomination), and The Baltimore Waltz. He has received Outer Critics Circle, Drama Desk, Lucille Lortel, Helen Hayes, Clarence Derwent, Obie, and Joe A. Callaway awards. He is a member of Naked Angels and an associate artist at Roundabout Theatre Company.

 

 

JOE MANTELLO most recently received Emmy and Critics’ Choice Television Award nominations for his performance in HBO’s The Normal Heart (dir. Ryan Murphy). This two-time Tony Award-winning director’s credits include: The Last Ship, Casa Valentina, I’ll Eat You Last, The Other Place, Dogfight, Other Desert Cities, The Pride, Pal Joey, 9 to 5, November, The Receptionist, The Ritz, Blackbird, Three Days of Rain, The Odd Couple, Glengarry Glen Ross (Tony nomination), Laugh Whore, Assassins (Tony Award), Wicked, Take Me Out (Tony Award), Frankie and Johnny in the Clair de Lune, A Man of No Importance, Design for Living, The Vagina Monologues, Bash, Love! Valour! Compassion! (Tony nomination), Proposals, The Mineola Twins, and Corpus Christi. Acting credits: The Normal Heart (Tony nomination), Angels in America (Tony nomination), and The Baltimore Waltz. He has received Outer Critics Circle, Drama Desk, Lucille Lortel, Helen Hayes, Clarence Derwent, Obie, and Joe A. Callaway awards. He is a member of Naked Angels and an associate artist at Roundabout Theatre Company.

 

 

Sunny Vachher (IG:@isunny)(TW:@sunnyvachher)(LI:@sunnyvachher) "My ultimate goal is to continue to live as an agent of change in all humanly perspectives. I am an innovative thinker bringing creative vision to life from wonder to wonderful: the big picture." "I am a creative human being with an artistic and proactive approach to producing quality projects with perfection, strong intentions, sincere effort, intelligent direction, and skillful execution. Creativity, elegance, and forward thinking are of the utmost priority in my life. I believe in and practice building genuine relationships personally and professionally through the act of positive human interaction which also serves as a means of deep self-motivation." "To this day, I have worked in multiple small and large engaging environments in the greater Los Angeles city. And, I have truly given my creative best in various industries from education, pharmaceuticals, retail, wholesale, sports, real estate, banking and financial to entertainment industries acting in a different challenging role each time while on the road to achieve personal and professional success." "I have initiated and managed Enterprise wide technology driven digital projects focused on interactive change management utilizing creativity and the project management methodology to produce cost effective solutions in Multimillions annually for the organization as well as produced cross-functional interactive sites and resources for internal use. And thereby leading and driving creative technology projects from inception to completion bringing an idea and concept to life digitally."

Sunny Vachher (IG:@isunny)(TW:@sunnyvachher)(LI:@sunnyvachher) "My ultimate goal is to continue to live as an agent of change in all humanly perspectives. I am an innovative thinker bringing creative vision to life from wonder to wonderful: the big picture." "I am a creative human being with an artistic and proactive approach to producing quality projects with perfection, strong intentions, sincere effort, intelligent direction, and skillful execution. Creativity, elegance, and forward thinking are of the utmost priority in my life. I believe in and practice building genuine relationships personally and professionally through the act of positive human interaction which also serves as a means of deep self-motivation." "To this day, I have worked in multiple small and large engaging environments in the greater Los Angeles city. And, I have truly given my creative best in various industries from education, pharmaceuticals, retail, wholesale, sports, real estate, banking and financial to entertainment industries acting in a different challenging role each time while on the road to achieve personal and professional success." "I have initiated and managed Enterprise wide technology driven digital projects focused on interactive change management utilizing creativity and the project management methodology to produce cost effective solutions in Multimillions annually for the organization as well as produced cross-functional interactive sites and resources for internal use. And thereby leading and driving creative technology projects from inception to completion bringing an idea and concept to life digitally."

Happy Easter! Thank you for listening to the show. I'm excited to continue to bring you all of the best content Entertainmentx has to offer with exciting and new guests as we enter the 200's. Keep On Keepin' On! 

MATT LENZ (mattlenzdirector.com) is a New York based freelance theater director who has

worked all over the world with many of the industry's biggest and brightest

talents.  Matt was the Associate Director to Tony Award-winner Jack O’Brien on the

original production of Hairspray on Broadway, National Tours, Las Vegas, the UK, Toronto and in Cologne, Germany.  Matt was also the Associate Director for Catch Me If You Can on Broadway and directed the 2012-13 first national tour. He directed acclaimed Hairspray productions at The Paper Mill Playhouse, the St. Louis MUNY as well as 3 national tours and a ground-breaking production in Johannesburg, South Africa.  

 

Other credits include: the Off-Broadway hit comedy The Irish Curse at Soho Rep, Idaho! for New York Musical Theatre Festival (winner “Best Director” and “Best Show of Fest” Awards 2008) and at the Forestburgh Playhouse, Susie Mosher’s The Great Daisy Theory Off-Broadway, Fingers and Toes at NYMF, The Yellow Brick Road Not Taken: WICKED's 5th Anniversary at the Gershwin Theater, Saint Heaven, a world premiere musical at The Stamford Center for the Arts, The Irish Curse for the NY International Fringe Festival, [title of show] at the George Street Playhouse, Les Miserables, God of Carnage, Love! Valour! Compassion!, and Dirty Blond at Zach Theatre in Austin, South Pacific at Casa Manana and North Carolina Theater, The Full Monty at NCT, Disney's Beauty and the Beast at The MUNY in St Louis, The North Carolina Theater and Michigan Opera Theater, Elton John & Tim Rice's Aida at The MUNY and at Gateway Playhouse, the world premiere of Martin Casella’s Scituate at the Stamford Center for the Arts, Confidentially Cole at the Tiffany Theatre in LA, Twelfth Night, Hair, The Ten Percent Revue, The Who's Tommy and the Off-Broadway premiere of Alan Ball’s The Amazing Adventures of Tense Guy.

 

Matt is the Associate Director for The Velocity of Autumn on Broadway and Carnegie Hall's star-studded Guys and Dolls concert.  He was the Resident Director for Disney's Beauty and the Beast on Broadway and National Tours. Also for Disney Theatrical, he was Associate Director on Elton John & Tim Rice's Aida in its World Premiere at the Alliance Theatre in Atlanta.  Matt directed the current Off-Broadway revival of Pageant: The Musical and is developing several Broadway musicals including Chasing Rainbows and Dust and Shadow. He regularly teaches master classes and workshops in NYC and around the country at universities and for performing arts organizations. He received the 2010 Kevin Kline Award for Best Director, is a teaching artist for the Broadway Dreams Foundation and a Member of SDC.

MATT LENZ (mattlenzdirector.com) is a New York based freelance theater director who has

worked all over the world with many of the industry's biggest and brightest

talents.  Matt was the Associate Director to Tony Award-winner Jack O’Brien on the

original production of Hairspray on Broadway, National Tours, Las Vegas, the UK, Toronto and in Cologne, Germany.  Matt was also the Associate Director for Catch Me If You Can on Broadway and directed the 2012-13 first national tour. He directed acclaimed Hairspray productions at The Paper Mill Playhouse, the St. Louis MUNY as well as 3 national tours and a ground-breaking production in Johannesburg, South Africa.  

 

Other credits include: the Off-Broadway hit comedy The Irish Curse at Soho Rep, Idaho! for New York Musical Theatre Festival (winner “Best Director” and “Best Show of Fest” Awards 2008) and at the Forestburgh Playhouse, Susie Mosher’s The Great Daisy Theory Off-Broadway, Fingers and Toes at NYMF, The Yellow Brick Road Not Taken: WICKED's 5th Anniversary at the Gershwin Theater, Saint Heaven, a world premiere musical at The Stamford Center for the Arts, The Irish Curse for the NY International Fringe Festival, [title of show] at the George Street Playhouse, Les Miserables, God of Carnage, Love! Valour! Compassion!, and Dirty Blond at Zach Theatre in Austin, South Pacific at Casa Manana and North Carolina Theater, The Full Monty at NCT, Disney's Beauty and the Beast at The MUNY in St Louis, The North Carolina Theater and Michigan Opera Theater, Elton John & Tim Rice's Aida at The MUNY and at Gateway Playhouse, the world premiere of Martin Casella’s Scituate at the Stamford Center for the Arts, Confidentially Cole at the Tiffany Theatre in LA, Twelfth Night, Hair, The Ten Percent Revue, The Who's Tommy and the Off-Broadway premiere of Alan Ball’s The Amazing Adventures of Tense Guy.

 

Matt is the Associate Director for The Velocity of Autumn on Broadway and Carnegie Hall's star-studded Guys and Dolls concert.  He was the Resident Director for Disney's Beauty and the Beast on Broadway and National Tours. Also for Disney Theatrical, he was Associate Director on Elton John & Tim Rice's Aida in its World Premiere at the Alliance Theatre in Atlanta.  Matt directed the current Off-Broadway revival of Pageant: The Musical and is developing several Broadway musicals including Chasing Rainbows and Dust and Shadow. He regularly teaches master classes and workshops in NYC and around the country at universities and for performing arts organizations. He received the 2010 Kevin Kline Award for Best Director, is a teaching artist for the Broadway Dreams Foundation and a Member of SDC.

Jina Panebianco (caliwoodpictures.com)(LI:@jinapanebianco) is an award-winning film & television producer experienced in development, budgeting, raising funds, and physical production. She is at home on set, handling the day to day logistics and the fine details to get to the big picture and always does so, with a wicked sense of humor and strong work ethic. In addition to A Nice Girl Like You, starring Lucy Hale, her current projects include the co-production bio-pic Lansky, starring Oscar-nominee Harvey Keitel (The Irishman, Reservoir Dogs) and Sam Worthington (Avatar); Shriver, starring Michael Shannon (The Shape of Water, Knives Out), Zach Braff and Kate Hudson; the road trip movie Ashes to Asheville, written by Charlie & Chris Frazier. Past projects include: The Matchmaker’s Playbook; the thriller Havenhurst; Jessica Darling’s IT List, based on the NY Times best selling book series; and A Cinderella Christmas. She is also a co-founder of PassionFlix, an OTT Digital Platform for romance novels, with a rapidly growing subscribership of over 30k.

Jina Panebianco (caliwoodpictures.com)(LI:@jinapanebianco) is an award-winning film & television producer experienced in development, budgeting, raising funds, and physical production. She is at home on set, handling the day to day logistics and the fine details to get to the big picture and always does so, with a wicked sense of humor and strong work ethic. In addition to A Nice Girl Like You, starring Lucy Hale, her current projects include the co-production bio-pic Lansky, starring Oscar-nominee Harvey Keitel (The Irishman, Reservoir Dogs) and Sam Worthington (Avatar); Shriver, starring Michael Shannon (The Shape of Water, Knives Out), Zach Braff and Kate Hudson; the road trip movie Ashes to Asheville, written by Charlie & Chris Frazier. Past projects include: The Matchmaker’s Playbook; the thriller Havenhurst; Jessica Darling’s IT List, based on the NY Times best selling book series; and A Cinderella Christmas. She is also a co-founder of PassionFlix, an OTT Digital Platform for romance novels, with a rapidly growing subscribership of over 30k.

Townsend (LI:@townsendteague)(TW:@townsendteague)(teaguetheatrical.com)On Apple podcasts (Townsend's First Appearance )(Townsend's Second Appearance)is a respected voice in company formation, organizational development and the emerging relationship between Broadway, technology and conglomerate-owned media companies. His theatrical career spans two decades, during which he has collaborated with many of the world's leading producers and creatives, and held senior positions on Broadway, touring and international productions, including titles presented in Canada, China, Indonesia, Japan and Singapore. As a theatrical General Manager, he has provided expertise budgeting, negotiating and overseeing operations for productions of An American In Paris, Annie, 42nd Street, Ghost, Bring It On, West Side Story and Priscilla Queen of the Desert. Prior to this, he was Company Manager for tours of Catch Me If You Can, Cats, the 25th Anniversary of Les Misérables, and Mel Brooks' Young Frankenstein and The Producers. Broadway credits include The Norman Conquests, Gypsy, The Producers and Radio Golf, for which he received a Tony Award and Drama Desk Award nomination as Producer. As an investor and/or advisor, he is involved with technology driven companies, including Arilyn, a content management system for creative brands and professionals to create, manage and publish augmented reality content; TodayTix, a digital ticketing platform for theatrical & cultural experiences, ProductionPro, a portal for creative collaboration in Film, TV and Theatre production; Winc Wine, an algorithm driven winery and official wine partner of the Barclays Center and Hollywood Bowl; and WindowsWear, a retail visual merchandising database and community. Townsend received a B.A. in Arts Management and is a certified member of the Association of Theatrical Press Agents and Managers. He happily volunteers time to various causes. A personal highlight is Broadway Bets, the annual poker tournament benefiting Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, for which he is a Host Committee member. He is an optimist!

Townsend Teague (LI:@townsendteague)(TW:@townsendteague)(teaguetheatrical.com) On Apple podcasts (Townsend's First Appearance )(Townsend's Second Appearance) is a respected voice in company formation, organizational development and the emerging relationship between Broadway, technology and conglomerate-owned media companies. His theatrical career spans two decades, during which he has collaborated with many of the world's leading producers and creatives, and held senior positions on Broadway, touring and international productions, including titles presented in Canada, China, Indonesia, Japan and Singapore. As a theatrical General Manager, he has provided expertise budgeting, negotiating and overseeing operations for productions of An American In Paris, Annie, 42nd Street, Ghost, Bring It On, West Side Story and Priscilla Queen of the Desert. Prior to this, he was Company Manager for tours of Catch Me If You Can, Cats, the 25th Anniversary of Les Misérables, and Mel Brooks' Young Frankenstein and The Producers. Broadway credits include The Norman Conquests, Gypsy, The Producers and Radio Golf, for which he received a Tony Award and Drama Desk Award nomination as Producer. As an investor and/or advisor, he is involved with technology driven companies, including Arilyn, a content management system for creative brands and professionals to create, manage and publish augmented reality content; TodayTix, a digital ticketing platform for theatrical & cultural experiences, ProductionPro, a portal for creative collaboration in Film, TV and Theatre production; Winc Wine, an algorithm driven winery and official wine partner of the Barclays Center and Hollywood Bowl; and WindowsWear, a retail visual merchandising database and community. Townsend received a B.A. in Arts Management and is a certified member of the Association of Theatrical Press Agents and Managers. He happily volunteers time to various causes. A personal highlight is Broadway Bets, the annual poker tournament benefiting Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, for which he is a Host Committee member. He is an optimist!

Musician, playwright, and performer John Epperson, (lypsinka.com)(IG:@lypsinka)(TW:@lypsinka) who is better known as his lip-synching female alter-ego Lypsinka, was born April 24, 1955, in Hazlehurst, Mississippi. In 1978, after training in classical piano from a young age and attending Belhaven University (at that time Belhaven College) in Jackson, Epperson moved to New York City, where he took a job playing piano for the American Ballet Theatre and began performing in drag. Epperson’s character Lypsinka is a renowned drag artist who lip-syncs to the songs and dialogue of iconic screen sirens and to more obscure audio clips (such as a makeup application recording from the 1950s). Epperson has been praised for the pastiches of dialogue he creates, as Lypsinka’s shows bring new meaning to the lines she ventriloquizes through juxtaposition and gender reversal. One critic estimated that thousands of audio pieces are culled together for each Lypsinka show, calling them “expressionistic and hallucinatory one-act audio wonders.” By 1991 Epperson was able to pursue a career as Lypsinka full time, taking her shows around the country and receiving glowing reviews even from serious theater critics. Lypsinka’s blend of drag humor and performance art—in addition to her skill as a comedian—resulted in unique shows that appeal to fans of drag and comedy, as well as theater and performance art.   Lypsinka’s takes on Joan Crawford, Gloria Swanson, Bette Davis, Elizabeth Taylor, and Lauren Bacall have earned praise from critics and a fervent fan base. Her performances are complex and schizophrenic as she careens between emotional extremes cued by intense lighting changes and the sound of a ringing telephone. In shows like “As I Lay Lip-Syncing” and “The Passion of the Crawford,” Epperson creates a new narrative out of sound clips. Some of these pieces of audio are meant to be recognized by the audience, and some of them are not. Part of Lypsinka’s appeal is her ability to bring elements of drag humor and camp to her performances without disrespecting the figures she emulates—often the screen queens of Old Hollywood. Epperson refuses to bring sexist humor into Lypsinka’s shows, saying, “It’s so easy to do misogynistic drag humor” but he “deliberately trie[s] to avoid that.”   Epperson also works in theater and film outside of performing as Lypsinka, and he has played male characters onstage and in film. He has appeared in several feature films, including Black Swan and Kinsey. He referenced his roots in his update of Euripides’ Greek tragedy Medea, which he adapted to a Jackson, Mississippi, setting. In Epperson’s campy Southern Gothic version, titled My Deah, the protagonist who kills her children to get revenge on her husband. The New York Times wrote, “Although Lypsinka herself is absent from the stage in My Deah, Mr. Epperson brings the same deconstructive and reconstructive skills he uses to showcase that grande dame to his Mad magazine rewrite of Euripides. [H]e has found clever Deep South analogues for the workings of fate that ruthlessly hem in our desperate heroine.”   While Epperson has described growing up in small-town Mississippi as stifling, saying that he “felt like an alien” among his family and experienced bullying from his peers, Mississippi’s culture and artists have clearly influenced some of his work, from My Deah to the title for “As I Lay Lip-Syncing.” A gay bar in Jackson, Mississippi, was the first place Epperson remembers seeing drag queens perform lip-syncing routines, an experience that deeply inspired him although he did not begin performing in drag until he moved to New York years later.   Lypsinka is now considered a foremother of today’s most popular drag artists. She continues to appear and perform at drag events and fashion shows regarded by fans as a legend who influenced contemporary drag performance.

Lypsinka’s takes on Joan Crawford, Gloria Swanson, Bette Davis, Elizabeth Taylor, and Lauren Bacall have earned praise from critics and a fervent fan base. Her performances are complex and schizophrenic as she careens between emotional extremes cued by intense lighting changes and the sound of a ringing telephone. In shows like “As I Lay Lip-Syncing” and “The Passion of the Crawford,” Epperson creates a new narrative out of sound clips. Some of these pieces of audio are meant to be recognized by the audience, and some of them are not. Part of Lypsinka’s appeal is her ability to bring elements of drag humor and camp to her performances without disrespecting the figures she emulates—often the screen queens of Old Hollywood. Epperson refuses to bring sexist humor into Lypsinka’s shows, saying, “It’s so easy to do misogynistic drag humor” but he “deliberately trie[s] to avoid that.”

Epperson also works in theater and film outside of performing as Lypsinka, and he has played male characters onstage and in film. He has appeared in several feature films, including Black Swan and Kinsey. He referenced his roots in his update of Euripedes’s Greek tragedy Medea, which he adapted to a Jackson, Mississippi, setting. In Epperson’s campy southern gothic version, titled My Deah, the protagonist who cooks her children to get revenge on her husband batters the kids up in a fried chicken recipe. The New York Times wrote, “Although Lypsinka herself is absent from the stage in My Deah, Mr. Epperson brings the same deconstructive and reconstructive skills he uses to showcase that grande dame to his Mad magazine rewrite of Euripides. [H]e has found clever Deep South analogues for the workings of fate that ruthlessly hem in our desperate heroine.”

While Epperson has described growing up in small-town Mississippi as stifling, saying that he “felt like an alien” among his family and experienced bullying from his peers, Mississippi’s culture and artists have clearly influenced some of his work, from My Deah to the title for “As I Lay Lip-Syncing.” A gay bar in Jackson, Mississippi, was the first place Epperson remembers seeing drag queens perform lip-syncing routines, an experience that deeply inspired him although he did not begin performing in drag until he moved to New York years later.

Lypsinka is now considered a foremother of today’s most popular drag artists. She continues to appear and perform at drag events and fashion shows regarded by fans as a legend who influenced contemporary drag performance.

Musician, playwright, and performer John Epperson, (lypsinka.com)(IG:@lypsinka)(TW:@lypsinka) who is better known as his lip-synching female alter-ego Lypsinka, was born April 24, 1955, in Hazlehurst, Mississippi. In 1978, after training in classical piano from a young age and attending Belhaven University (at that time Belhaven College) in Jackson, Epperson moved to New York City, where he took a job playing piano for the American Ballet Theatre and began performing in drag. Epperson’s character Lypsinka is a renowned drag artist who lip-syncs to the songs and dialogue of iconic screen sirens and to more obscure audio clips (such as a makeup application recording from the 1950s). Epperson has been praised for the pastiches of dialogue he creates, as Lypsinka’s shows bring new meaning to the lines she ventriloquizes through juxtaposition and gender reversal. One critic estimated that thousands of audio pieces are culled together for each Lypsinka show, calling them “expressionistic and hallucinatory one-act audio wonders.” By 1991 Epperson was able to pursue a career as Lypsinka full time, taking her shows around the country and receiving glowing reviews even from serious theater critics. Lypsinka’s blend of drag humor and performance art—in addition to her skill as a comedian—resulted in unique shows that appeal to fans of drag and comedy, as well as theater and performance art.   Lypsinka’s takes on Joan Crawford, Gloria Swanson, Bette Davis, Elizabeth Taylor, and Lauren Bacall have earned praise from critics and a fervent fan base. Her performances are complex and schizophrenic as she careens between emotional extremes cued by intense lighting changes and the sound of a ringing telephone. In shows like “As I Lay Lip-Syncing” and “The Passion of the Crawford,” Epperson creates a new narrative out of sound clips. Some of these pieces of audio are meant to be recognized by the audience, and some of them are not. Part of Lypsinka’s appeal is her ability to bring elements of drag humor and camp to her performances without disrespecting the figures she emulates—often the screen queens of Old Hollywood. Epperson refuses to bring sexist humor into Lypsinka’s shows, saying, “It’s so easy to do misogynistic drag humor” but he “deliberately trie[s] to avoid that.”   Epperson also works in theater and film outside of performing as Lypsinka, and he has played male characters onstage and in film. He has appeared in several feature films, including Black Swan and Kinsey. He referenced his roots in his update of Euripides’ Greek tragedy Medea, which he adapted to a Jackson, Mississippi, setting. In Epperson’s campy Southern Gothic version, titled My Deah, the protagonist who kills her children to get revenge on her husband. The New York Times wrote, “Although Lypsinka herself is absent from the stage in My Deah, Mr. Epperson brings the same deconstructive and reconstructive skills he uses to showcase that grande dame to his Mad magazine rewrite of Euripides. [H]e has found clever Deep South analogues for the workings of fate that ruthlessly hem in our desperate heroine.”   While Epperson has described growing up in small-town Mississippi as stifling, saying that he “felt like an alien” among his family and experienced bullying from his peers, Mississippi’s culture and artists have clearly influenced some of his work, from My Deah to the title for “As I Lay Lip-Syncing.” A gay bar in Jackson, Mississippi, was the first place Epperson remembers seeing drag queens perform lip-syncing routines, an experience that deeply inspired him although he did not begin performing in drag until he moved to New York years later.   Lypsinka is now considered a foremother of today’s most popular drag artists. She continues to appear and perform at drag events and fashion shows regarded by fans as a legend who influenced contemporary drag performance.

Lypsinka’s takes on Joan Crawford, Gloria Swanson, Bette Davis, Elizabeth Taylor, and Lauren Bacall have earned praise from critics and a fervent fan base. Her performances are complex and schizophrenic as she careens between emotional extremes cued by intense lighting changes and the sound of a ringing telephone. In shows like “As I Lay Lip-Syncing” and “The Passion of the Crawford,” Epperson creates a new narrative out of sound clips. Some of these pieces of audio are meant to be recognized by the audience, and some of them are not. Part of Lypsinka’s appeal is her ability to bring elements of drag humor and camp to her performances without disrespecting the figures she emulates—often the screen queens of Old Hollywood. Epperson refuses to bring sexist humor into Lypsinka’s shows, saying, “It’s so easy to do misogynistic drag humor” but he “deliberately trie[s] to avoid that.”

Epperson also works in theater and film outside of performing as Lypsinka, and he has played male characters onstage and in film. He has appeared in several feature films, including Black Swan and Kinsey. He referenced his roots in his update of Euripedes’s Greek tragedy Medea, which he adapted to a Jackson, Mississippi, setting. In Epperson’s campy southern gothic version, titled My Deah, the protagonist who cooks her children to get revenge on her husband batters the kids up in a fried chicken recipe. The New York Times wrote, “Although Lypsinka herself is absent from the stage in My Deah, Mr. Epperson brings the same deconstructive and reconstructive skills he uses to showcase that grande dame to his Mad magazine rewrite of Euripides. [H]e has found clever Deep South analogues for the workings of fate that ruthlessly hem in our desperate heroine.”

While Epperson has described growing up in small-town Mississippi as stifling, saying that he “felt like an alien” among his family and experienced bullying from his peers, Mississippi’s culture and artists have clearly influenced some of his work, from My Deah to the title for “As I Lay Lip-Syncing.” A gay bar in Jackson, Mississippi, was the first place Epperson remembers seeing drag queens perform lip-syncing routines, an experience that deeply inspired him although he did not begin performing in drag until he moved to New York years later.

Lypsinka is now considered a foremother of today’s most popular drag artists. She continues to appear and perform at drag events and fashion shows regarded by fans as a legend who influenced contemporary drag performance.

Pam MacKinnon (TW:@pammackinnon) is a Tony Award and Drama Desk Award winner and she is no stranger to the Bay Area, having directed Victor Lodato’s 3F, 4F at Magic Theatre in 2005 and Amélie, A New Musical at Berkeley Repertory Theatre in 2015. MacKinnon grew up in Toronto, Canada as well as just outside Buffalo, New York. She majored in economics and political science at the University of Toronto and UC San Diego, and briefly pursued a Ph.D. in political science, before turning to her other passion: theater. Since then, MacKinnon has become one of American theater’s most beloved directors, a supporter of new American playwrights, and a leading interpreter of playwright Edward Albee’s work. She is an alumna of the Drama League, Women’s Project Theater, and Lincoln Center Theater’s Directors Labs. She is also Executive Board President of the Society of Stage Directors and Choreographers (SDC). MacKinnon has directed multiple plays on Broadway, including Edward Albee’s Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?, starring Tracy Letts, Amy Morton, Carrie Coon, and Madison Dirks. MacKinnon won a Tony Award for her direction, and the play received the Tony Award for Best Revival of a Play.

Other Broadway productions include Bruce Norris’s Clybourne Park (Obie Award for Excellence in Directing); Amélie, A New Musical; the world premiere of David Mamet’s China Doll with Al Pacino; Wendy Wasserstein’s The Heidi Chronicles with Elizabeth Moss; and Edward Albee’s A Delicate Balance with Glenn Close and John Lithgow. MacKinnon has also directed extensively off Broadway at Playwrights Horizons, Manhattan Theatre Club, and Roundabout Theatre Company, as well as around the country at Chicago’s Steppenwolf Theatre Company, San Diego’s Old Globe, and Washington, DC’s Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company.

Pam MacKinnon (TW:@pammackinnon) is a Tony Award and Drama Desk Award winner and she is no stranger to the Bay Area, having directed Victor Lodato’s 3F, 4F at Magic Theatre in 2005 and Amélie, A New Musical at Berkeley Repertory Theatre in 2015. MacKinnon grew up in Toronto, Canada as well as just outside Buffalo, New York. She majored in economics and political science at the University of Toronto and UC San Diego, and briefly pursued a Ph.D. in political science, before turning to her other passion: theater. Since then, MacKinnon has become one of American theater’s most beloved directors, a supporter of new American playwrights, and a leading interpreter of playwright Edward Albee’s work. She is an alumna of the Drama League, Women’s Project Theater, and Lincoln Center Theater’s Directors Labs. She is also Executive Board President of the Society of Stage Directors and Choreographers (SDC). MacKinnon has directed multiple plays on Broadway, including Edward Albee’s Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?, starring Tracy Letts, Amy Morton, Carrie Coon, and Madison Dirks. MacKinnon won a Tony Award for her direction, and the play received the Tony Award for Best Revival of a Play.

Other Broadway productions include Bruce Norris’s Clybourne Park (Obie Award for Excellence in Directing); Amélie, A New Musical; the world premiere of David Mamet’s China Doll with Al Pacino; Wendy Wasserstein’s The Heidi Chronicles with Elizabeth Moss; and Edward Albee’s A Delicate Balance with Glenn Close and John Lithgow. MacKinnon has also directed extensively off Broadway at Playwrights Horizons, Manhattan Theatre Club, and Roundabout Theatre Company, as well as around the country at Chicago’s Steppenwolf Theatre Company, San Diego’s Old Globe, and Washington, DC’s Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company.

RYAN SCOTT OLIVER (ryanscottoliver.com) (IG:@ryanscottoliver)(TW:@ryanscottoliver) was called “the future of Broadway… a major new voice in musical theatre” (Entertainment Weekly) and is “shaking up musical theater with his dark, twisted and genius work … [Oliver] could very well be musical theater’s answer to an auteur filmmaker or a gothic novelist” (Huffington Post).He wrote the book, music and lyrics for Jasper in Deadland (book by Tony Award-nominee Hunter Foster) which was first Off-Broadway in a spring 2014 run, and then presented at Seattle’s 5th Avenue Theatre in May 2015;as well as Darling; Havana! (with director Warren Carlyle); Otherbody, a brief musical allegory; and Mrs. Sharp (read at Playwrights Horizons July 2009 starring Jane Krakowski, dir. by Michael Greif); and more.

Both Jasper in Deadland and 35mm: A Musical Exhibition are licensed worldwide by Samuel French, and have cast recordings on the Ghostlight/Sh-k-boom label. Oliver is a Jonathan Larson Grant Recipient, Richard Rodgers Award Winner, Lortel Award Nominee, numerous ASCAP awards, a Dramatists Guild Fellow, a guest lecturer at Harvard University, and the recipient of residencies at 5th Avenue Theatre, TheatreWorks Silicon Valley, Weston Playhouse, Cap 21, the York Theatre, Running Deer Ranch, Pace University, Harvard University, San Diego State University, Playwrights Horizons and more.

Off-Broadway and elsewhere: Disney Theatricals commission, TheatreWorksUSA’s We the People, Rosie O’Donnell’s Theater Kids, and cabarets worldwide. Additionally, he is the Director of New Musicals at Pace University in downtown Manhattan and the Artistic Director of the Pasadena Musical Theatre Program. His songbook, Music+Lyrics by Ryan Scott Oliver: Vol. 1, was published by Hal Leonard in 2011.  M.F.A. Musical Theatre Writing NYU; B.A. Music Composition, UCLA. Songbooks and sheet music available at ryanscottoliver.com.

Oliver is also currently at work on a new project for Universal Theatrical Group with Kirsten Guenther and a trilogy of new musicals about American desperation in war-time: the first, a southern Gothic thriller set in small-town Missouri, 1945 entitled We Foxes (commissioned by Broadway Across America);the second, a Civil War drama called Rope (commissioned by Grove Entertainment, 2015);and the final part, a contemporary “marriage play” called Three Points of Contact.His morbidly optimistic musings may be followed on all platforms.

RYAN SCOTT OLIVER (ryanscottoliver.com) (IG:@ryanscottoliver)(TW:@ryanscottoliver) was called “the future of Broadway… a major new voice in musical theatre” (Entertainment Weekly) and is “shaking up musical theater with his dark, twisted and genius work … [Oliver] could very well be musical theater’s answer to an auteur filmmaker or a gothic novelist” (Huffington Post).He wrote the book, music and lyrics for Jasper in Deadland (book by Tony Award-nominee Hunter Foster) which was first Off-Broadway in a spring 2014 run, and then presented at Seattle’s 5th Avenue Theatre in May 2015;as well as Darling; Havana! (with director Warren Carlyle); Otherbody, a brief musical allegory; and Mrs. Sharp (read at Playwrights Horizons July 2009 starring Jane Krakowski, dir. by Michael Greif); and more.

Both Jasper in Deadland and 35mm: A Musical Exhibition are licensed worldwide by Samuel French, and have cast recordings on the Ghostlight/Sh-k-boom label. Oliver is a Jonathan Larson Grant Recipient, Richard Rodgers Award Winner, Lortel Award Nominee, numerous ASCAP awards, a Dramatists Guild Fellow, a guest lecturer at Harvard University, and the recipient of residencies at 5th Avenue Theatre, TheatreWorks Silicon Valley, Weston Playhouse, Cap 21, the York Theatre, Running Deer Ranch, Pace University, Harvard University, San Diego State University, Playwrights Horizons and more.

Off-Broadway and elsewhere: Disney Theatricals commission, TheatreWorksUSA’s We the People, Rosie O’Donnell’s Theater Kids, and cabarets worldwide. Additionally, he is the Director of New Musicals at Pace University in downtown Manhattan and the Artistic Director of the Pasadena Musical Theatre Program. His songbook, Music+Lyrics by Ryan Scott Oliver: Vol. 1, was published by Hal Leonard in 2011.  M.F.A. Musical Theatre Writing NYU; B.A. Music Composition, UCLA. Songbooks and sheet music available at ryanscottoliver.com.

Oliver is also currently at work on a new project for Universal Theatrical Group with Kirsten Guenther and a trilogy of new musicals about American desperation in war-time: the first, a southern Gothic thriller set in small-town Missouri, 1945 entitled We Foxes (commissioned by Broadway Across America);the second, a Civil War drama called Rope (commissioned by Grove Entertainment, 2015);and the final part, a contemporary “marriage play” called Three Points of Contact.His morbidly optimistic musings may be followed on all platforms.

 

Kyle McMahon (kylemcmahon.me)(IG:@kmacmusic)(TW:@KMacMusic)(LI:@kyledmcmahon) is an active media millennial. As an iHeart Radio on-air personality, Kyle has a weekend show on 92.9 TOM-FM and hosts the Pop Culture Weekly Podcast. As 111/Warner recording artist K.Mac (Kyle Mac) he is currently working on his debut SchizoSONIC which features such superstar collaborators as Monte Pittman (Madonna, Adam Lambert, Prong), Alex G (Justin Timberlake), The Passengerz (Madonna , Seal, Cher) and The Underground (Justin Timberlake, LFO). His first music video “A Letter 2 My Younger Self (Fatherless Sons)” hit 100,000 views in its first month. As a four time guest on the Emmy winning Oprah’s Lifeclass, Kyle McMahon has become the face of fatherless sons. Through his work with fatherless sons issues, he joined with NBC‘s Veronica De La Cruz and Everclear‘s Art Alexakis to create the Stand Up Man Up campaign – spawned from And Then There Were Two, a non-profit promoting responsible fatherhood.

Kyle McMahon (kylemcmahon.me)(IG:@kmacmusic)(TW:@KMacMusic)(LI:@kyledmcmahon) is an active media millennial. As an iHeart Radio on-air personality, Kyle has a weekend show on 92.9 TOM-FM and hosts the Pop Culture Weekly Podcast. As 111/Warner recording artist K.Mac (Kyle Mac) he is currently working on his debut SchizoSONIC which features such superstar collaborators as Monte Pittman (Madonna, Adam Lambert, Prong), Alex G (Justin Timberlake), The Passengerz (Madonna , Seal, Cher) and The Underground (Justin Timberlake, LFO). His first music video “A Letter 2 My Younger Self (Fatherless Sons)” hit 100,000 views in its first month. As a four time guest on the Emmy winning Oprah’s Lifeclass, Kyle McMahon has become the face of fatherless sons. Through his work with fatherless sons issues, he joined with NBC‘s Veronica De La Cruz and Everclear‘s Art Alexakis to create the Stand Up Man Up campaign – spawned from And Then There Were Two, a non-profit promoting responsible fatherhood.

Liz Callaway(lizcallaway.com)(TW:@LizGoesOn)(IG:@lizgoeson)(YT:@LizCallawayOfficial)(FB:@LizCallawayOfficial) is a Tony nominee and Emmy Award-winning actress, singer and recording artist. She made her Broadway debut in Stephen Sondheim’s Merrily We Roll Along, received a Tony Award nomination for her performance in Baby, and for five years, won acclaim as Grizabella in Cats. She has also starred in the original casts of Miss Saigon, The Three Musketeers, and The Look of Love.

Off-Broadway she received a Drama Desk nomination for her performance in The Spitfire Grill (Playwrights Horizons), and also appeared in Brownstone (Roundabout), No Way to Treat a Lady, Marry Me a Little, and Godspell. Other New York appearances include the legendary Follies in Concert at Lincoln Center, A Stephen Sondheim Evening, Fiorello!(Encores!), and Hair in Concert.   Regional and international credits include Dot in Sunday in the Park with George, Eva Peron in Evita, Norma Desmond in Sunset Boulevard, the European premiere of Sondheim on Sondheim at London’s Royal Festival Hall, and most recently, starred in the one-person play “Every Brilliant Thing”.

Ms. Callaway has also established a major career as a concert and recording artist.  The award-winning Sibling Revelry(created with sister Ann Hampton Callaway) was presented to great acclaim at the Donmar Warehouse in London. Boom!,a celebration of the music of the 60’s and 70’s, also created with her sister was recorded live at Birdland, and is currently touring performing arts centers around the country. Recently she had the pleasure of singing Chances Are with singing legend Johnny Mathis in Vancouver. She  also co-starred with Jimmy Webb & Paul Williams in their critically acclaimed engagement at Feinstein’s in New York and joined Burt Bacharach, Dionne Warwick, and Stevie Wonder at Hal David’s 90th Birthday Celebration Concert at the Mark Taper Forum in Los Angeles.  Her extensive US symphony work includes appearances at The Kennedy Center, Carnegie Hall, Ravinia, and The Hollywood Bowl. Worldwide, she has performed in China, Australia (with Stephen Schwartz),  New Zealand, Iceland, Estonia, France (Theatre du Chatelet, Paris), Slovenia, South Korea, and Barcelona’s Gran Teatre del Liceu where she premiered a new concert featuring the music of Stephen Sondheim.

Liz sang the Academy Award nominated song “Journey to the Past” in the animated feature Anastasia and is also the singing voice of Princess Jasmine in Disney’s Aladdin and the King of Thieves and The Return of Jafar. Other film work includes the singing voice of the title character in The Swan Princess, Lion King 2: Simba’s Pride, Beauty and the Beast, The Brave Little Toaster Goes to Mars and The Rewrite with The Hugh Grant.

She received an Emmy Award for hosting Ready to Go, a daily, live children’s program on CBS in Boston.  Other TV credits include In Performance at the White House, Inside the Actor’s Studio: Stephen Sondheim, In Performance at the White House, Christmas with the Boston Pops, The David Letterman Show, and Senior Trip (CBS Movie of the Week).

Liz has released six solo albums: Passage of Time, The Beat Goes On, The Story Goes On: Liz Callaway On and Off-Broadway, Anywhere I Wander: Liz Callaway Sings Frank Loesser, Merry and Bright, and her latest CD The Essential Liz Callaway. Liz recently released three singles, “The Morning After” by Oscar-winning songwriter David Shire, “Beautiful City” from Godspell, and a duet of her Oscar-nominated song from Anastasia, “Journey to the Past” with the star of Anastasia on Broadway, Christy Altomare.  Her numerous other recordings include Sibling Revelry, Boom! Live at Birdland. The Maury Yeston Songbook, Dreaming Wide Awake: The Music of Scott Alan, Hair in Concert, and the complete recording of Allegro produced by the Rodgers and Hammerstein Organization. 

Liz Callaway(lizcallaway.com)(TW:@LizGoesOn)(IG:@lizgoeson)(YT:@LizCallawayOfficial)(FB:@LizCallawayOfficial) is a Tony nominee and Emmy Award-winning actress, singer and recording artist. She made her Broadway debut in Stephen Sondheim’s Merrily We Roll Along, received a Tony Award nomination for her performance in Baby, and for five years, won acclaim as Grizabella in Cats. She has also starred in the original casts of Miss Saigon, The Three Musketeers, and The Look of Love.

Off-Broadway she received a Drama Desk nomination for her performance in The Spitfire Grill (Playwrights Horizons), and also appeared in Brownstone (Roundabout), No Way to Treat a Lady, Marry Me a Little, and Godspell. Other New York appearances include the legendary Follies in Concert at Lincoln Center, A Stephen Sondheim Evening, Fiorello!(Encores!), and Hair in Concert.   Regional and international credits include Dot in Sunday in the Park with George, Eva Peron in Evita, Norma Desmond in Sunset Boulevard, the European premiere of Sondheim on Sondheim at London’s Royal Festival Hall, and most recently, starred in the one-person play “Every Brilliant Thing”.

Ms. Callaway has also established a major career as a concert and recording artist.  The award-winning Sibling Revelry(created with sister Ann Hampton Callaway) was presented to great acclaim at the Donmar Warehouse in London. Boom!,a celebration of the music of the 60’s and 70’s, also created with her sister was recorded live at Birdland, and is currently touring performing arts centers around the country. Recently she had the pleasure of singing Chances Are with singing legend Johnny Mathis in Vancouver. She  also co-starred with Jimmy Webb & Paul Williams in their critically acclaimed engagement at Feinstein’s in New York and joined Burt Bacharach, Dionne Warwick, and Stevie Wonder at Hal David’s 90th Birthday Celebration Concert at the Mark Taper Forum in Los Angeles.  Her extensive US symphony work includes appearances at The Kennedy Center, Carnegie Hall, Ravinia, and The Hollywood Bowl. Worldwide, she has performed in China, Australia (with Stephen Schwartz),  New Zealand, Iceland, Estonia, France (Theatre du Chatelet, Paris), Slovenia, South Korea, and Barcelona’s Gran Teatre del Liceu where she premiered a new concert featuring the music of Stephen Sondheim.

Liz sang the Academy Award nominated song “Journey to the Past” in the animated feature Anastasia and is also the singing voice of Princess Jasmine in Disney’s Aladdin and the King of Thieves and The Return of Jafar. Other film work includes the singing voice of the title character in The Swan Princess, Lion King 2: Simba’s Pride, Beauty and the Beast, The Brave Little Toaster Goes to Mars and The Rewrite with The Hugh Grant.

She received an Emmy Award for hosting Ready to Go, a daily, live children’s program on CBS in Boston.  Other TV credits include In Performance at the White House, Inside the Actor’s Studio: Stephen Sondheim, In Performance at the White House, Christmas with the Boston Pops, The David Letterman Show, and Senior Trip (CBS Movie of the Week).

Liz has released six solo albums: Passage of Time, The Beat Goes On, The Story Goes On: Liz Callaway On and Off-Broadway, Anywhere I Wander: Liz Callaway Sings Frank Loesser, Merry and Bright, and her latest CD The Essential Liz Callaway. Liz recently released three singles, “The Morning After” by Oscar-winning songwriter David Shire, “Beautiful City” from Godspell, and a duet of her Oscar-nominated song from Anastasia, “Journey to the Past” with the star of Anastasia on Broadway, Christy Altomare.  Her numerous other recordings include Sibling Revelry, Boom! Live at Birdland. The Maury Yeston Songbook, Dreaming Wide Awake: The Music of Scott Alan, Hair in Concert, and the complete recording of Allegro produced by the Rodgers and Hammerstein Organization. 

Billy Porter (IG-@theebillyporter TW-@theebillyporter) best known for his Emmy-winning performance as Pray Tell on FX's Pose, though he's appeared in American Horror Story and Law & Order. In addition, he's a celebrated theater actor, having won a Tony Award for his performance in Kinky Boots. And in the latest casting news, Porter will be playing the Fairy Godmother in the live-action remake of Cinderella along with Camila Cabello in the titular role. also directs and writes new works. We talk about everything from his journey through college to the present day. He shares some very enlightening pieces of information that I feel all of us can benefit from. This man is truly a trail blazer, challenging the social norm and standing up for what is right. I was blown away from this episode. Fasten your seatbelts and Enjoy!

Billy Porter (IG-@theebillyporter TW-@theebillyporter) best known for his Emmy-winning performance as Pray Tell on FX's Pose, though he's appeared in American Horror Story and Law & Order. In addition, he's a celebrated theater actor, having won a Tony Award for his performance in Kinky Boots. And in the latest casting news, Porter will be playing the Fairy Godmother in the live-action remake of Cinderella along with Camila Cabello in the titular role. also directs and writes new works. We talk about everything from his journey through college to the present day. He shares some very enlightening pieces of information that I feel all of us can benefit from. This man is truly a trail blazer, challenging the social norm and standing up for what is right. I was blown away from this episode. Fasten your seatbelts and Enjoy!

Judine Somerville(justjudine.com)(IG:@judinesomerville) is the recipient of the Stephen A. Goldberg Award, the F. Lammot Belin Arts Scholarship, and the Legacy Robe Honor, awarded to the ensemble member who has performed in the most Broadway musicals. She has performed in five original Broadway musicals, including the eight-time Tony-Award winning Musical HAIRSPRAY, where she was part of the original singing trio sensation The Dynamites. Judine also reprised her role for NBC's HAIRSPRAYLIVE directed by Kenny Leon and choreographed by Jerry Mitchell. Including cast members: Harvey Fierstein, Martin Short, Jennifer Hudson, Kristin Chenoweth, Ariana Grande, Dove Cameron, Sean Hayes and Rosie O'Donnell. Judine is a former Rockette at Radio City Music Hall, and is an accomplished Musical Theatre performer with an impressive list of credits. A Motivational Speaker Dance Fitness Leader she is invited to speak around the world at Educational & Wellness Conferences as well as family & woman organizations. Using her personal story of growing up in an underserved community in Bed-Stuy Brooklyn and making it to the bright lights of BROADWAY, RADIO CITY MUSIC HALL, HOLLYWOOD AND BEYOND. Judine is known for her Enthusiasm, Positivity, and ability to make all in her presence feel like a CHAMPION. She inspires people from all walks of life to DREAM BIG and empowers them with the tools and confidence to achieve their greatest potential. 

SEE it ! BELIEVE it ! ACHIEVE it! Regardless of your circumstances . She was the Assistant Choreographer to Otis Sallid on the Fox Searchlight Movie Musical, Black Nativity Starring Forest Whitaker, Angela Bassett, Jennifer Hudson, Mary J. Blige and introducing Jacob Lattimore. She can be seen in the film Malcolm X, choreographed by Otis Sallid & Directed by Spike Lee. Also, Jack of the Red Hearts Directed by Janet Grillo. Other Broadway credits include: ON THE TOWN, THE LIFE,  CRAZY FOR YOU,  and  LATE NITE COMIC. National Tours: Barry Manilow’s COPACABANA and  Jekyll and Hyde. Television appearances include: MTV’S ..MADE, THE TODAY SHOW, THE VIEW, JUDGE HATCHETT, GOOD MORNING AMERICA, THE CBS EARLY  SHOW, THE TONIGHT SHOW with JAY LENO, THE ROSIE O’DONNELL SHOW, LATE  NITE with DAVID LETTERMAN, LATE NITE with CONAN O’BRIEN, THE VH1 AWARDS,  THE RICKI LAKE SHOW, THE TONY AWARDS, THE JERRY LEWIS TELETHON, THE  MACY’S THANKSGIVING DAY PARADE, and THE NEW YORK STOCK EXCHANGE. Special  Events include: Judge /Host of SHOWSTOPPER, Americas Greatest Dance Championships, Red Carpet at the Grammy Awards, Anthem Singer at the Barclay Arena and Madison Square Garden. Presenter at Canyon Ranch. While  performing in HAIRSPRAY, Judine was the recipient of the prestigious Legacy Robe, awarded to the ensemble member who has performed in the most Broadway Musicals. She is honored to be a part of an amazing group of “Gypsies” who have received this honor. Gwen Verdon, Chita Rivera, Donna  Mckechnie, Adrian Bailey, Dana Moore and Joanne Hunter just to name a  few. Judine  has been invited to work on such innovative projects such as : MEMPHIS  INSPIRE CHANGE, IMPACT BROADWAY, FIDELITY FUTURESTAGE and MEET THE  ARTIST SCHOOL SERIES at LINCOLN CENTER. 

Judine Somerville(justjudine.com)(IG:@judinesomerville) is the recipient of the Stephen A. Goldberg Award, the F. Lammot Belin Arts Scholarship, and the Legacy Robe Honor, awarded to the ensemble member who has performed in the most Broadway musicals. She has performed in five original Broadway musicals, including the eight-time Tony-Award winning Musical HAIRSPRAY, where she was part of the original singing trio sensation The Dynamites. Judine also reprised her role for NBC's HAIRSPRAYLIVE directed by Kenny Leon and choreographed by Jerry Mitchell. Including cast members: Harvey Fierstein, Martin Short, Jennifer Hudson, Kristin Chenoweth, Ariana Grande, Dove Cameron, Sean Hayes and Rosie O'Donnell. Judine is a former Rockette at Radio City Music Hall, and is an accomplished Musical Theatre performer with an impressive list of credits. A Motivational Speaker Dance Fitness Leader she is invited to speak around the world at Educational & Wellness Conferences as well as family & woman organizations. Using her personal story of growing up in an underserved community in Bed-Stuy Brooklyn and making it to the bright lights of BROADWAY, RADIO CITY MUSIC HALL, HOLLYWOOD AND BEYOND. Judine is known for her Enthusiasm, Positivity, and ability to make all in her presence feel like a CHAMPION. She inspires people from all walks of life to DREAM BIG and empowers them with the tools and confidence to achieve their greatest potential. 

SEE it ! BELIEVE it ! ACHIEVE it! Regardless of your circumstances . She was the Assistant Choreographer to Otis Sallid on the Fox Searchlight Movie Musical, Black Nativity Starring Forest Whitaker, Angela Bassett, Jennifer Hudson, Mary J. Blige and introducing Jacob Lattimore. She can be seen in the film Malcolm X, choreographed by Otis Sallid & Directed by Spike Lee. Also, Jack of the Red Hearts Directed by Janet Grillo. Other Broadway credits include: ON THE TOWN, THE LIFE,  CRAZY FOR YOU,  and  LATE NITE COMIC. National Tours: Barry Manilow’s COPACABANA and  Jekyll and Hyde. Television appearances include: MTV’S ..MADE, THE TODAY SHOW, THE VIEW, JUDGE HATCHETT, GOOD MORNING AMERICA, THE CBS EARLY  SHOW, THE TONIGHT SHOW with JAY LENO, THE ROSIE O’DONNELL SHOW, LATE  NITE with DAVID LETTERMAN, LATE NITE with CONAN O’BRIEN, THE VH1 AWARDS,  THE RICKI LAKE SHOW, THE TONY AWARDS, THE JERRY LEWIS TELETHON, THE  MACY’S THANKSGIVING DAY PARADE, and THE NEW YORK STOCK EXCHANGE. Special  Events include: Judge /Host of SHOWSTOPPER, Americas Greatest Dance Championships, Red Carpet at the Grammy Awards, Anthem Singer at the Barclay Arena and Madison Square Garden. Presenter at Canyon Ranch. While  performing in HAIRSPRAY, Judine was the recipient of the prestigious Legacy Robe, awarded to the ensemble member who has performed in the most Broadway Musicals. She is honored to be a part of an amazing group of “Gypsies” who have received this honor. Gwen Verdon, Chita Rivera, Donna  Mckechnie, Adrian Bailey, Dana Moore and Joanne Hunter just to name a  few. Judine  has been invited to work on such innovative projects such as : MEMPHIS  INSPIRE CHANGE, IMPACT BROADWAY, FIDELITY FUTURESTAGE and MEET THE  ARTIST SCHOOL SERIES at LINCOLN CENTER. 

Ayn Gailey (ayngailey.com)(FB:@ayngailey)(IG:@ayngailey)(TW:@AynGailey)is an accomplished writer in multiple mediums. We discuss her process and among so many topics. This is her quote from her website and I think it sums Ayn up pretty darn well. "This is where I honor that quiet is stronger than loud; that substance will always trump status; that real leaders don't obsess over creating more followers (because they're busy creating more leaders). This is also where I share work that I create for myself and others, with some rumination and occasional lolly-gagging along the way.  Other writers, artists, and intellectuals will be invited to do the same in The Honest Q & A's.  Until our paths cross again, please make yourself at home." Ladies and Gentleman, Ayn Gailey. Enjoy! 

Ayn Gailey (ayngailey.com)(FB:@ayngailey)(IG:@ayngailey)(TW:@AynGailey)is an accomplished writer in multiple mediums. We discuss her process and among so many topics. This is her quote from her website and I think it sums Ayn up pretty darn well. "This is where I honor that quiet is stronger than loud; that substance will always trump status; that real leaders don't obsess over creating more followers (because they're busy creating more leaders). This is also where I share work that I create for myself and others, with some rumination and occasional lolly-gagging along the way.  Other writers, artists, and intellectuals will be invited to do the same in The Honest Q & A's.  Until our paths cross again, please make yourself at home." Ladies and Gentleman, Ayn Gailey. Enjoy! 

Ashley Brown (IG:@ashleybrown9) TW:@ashleybrown9)(FB: @AshleyBrownonline)(ashleybrownonline.com) originated the title role in “Mary Poppins” on Broadway for which she received Outer Critics, Drama League and Drama Desk nominations for Best Actress.  Ms. Brown also starred as Mary Poppins in the national tour of Mary Poppins where she garnered a 2010 Garland award for “Best Performance in a Musical”. Ms. Brown’s other Broadway credits include Belle in "The Beauty and The Beast", and she has starred in the national tour of Disney's "On The Record". Ashley recently returned to the Lyric Opera of Chicago to star in the role of Laurey in “Oklahoma”.   She previously played Magnolia opposite Nathan Gunn in Francesca Zembello’s “Showboat” at the Lyric Opera of Chicago.

 

Ashley has performed with virtually all of the top orchestras in North America including the Boston Pops, the New York Philharmonic, The Hollywood Bowl Orchestra at Disney Hall, The Pittsburgh Symphony, the New York Pops at Carnegie Hall (three times), Fort Worth Symphony, the Cincinnati Pops, Philadelphia Orchestra (two times), the Milwaukee Symphony, the Indianapolis Symphony (three times), Seattle Symphony, the Houston Symphony, Vancouver Symphony, and the Philly Pops. She has also performed with the BBC orchestra opposite Josh Groban.

 

Ashley made her solo concert debut at The Kennedy Center as part of Barbara Cook’s Spotlight Series, and has appeared in New York City at prestigious venues including Feinstein’s at the Regency and Birdland.  Other projects include a star turn at the La Jolla Playhouse in a production of “Limelight”,  “Sound of Music” at the St. Louis MUNY which garnered her a Kevin Kline award, and her own PBS special called “Ashley Brown: Call Me Irresponsible” which received a PBS Telly Award. Ms. Brown’s long awaited album of Broadway and American Songbook standards is available on Ghostlight/Sony. Ashley is a graduate of the Cincinnati Conservatory of Music.

Ashley Brown (IG:@ashleybrown9) TW:@ashleybrown9)(FB: @AshleyBrownonline)(ashleybrownonline.com) originated the title role in “Mary Poppins” on Broadway for which she received Outer Critics, Drama League and Drama Desk nominations for Best Actress.  Ms. Brown also starred as Mary Poppins in the national tour of Mary Poppins where she garnered a 2010 Garland award for “Best Performance in a Musical”. Ms. Brown’s other Broadway credits include Belle in "The Beauty and The Beast", and she has starred in the national tour of Disney's "On The Record". Ashley recently returned to the Lyric Opera of Chicago to star in the role of Laurey in “Oklahoma”.   She previously played Magnolia opposite Nathan Gunn in Francesca Zembello’s “Showboat” at the Lyric Opera of Chicago.

 

Ashley has performed with virtually all of the top orchestras in North America including the Boston Pops, the New York Philharmonic, The Hollywood Bowl Orchestra at Disney Hall, The Pittsburgh Symphony, the New York Pops at Carnegie Hall (three times), Fort Worth Symphony, the Cincinnati Pops, Philadelphia Orchestra (two times), the Milwaukee Symphony, the Indianapolis Symphony (three times), Seattle Symphony, the Houston Symphony, Vancouver Symphony, and the Philly Pops. She has also performed with the BBC orchestra opposite Josh Groban.

 

Ashley made her solo concert debut at The Kennedy Center as part of Barbara Cook’s Spotlight Series, and has appeared in New York City at prestigious venues including Feinstein’s at the Regency and Birdland.  Other projects include a star turn at the La Jolla Playhouse in a production of “Limelight”,  “Sound of Music” at the St. Louis MUNY which garnered her a Kevin Kline award, and her own PBS special called “Ashley Brown: Call Me Irresponsible” which received a PBS Telly Award. Ms. Brown’s long awaited album of Broadway and American Songbook standards is available on Ghostlight/Sony. Ashley is a graduate of the Cincinnati Conservatory of Music.

Clayton Howe (IG: @inclaynation) Happy 2021!! We made it. Another year. Another beautiful opportunity to grow, love, and live. I hope this episode will spark a new thought in you towards your happiness and goals!! Enjoy! 

Marc Winski(IG:@marcwinski)(TW:@marcwinski)(TT:@marcwinski) is a professional actor/singer/motivational speaker in NYC and a person who stutters. Marc and I chat about it all from acting to stuttering. He has a fantastic way of educating those on stuttering. I hope you enjoy the chat!

Marc Winski(IG:@marcwinski)(TW:@marcwinski)(TT:@marcwinski) is a professional actor/singer/motivational speaker in NYC and a person who stutters. Marc and I chat about it all from acting to stuttering. He has a fantastic way of educating those on stuttering. I hope you enjoy the chat!

Josh Strickland (IG:@joshuajstrick)(joshstrickland.com) is a native of Charleston, South Carolina. In 2006, Strickland created the leading role of Tarzan in Disney's Tarzan – The Broadway Musical on Broadway. In 2009, he made his starring Las Vegas debut in PEEPSHOW at Planet Hollywood Casino & Resort while concurrently co-starring in the hit E! reality show Holly's World. Strickland debuted his first single "Report to the Floor", which skyrocketed to the top five on the iTunes Dance Charts the first week of it's release, followed by "Last Dance". In 2013, Strickland joined the cast of Vegas! The Show at the Planet Hollywood Casino & Resort in Las Vegas in a starring role. Mr. Strickland recently appeared in an all-star cast at the Royal Albert Hall in London with Disney's Broadway Hits. In May 2017, he will be reprising his role as Tarzan in Disney's Musical Tarzan in Oberhausen Germany at the Stage Metronom Theater.

 

Josh Strickland (IG:@joshuajstrick)(joshstrickland.com) is a native of Charleston, South Carolina. In 2006, Strickland created the leading role of Tarzan in Disney's Tarzan – The Broadway Musical on Broadway. In 2009, he made his starring Las Vegas debut in PEEPSHOW at Planet Hollywood Casino & Resort while concurrently co-starring in the hit E! reality show Holly's World. Strickland debuted his first single "Report to the Floor", which skyrocketed to the top five on the iTunes Dance Charts the first week of it's release, followed by "Last Dance". In 2013, Strickland joined the cast of Vegas! The Show at the Planet Hollywood Casino & Resort in Las Vegas in a starring role. Mr. Strickland recently appeared in an all-star cast at the Royal Albert Hall in London with Disney's Broadway Hits. In May 2017, he will be reprising his role as Tarzan in Disney's Musical Tarzan in Oberhausen Germany at the Stage Metronom Theater.

 

Danielle Wade (IG:@daniewade)Proud Canadian. Winner of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s ‘Over The Rainbow.’ Broadway: Mean Girls (Standby Cady/Janis). Tour: The Wizard of Oz (Dorothy). Select Regional Credits: Stratford Festival’s The Music Man (Marian Paroo), From Here to Eternity (Lorene), Into The Woods (Cinderella). We cover a little bit of everything from entertainment dreams to Mean Girls. Enjoy!

Danielle Wade (IG:@daniewade)Proud Canadian. Winner of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s ‘Over The Rainbow.’ Broadway: Mean Girls (Standby Cady/Janis). Tour: The Wizard of Oz (Dorothy). Select Regional Credits: Stratford Festival’s The Music Man (Marian Paroo), From Here to Eternity (Lorene), Into The Woods (Cinderella). We cover a little bit of everything from entertainment dreams to Mean Girls. Enjoy!

Bradley James(IG:@bradleyjames)(TW:@Bradleyjames)

is a British-American actor hailed by critics as having a

talent reminiscent of a young Tom Cruise. He has starred in leading and

supporting roles that show a unique and diverse talent that has spanned action,

thriller, drama, sci-fi, period, and romance. His first major role cast him as the

young King Arthur in the global hit Merlin, which originally aired on BBC &

NBC, and can now be seen on Netflix & Hulu. In 2014, James filmed a

supporting role on Showtime's Homeland and in 2015, a one-season loveinterest

role incredibly popular with fans on the CW show iZombie. In 2016,

he was cast as the lead in the series remake of The Omen, entitled Damien,

which aired on A&E, and now plays on Hulu. Creator and powerhouse

showrunner Glen Mazzara (The Walking Dead), had looked at hundreds of

actors for Damien, but when he auditioned James, he says: "I just realized

there was something there. Bradley had heart and intelligence and charm and

he really inhabited the character. He was remarkable to work with." James can

also be seen starring in the comedy Bounty Hunters; opposite Kate

Beckinsale and Theo James in the popular Underworld film franchise; and as

Giuliano de' Medici in Netflix's period drama Medici (2017-2020). James'

latest lead role is as Felix Sparks in The Liberator, the upcoming Netflix

World War II drama series based on the acclaimed book by Alex Kershaw. It

is the first project produced in Trioscope. Bradley James is one of a handful of

classically trained leading men from Drama Centre London that includes

Colin Firth, Tom Hardy, and Michael Fassbender.

Bradley James(IG:@bradleyjames)(TW:@Bradleyjames)

is a British-American actor hailed by critics as having a

talent reminiscent of a young Tom Cruise. He has starred in leading and

supporting roles that show a unique and diverse talent that has spanned action,

thriller, drama, sci-fi, period, and romance. His first major role cast him as the

young King Arthur in the global hit Merlin, which originally aired on BBC &

NBC, and can now be seen on Netflix & Hulu. In 2014, James filmed a

supporting role on Showtime's Homeland and in 2015, a one-season loveinterest

role incredibly popular with fans on the CW show iZombie. In 2016,

he was cast as the lead in the series remake of The Omen, entitled Damien,

which aired on A&E, and now plays on Hulu. Creator and powerhouse

showrunner Glen Mazzara (The Walking Dead), had looked at hundreds of

actors for Damien, but when he auditioned James, he says: "I just realized

there was something there. Bradley had heart and intelligence and charm and

he really inhabited the character. He was remarkable to work with." James can

also be seen starring in the comedy Bounty Hunters; opposite Kate

Beckinsale and Theo James in the popular Underworld film franchise; and as

Giuliano de' Medici in Netflix's period drama Medici (2017-2020). James'

latest lead role is as Felix Sparks in The Liberator, the upcoming Netflix

World War II drama series based on the acclaimed book by Alex Kershaw. It

is the first project produced in Trioscope. Bradley James is one of a handful of

classically trained leading men from Drama Centre London that includes

Colin Firth, Tom Hardy, and Michael Fassbender.

Clayton Howe (IG:@inclaynation)(TW:@inclaynation) This week I keep the episodes short and pass around some information to meditate on. As 2020 draws to a close I want to offer thoughts that could improve your achievements and efficiencies. I hope these resonate with you and have a very VERY happy end to 2020!! 

Clayton Howe (IG:@inclaynation)(TW:@inclaynation) This week I keep the episodes short and pass around some information to meditate on. As 2020 draws to a close I want to offer thoughts that could improve your achievements and efficiencies. I hope these resonate with you and have a very VERY happy end to 2020!! 

Stacy Barton (LI:@stacybarton)(IG:@stacybarton_showwriter) As a Storyteller, I love a good story—hearing it, seeing it, shaping it, sharing it—how it comes to life with an audience. I've been called the 'Swiss army knife' of storytellers; if you can only have one writer, I'm the tool you want. For the past twenty years I’ve specialized in story development for themed experiences, including major projects for Disney, SeaWorld, Ringling Bros. and others around the world. I am equally at ease imagining new content, using folklore and fairytales as structural forms, or transforming films and books into compelling live experiences.   I thrive in all forms of collaboration and within the diverse disciplines required to create a themed experience, I consider myself the Story Driver. I challenge creative teams to ask: What is the heart of this story? How is it best served live? Who is our audience? What is the journey we promise? When do we touch their hearts and what is the gift the audience takes away? To write an experience like this—connecting the story to its audience—I’ve learned to pay attention to the landscape of communication and how it changes due to geography, culture, language and generation. To make the story relevant, I use the tools of traditional theater alongside cutting-edge technologies, audience interactions, and social media engagements, choosing with my team what serves our story best. Finally, if there is an actual script to be written I tackle it with great joy, using language that is honest and true. And, in the end, if I’ve done my job as the writer well, there will be very few words nestled inside a whole lot of story.  Sample Clients • Walt Disney World Parks & Resorts, Disney Event Group, Disneyland Paris, Disney Cruise Lines, Disneyland Resort, California Adventure, Walt Disney Imagineering • SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment (Corporate): Orlando, San Diego, Austin, plus Busch Gardens • Shanghai Haichang Ocean Park • Bollywood Parks Dubai • Ringling Bros. Circus • Feld Entertainment • DreamVision • Norwegian Caribbean Lines • Six Flags Theme Parks • IDEAS • Imagination House In addition to themed entertainment, I’m also the published author of three books of fiction and poetry, four children's picture books, and 30+ magazine publications.

Stacy Barton (LI:@stacybarton)(IG:@stacybarton_showwriter) As a Storyteller, I love a good story—hearing it, seeing it, shaping it, sharing it—how it comes to life with an audience. I've been called the 'Swiss army knife' of storytellers; if you can only have one writer, I'm the tool you want. For the past twenty years I’ve specialized in story development for themed experiences, including major projects for Disney, SeaWorld, Ringling Bros. and others around the world. I am equally at ease imagining new content, using folklore and fairytales as structural forms, or transforming films and books into compelling live experiences.   I thrive in all forms of collaboration and within the diverse disciplines required to create a themed experience, I consider myself the Story Driver. I challenge creative teams to ask: What is the heart of this story? How is it best served live? Who is our audience? What is the journey we promise? When do we touch their hearts and what is the gift the audience takes away? To write an experience like this—connecting the story to its audience—I’ve learned to pay attention to the landscape of communication and how it changes due to geography, culture, language and generation. To make the story relevant, I use the tools of traditional theater alongside cutting-edge technologies, audience interactions, and social media engagements, choosing with my team what serves our story best. Finally, if there is an actual script to be written I tackle it with great joy, using language that is honest and true. And, in the end, if I’ve done my job as the writer well, there will be very few words nestled inside a whole lot of story.  Sample Clients • Walt Disney World Parks & Resorts, Disney Event Group, Disneyland Paris, Disney Cruise Lines, Disneyland Resort, California Adventure, Walt Disney Imagineering • SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment (Corporate): Orlando, San Diego, Austin, plus Busch Gardens • Shanghai Haichang Ocean Park • Bollywood Parks Dubai • Ringling Bros. Circus • Feld Entertainment • DreamVision • Norwegian Caribbean Lines • Six Flags Theme Parks • IDEAS • Imagination House In addition to themed entertainment, I’m also the published author of three books of fiction and poetry, four children's picture books, and 30+ magazine publications.

Michael J. Bobbitt (michaelbobbitt.com)is the Artistic Director of New Repertory Theatre in Boston, MA.  He is an arts leader, director, choreographer, playwright and Anti-racist Arts Advocate. 

​Michael has been a leading voice for Inclusiveness in the arts beginning early in his career in his hometown of Washington, DC, and throughout his tenure at numerous prominent arts organizations, where he has been repeatedly recognized for his efforts in the advancement of Anti-racism, Equity, and Diversity. His practices, policies and procedures for creating and changing culture within arts organizations have been adopted by several organizations in DC and throughout the nation in the Theatre-for-Young-Audiences (TYA) field. His thought-leadership in this crucial area is now spreading beyond DC and his current home of Boston to a number of national outlets including regional panels, national conferences, and his widely popular new series of webinars focused on building Anti-racist organizations. 

​In his first year at New Rep, Michael eradicated the debt, built three several months of reserves, increased ticket sales by 43%, donations by 24%, patronage by 26% and Board giving exceeded goal by 57%.  Additionally, he has made New Rep into a leading voice on building Anti-racist theatre.

​Prior to New Rep, he served as Artistic Director for Adventure Theatre-MTC in Maryland, where he led the historic organization to be one of the leading theatre/training companies in the DC region and a nationally influential professional Theatre for Young Audiences.  He led the company through a merger, that increased the organizational budget by more than 600%, and led directly to an expansion of the audience base by over 400%. During his tenure, he commissioned 40 new works by noted playwrights, transferred two shows to successful Off-Broadway run in NYC, and oversaw the launch of an international tour that brought worldwide attention to Adventure Theatre-MTC. Michael founded and built a performing arts training academy for school-aged students in the Washington, DC area that became an important resource for young artists in a region where public school arts programs had been sacrificed in the name of cost-cutting. His productions received dozens of Helen Hayes Award© Nominations and featured eight wins. 

​Bobbitt has directed/choreographed at Arena Stage, Ford’s Theatre, The Shakespeare Theatre Company, Olney Theatre Center, Studio Theatre, Woolly Mammoth Theatre, Center Stage, Roundhouse Theatre, The Kennedy Center, and the Washington National Opera. His national and international credits include the NY Musical Theatre Festival, Mel Tillis 2001, La Jolla Playhouse, Children’s Theatre of Charlotte, and the Jefferson Performing Arts Center. 

​As a writer, his work has been produced all over the country and international.  He has plays published by Concord Theatricals, Plays for Young Audiences and Broadway Licensing.  He trained at Harvard Business School’s Strategic Perspectives in Nonprofit Management, The National Arts Strategies Chief Executive Program, Professional Fundraising Certificate Program from Boston University, Certificate in Diversity and Inclusion from Cornell, artEquity and People’s Institute for Survival and Beyond, and other top leadership programs. He earned the Excel Leadership Award (Center for Nonprofit Advancement) the Emerging Leader Award (County Executive’s Excellence in the Arts and Humanities), and Person of the Year Award (Maryland Theatre Guide), among others.

Michael J. Bobbitt (michaelbobbitt.com)is the Artistic Director of New Repertory Theatre in Boston, MA.  He is an arts leader, director, choreographer, playwright and Anti-racist Arts Advocate. 

​Michael has been a leading voice for Inclusiveness in the arts beginning early in his career in his hometown of Washington, DC, and throughout his tenure at numerous prominent arts organizations, where he has been repeatedly recognized for his efforts in the advancement of Anti-racism, Equity, and Diversity. His practices, policies and procedures for creating and changing culture within arts organizations have been adopted by several organizations in DC and throughout the nation in the Theatre-for-Young-Audiences (TYA) field. His thought-leadership in this crucial area is now spreading beyond DC and his current home of Boston to a number of national outlets including regional panels, national conferences, and his widely popular new series of webinars focused on building Anti-racist organizations. 

​In his first year at New Rep, Michael eradicated the debt, built three several months of reserves, increased ticket sales by 43%, donations by 24%, patronage by 26% and Board giving exceeded goal by 57%.  Additionally, he has made New Rep into a leading voice on building Anti-racist theatre.

​Prior to New Rep, he served as Artistic Director for Adventure Theatre-MTC in Maryland, where he led the historic organization to be one of the leading theatre/training companies in the DC region and a nationally influential professional Theatre for Young Audiences.  He led the company through a merger, that increased the organizational budget by more than 600%, and led directly to an expansion of the audience base by over 400%. During his tenure, he commissioned 40 new works by noted playwrights, transferred two shows to successful Off-Broadway run in NYC, and oversaw the launch of an international tour that brought worldwide attention to Adventure Theatre-MTC. Michael founded and built a performing arts training academy for school-aged students in the Washington, DC area that became an important resource for young artists in a region where public school arts programs had been sacrificed in the name of cost-cutting. His productions received dozens of Helen Hayes Award© Nominations and featured eight wins. 

​Bobbitt has directed/choreographed at Arena Stage, Ford’s Theatre, The Shakespeare Theatre Company, Olney Theatre Center, Studio Theatre, Woolly Mammoth Theatre, Center Stage, Roundhouse Theatre, The Kennedy Center, and the Washington National Opera. His national and international credits include the NY Musical Theatre Festival, Mel Tillis 2001, La Jolla Playhouse, Children’s Theatre of Charlotte, and the Jefferson Performing Arts Center. 

​As a writer, his work has been produced all over the country and international.  He has plays published by Concord Theatricals, Plays for Young Audiences and Broadway Licensing.  He trained at Harvard Business School’s Strategic Perspectives in Nonprofit Management, The National Arts Strategies Chief Executive Program, Professional Fundraising Certificate Program from Boston University, Certificate in Diversity and Inclusion from Cornell, artEquity and People’s Institute for Survival and Beyond, and other top leadership programs. He earned the Excel Leadership Award (Center for Nonprofit Advancement) the Emerging Leader Award (County Executive’s Excellence in the Arts and Humanities), and Person of the Year Award (Maryland Theatre Guide), among others.

Douglas Lyons (douglaslyons.net)(IG:@chocolatehipster)(@douglassings) During my training at The Hartt School's BFA  Musical Theatre program, I took a year hiatus to tour on Tony Award wining show RENT. Post graduation in 2009, I went on to perform on Broadway and tour with shows such as The Book of Mormon, Dreamgirls, and currently I'm an Original Broadway Cast member of  Beautiful: The Carole King Musical. Some of my other favorite credits include: Pirates ( The Huntington Theatre Company) , Pageant (BCEFA Off Broadway),  Galileo Galilei (Yale Rep) and  The Human Comedy (Astoria Performing Arts Center). 

As a composer/lyricist, I'm half writing team Lyons & Pakchar. Our work has been workshopped and featured at Lincoln Center’s Broadway Songbook Series, Theater Latte Da, The 11th hour Theatre Company, Seattle Rep, The Music Theater Factory, The Sheen Center, The Johnny Mercer Writing Colony at Goodspeed Musicals and more. Lyons & Pakchar’s debut album #Love(Live) was nominated Best-Live Album of 2014 by Broadwayworld.com. Lyons & Pakchar have recently been commissioned by Seattle's 5th Ave Theatre to write a brand new musical with Cheryl L. West. I've been commissioned by Casa Mañana Theatre for a new Peter Pan titled Peter, Darling and also serves as lyricist on the new musical feature film in development "Back to 1." 

My original show Polkadots: The Cool Kids Musical, inspired by Civil Rights Pioneers Ruby Bridges and The Little Rock Nine, is getting multiple theatrical productions around the country including a commercial run at the Children's Cincinnati Theatre in February 2018 and production at The Atlantic Theater Company in NYC . Polkadots also has a recording/distribution deal with Sony's Masterworks Broadway with a World-Premiere Album that features cast members from The Wiz live, Hamilton, Glee and more. 

Most importantly, I strive to use diverse stories to inspire children through art and remind them of their fullest potential and worth.

Douglas Lyons (douglaslyons.net)(IG:@chocolatehipster)(@douglassings) During my training at The Hartt School's BFA  Musical Theatre program, I took a year hiatus to tour on Tony Award wining show RENT. Post graduation in 2009, I went on to perform on Broadway and tour with shows such as The Book of Mormon, Dreamgirls, and currently I'm an Original Broadway Cast member of  Beautiful: The Carole King Musical. Some of my other favorite credits include: Pirates ( The Huntington Theatre Company) , Pageant (BCEFA Off Broadway),  Galileo Galilei (Yale Rep) and  The Human Comedy (Astoria Performing Arts Center). 

As a composer/lyricist, I'm half writing team Lyons & Pakchar. Our work has been workshopped and featured at Lincoln Center’s Broadway Songbook Series, Theater Latte Da, The 11th hour Theatre Company, Seattle Rep, The Music Theater Factory, The Sheen Center, The Johnny Mercer Writing Colony at Goodspeed Musicals and more. Lyons & Pakchar’s debut album #Love(Live) was nominated Best-Live Album of 2014 by Broadwayworld.com. Lyons & Pakchar have recently been commissioned by Seattle's 5th Ave Theatre to write a brand new musical with Cheryl L. West. I've been commissioned by Casa Mañana Theatre for a new Peter Pan titled Peter, Darling and also serves as lyricist on the new musical feature film in development "Back to 1." 

My original show Polkadots: The Cool Kids Musical, inspired by Civil Rights Pioneers Ruby Bridges and The Little Rock Nine, is getting multiple theatrical productions around the country including a commercial run at the Children's Cincinnati Theatre in February 2018 and production at The Atlantic Theater Company in NYC . Polkadots also has a recording/distribution deal with Sony's Masterworks Broadway with a World-Premiere Album that features cast members from The Wiz live, Hamilton, Glee and more. 

Most importantly, I strive to use diverse stories to inspire children through art and remind them of their fullest potential and worth.

Dan LoBuono (LI:@danlobuono)(IG:@danlobuono)(TW:@danlobuono) Broadway/National Tour Veteran with over 20 years experience in the Broadway Community. Former Manager of Theatrical Operations for Norwegian Cruise Line, Producer and Casting Director for The American Idol Experience at Walt Disney World, Guest Experience Manger at Disney's Hollywood Studios and currently AEA Casting Director for Disney Parks Live Entertainment (Furloughed as of 4/19/2020). We talk about it all!!! From Disney Layoff's to the future of casting. Enjoy!

Dan LoBuono (LI:@danlobuono)(IG:@danlobuono)(TW:@danlobuono) Broadway/National Tour Veteran with over 20 years experience in the Broadway Community. Former Manager of Theatrical Operations for Norwegian Cruise Line, Producer and Casting Director for The American Idol Experience at Walt Disney World, Guest Experience Manger at Disney's Hollywood Studios and currently AEA Casting Director for Disney Parks Live Entertainment (Furloughed as of 4/19/2020). We talk about it all!!! From Disney Layoff's to the future of casting. Enjoy!