Bringing Broadway to France: One Story at a Time

The curtain rises once again as Cindy continues this inspiring Broadway Roundtable with Dave Rappaport, Maya Days and Yassmin Alers.

In Part 2, the conversation moves beyond the spotlight and into the realities of building a life on Broadway and beyond. From grueling audition processes and performing eight shows a week to handling rejection, protecting your craft and honoring the responsibility that comes with stepping onto one of the world’s greatest stages, these seasoned performers reveal what audiences rarely get to see.

Filled with candid stories, laughter and hard-earned wisdom, this episode is an inspiring look at what it truly takes to build a lasting career in the theatre while never losing sight of the humanity that makes every performance meaningful.

In this episode, Broadway takes center stage...

* What life on Broadway is really like beyond the applause, including the discipline required to perform eight shows a week

* Why professionalism, consistency and respect for your fellow cast and crew are just as important as talent

* How Broadway performers navigate rejection, missed opportunities and career disappointments without losing their passion

* The surprising reasons actors are (and aren’t) cast, and why so much of the process is outside your control

* Why every setback is an opportunity to grow, sharpen your craft and prepare for the next audition

* How theatre can become a powerful source of healing, helping artists transform grief, loss and personal experiences into unforgettable performances

* Why the greatest Broadway careers are built not only on talent, but on resilience, generosity and a deep love for the craft

Together, Cindy, Dave, Maya and Yassmin offer an authentic look behind the curtain, reminding us that Broadway isn't simply about performing on stage - it's about showing up with excellence, supporting one another and bringing truth to every story you tell.

Connect with Our Guests

Dave Rappaport

Website

Instagram

Maya Days

Instagram

Yassmin Alers

Instagram

Applause-Worthy Moments

“You cannot take it personally.”

“Broadway isn’t for everyone.”

“You have to take it on like an athlete.”

“Respect your fellow actors. Respect your crew.”

“When you’re taking a break, work on your craft.”

“Disrupt the norm.”

“Anything’s possible.”

Next in the Spotlight!

We are super jazzed you joined us for another episode of Bringing Broadway to France: Bridging Humanity, One Story at a Time.

Next week, Christopher Wilson turns the tables as he interviews Cindy Ashton about the remarkable journey that took her from Broadway performer to transformational speaker, coach and creator of Bringing Broadway to France. Together, they explore the power of storytelling, purpose and what it truly means to Speak From Your Power®.

If this podcast inspired you, we invite you to join us on Substack. Subscribe for free to stay in the loop, or upgrade to a paid subscription to unlock exclusive content and personalized song dedications — while directly supporting production costs and my incredible team as we continue bringing you meaningful conversations with extraordinary artists from around the world.

All levels of support mean everything. Thank you for being here.

With love, sparkles and gratitude,Cindy and my amazing team (Ieva, Marj, and Ann)

P.S. For Artists, Creatives & Speakers

Artists, Creatives & Speakers: Learn how to monetize your work and land bookings with our free video and workbook.

P.P.S. For Business Leaders

Business Leaders: Learn how to Speak From Your Power® without pushing, performing, or proving.

“When you stick with the truth, people cannot mess with you.”

From Broadway stages and beyond, four artists come together for an inspiring conversation about authenticity, resilience and the extraordinary power of theatre to bring people together.

In Part 1 of this special panel discussion, we jazz things up with Maya Days and Yassmin Alers, accomplished Broadway performers — and their bestie, musical theater performer and producer, Dave Rappaport. Their careers have spanned iconic productions including Rent, Aida, Dear Evan Hansen, Jesus Christ Superstar, The Capeman and The Notebook.

Together with Cindy, they share the stories, friendships and life lessons that have shaped them both on and off the stage. From embracing authenticity over perfection to celebrating diversity and representation on Broadway, this conversation is a powerful reminder that the arts have the unique ability to connect us through our shared humanity.

In this episode, authenticity takes center stage and truth steals the spotlight...

* Why truthful storytelling will always resonate more deeply than perfection

* How groundbreaking productions like Rent helped redefine Broadway through diversity, representation and authentic storytelling

* Why every artist’s unique voice deserves to be heard rather than compared to someone else’s

* The friendships, mentors and experiences that shaped their journeys through the performing arts

* How vulnerability allows audiences to connect with performers on a deeply human level

* Why theatre continues to inspire empathy, understanding and meaningful conversations across cultures and generations

* The importance of supporting one another and celebrating every artist’s individual path

Together, Cindy, Dave, Maya and Yassmin celebrate the courage to tell honest stories, the beauty of collaboration and the enduring power of theatre to remind us that we have far more in common than what sets us apart.

Connect with Our Guests

Dave Rappaport

Website

Instagram

Maya Days

Instagram

Yassmin Alers

Instagram

Applause-Worthy Moments

“When you stick with the truth, people cannot mess with you.”

“People don’t remember perfection. They remember honesty.”

“It’s not about having the perfect voice. It’s about telling the truth.”

“Artists are all about lifting each other up.”

“The floodgates have opened, and they can never be closed again.”

Next in the Spotlight!

We are super jazzed you joined us for another episode of Bringing Broadway to France: Bridging Humanity, One Story at a Time.

Next week, join us for Part 2 of this special Broadway roundtable, where Dave, Maya and Yassmin continue the conversation, sharing more unforgettable stories from the stage, the lessons they’ve learned throughout their careers and why storytelling remains one of the most powerful forces for connection and change.

If this podcast inspired you, we invite you to join us on Substack. Subscribe for free to stay in the loop, or upgrade to a paid subscription to unlock exclusive content and personalized song dedications — while directly supporting production costs and my incredible team as we continue bringing you meaningful conversations with extraordinary artists from around the world.

All levels of support mean everything. Thank you for being here.

With love, sparkles and gratitude,Cindy and my amazing team (Ieva, Marj, and Ann)

P.S. For Artists, Creatives & Speakers

Artists, Creatives & Speakers: Learn how to monetize your work and land bookings with our free video and workbook.

P.P.S. For Business Leaders

Business Leaders: Learn how to Speak From Your Power® without pushing, performing, or proving.

How theatre can challenge social divides, break down barriers and remind us that even in a divided world, the stories we tell have the power to bring us together.

In this episode, we jazz things up with Scott Harrah - a New York-based theatre critic, journalist and founder of StageZine, known for his thoughtful, human-driven approach to covering Broadway and the stories behind the stage.

After arriving in New York through an internship at People magazine, Scott built a career in journalism and theatre criticism before taking a leap into the unknown and launching StageZine with his late partner, David.

More than 15 years later, Scott continues to explore theatre not only as entertainment, but as a powerful reflection of humanity, culture and the world we live in.

In this episode, theatre is not just entertainment…

* How representation and diversity on Broadway have evolved - and why opening the stage to different bodies, backgrounds and identities matters

* How Scott found his way from Nebraska to New York City and built a career in theatre journalism

* Why theatre can bring people together across race, sexuality, religion and political beliefs

* How Broadway can tackle social and political issues without losing the power to entertain

* The deeply personal story of Scott’s late partner David, his hidden Broadway past and the expectations that can keep artists from fully celebrating their gifts

* Why the same Broadway story can resonate completely differently across the United States, Britain and France

* What the success of August: Osage County in France reveals about culture, humanity and our fascination with stories beyond our own borders

Together, Cindy and Scott explore theatre as a space for connection, advocacy and social reflection - and the many different ways we can use our voices when the world around us feels divided.

Connect with Scott:

* Website

* Instagram

* Facebook

* TikTok

Applause-Worthy Moments

“Theatre is one place where everybody can come together, no matter what race you are, what sexuality you are, what religion you are.”

“We can all come together and we can just enjoy and laugh.”

“It’s also a way that we can make statements about what’s going on in the world.”

“You don’t have to be thin and white and Anglo-Saxon looking to make it in theatre anymore. You can be anything.”

“None of us are powerless.”

Next in the Spotlight

We are super jazzed you joined us for another episode of Bringing Broadway to France: Bridging Humanity, One Story at a Time.

Next week, Cindy welcomes Dave Rappaport, Maya Days and Yassmin Alers for Part 1 of a special Broadway Roundtable, where they dish on authenticity, diversity, lifelong friendships and why truthful storytelling has the power to change lives..

If this podcast inspired you, we invite you to join us on Substack. Subscribe for free to stay in the loop, or upgrade to a paid subscription to unlock exclusive content and personalized song dedications — while directly supporting production costs and my incredible team as we continue bringing you meaningful conversations with extraordinary artists from around the world.

All levels of support mean everything. Thank you for being here.

With love, sparkles and gratitude,Cindy and my amazing team (Ieva, Marj, and Ann)

P.S. For Artists, Creatives & Speakers

Artists, Creatives & Speakers: Learn how to monetize your work and land bookings with our free video and workbook.

P.P.S. For Business Leaders

Business Leaders: Learn how to Speak From Your Power® without pushing, performing, or proving.

From growing up in South Africa during apartheid to performing on stages across the UK, Ashleigh Harvey shares why art has the power to heal, unite and remind us of our shared humanity.

In this episode, we jazz things up with Ashleigh Harvey - a South African-born actor, singer, voice artist and writer who has built an inspiring career on the UK stage. From starring in Funny Girl, Come From Away and Mamma Mia! to touring the UK in Fawlty Towers – The Play, Ashleigh brings extraordinary warmth, authenticity and heart to every performance.

After growing up during the final years of apartheid in South Africa, Ashleigh witnessed first-hand how storytelling, theatre and music helped people make sense of difficult times. Today, whether she’s making audiences laugh, cry or simply forget the worries of the world for a few hours, she believes artists have an extraordinary responsibility and privilege to bring people together through shared human experiences.

In this episode, persistence opens door and empathy keeps them open…

* How Ashleigh knew from childhood that performing wasn’t just a dream - it was her calling

* Why it took courage to leave South Africa and pursue her career in London’s competitive theatre industry

* The persistence that landed her the lead role in Funny Girl after initially not even being invited to audition

* Why Come From Away remains one of the most powerful examples of humanity, kindness and compassion on stage

* How theatre creates a shared experience that reminds us we are far more alike than different

* Why artists play a vital role in helping society process difficult moments through laughter, music and storytelling

* The realities of building a sustainable career as a performer—and why success often comes from resilience, continuous learning and never giving up

* Why kindness, empathy and listening to one another may be exactly what the world needs right now

Together, Cindy and Ashleigh explore courage, creativity, resilience and the remarkable power of theatre to heal, inspire and reconnect us with our shared humanity.

Connect with Ashleigh

* Instagram

* Spotlight

* Youtube

Applause-Worthy Moments

“If you’ve got the bug, you’ve got the bug. It’s actually not a choice.”

“It kind of chooses you, not the other way around.”

“The soul nourishment is outstanding.”

“The real truth of what’s going on in society is often told through art.”

“Theatre reconnects you to your humanity.”

“We all have to remember that we can just be kind.”

Next in the Spotlight!

We are super jazzed you joined us for another episode of Bringing Broadway to France: Bridging Humanity, One Story at a Time.

Next week, you will meet Scott Harrah, who dishes on dishes on Broadway's power to bring people together, the stories that shape our humanity and why theatre still matters more than ever.

If this podcast inspired you, we invite you to join us on Substack. Subscribe for free to stay in the loop, or upgrade to a paid subscription to unlock exclusive content and personalized song dedications — while directly supporting production costs and my incredible team as we continue bringing you meaningful conversations with extraordinary artists from around the world.

All levels of support mean everything. Thank you for being here.

With love, sparkles and gratitude,Cindy and my amazing team (Ieva, Marj, and Ann)

P.S. For Artists, Creatives & Speakers

Artists, Creatives & Speakers: Learn how to monetize your work and land bookings with our free video and workbook.

P.P.S. For Business Leaders

Business Leaders: Learn how to Speak From Your Power® without pushing, performing, or proving.

What if the voice you're searching for has been there all along? And what if the greatest performance isn't pretending to be someone else - but showing up as yourself?

What if you never needed to “find” your voice? Actor, singer, interfaith minister and storytelling coach Sandra Bargman dishes on setting down what holds us back, embracing the edge of change and having the courage to let ourselves be heard.

In this episode, we jazz things up with Sandra Bargman - a 35+ year professional actor, singer and voice artist whose career has spanned Broadway National Tours, Off-Broadway, regional theatre and beyond. She is also a seminary-trained and ordained Interfaith Minister, spiritual counselor and Voice, Storytelling and Presence Teacher.

A self-described “walking Venn Diagram,” Sandra has spent her life at the intersection of performance, spirituality and human connection. From stepping into the iconic role of Eva Perón in Evita to creating her solo show and podcast The Edge of Everyday, Sandra’s journey has been one of continually moving closer to her own truth - and helping others do the same.

In this episode, presence matters more than volume…

* How playing Eva Perón taught Sandra to mine her own life, emotions and humanity to bring an iconic character to life

* Why making it to Broadway is not the only measure of a meaningful life as an artist

* How one performance in an old age home became one of Sandra’s most powerful reminders of what it truly means to serve through music

* Why Sandra says she never needed to “find” her voice - she needed to put down the things standing in the way of using it

* How The Edge of Everyday helped Sandra step out from behind characters and begin speaking her own beliefs and truths on stage

* Why good communication is not about being bigger, louder or faster - but about vulnerability, intention and genuine presence

* How storytelling connects us, builds community and helps us make sense of who we are

Together, Cindy and Sandra explore what it means to truly know yourself, use your voice and trust that your unique path as an artist and human being does not need to look like anyone else’s.

Connect with Sandra:

* Website

* Magic Thread Media

* Instagram

* LinkedIn

* YouTube

* Facebook

* Bluesky

Applause-Worthy Moments

“Everybody’s path is everybody’s path.”

“The goal is expressing yourself as an artist and knowing that you’re able to connect.”

“I didn’t need to find my voice. I needed to set down the things that stood in the way of me moving forward to say it.”

“Storytelling is encoded in our DNA.”

“Good communication is not bigger, louder, faster.”

“Trust your place.”

Next in the Spotlight!

We are super jazzed you joined us for another episode of Bringing Broadway to France: Bridging Humanity, One Story at a Time.

Next week, you will meet Ashleigh Harvey who dishes on on following your calling, finding humanity through theatre and why kindness may be one of the greatest performances we can give.

If this podcast inspired you, we invite you to join us on Substack. Subscribe for free to stay in the loop, or upgrade to a paid subscription to unlock exclusive content and personalized song dedications — while directly supporting production costs and my incredible team as we continue bringing you meaningful conversations with extraordinary artists from around the world.

All levels of support mean everything. Thank you for being here.

With love, sparkles and gratitude,Cindy and my amazing team (Ieva, Marj, and Ann)

P.S. For Artists, Creatives & Speakers

Artists, Creatives & Speakers: Learn how to monetize your work and land bookings with our free video and workbook.

P.P.S. For Business Leaders

Business Leaders: Learn how to Speak From Your Power® without pushing, performing, or proving.

After surviving multiple heart surgeries, living with lifelong chronic illness and decades of being told what she couldn’t do, Cindy shares how she stopped waiting for permission - and found ways to live her dreams on her terms.

In this special episode, the spotlight turns to me, Cindy Khoury Ashton!

Interviewed by longtime friend, performer, director and producer Christopher Wilson, I share openly about journey of living with lifelong illness and how that shaped not only my life, but the mission behind Bringing Broadway to France: Bridging Humanity, One Story at a Time.

Born with a 20% chance of living due to congenital heart disease, I spent much of my childhood in hospitals, enduring multiple life-saving surgeries and navigating years of bullying and invisible disability. And despite being left with lifelong chronic pain, a damaged lung and ribs wired together, my purpose to sing and perform drove me to find alternative paths to live my dreams. It also drove my devotion to leading others to find their voice.

Today, I feel so blessed to be an award-winning TV host, performer, speaker, mentor and creator. I believe our greatest obstacles often become the very stories we are meant to share with the world.

In this episode, surviving becomes the first act and purpose takes center stage...

* The unconventional path that allowed me to build my career on my own terms instead of waiting for opportunities

* Why I believe being born with illness has been one of my greatest teachers

* My humbling story of surviving multiple heart surgeries and a near-death experience at just five years old

* How years of bullying, chronic pain and invisible disability shaped my resilience as well as my fierceness in seeing ALL humans thrive

* Why finding your voice begins by reclaiming ownership of your own story from a place of embodied power

* How understanding breath, trauma and the nervous system transformed the way I train speakers and performers on speaking, presence and influence

* Why traditional public speaking often overlooks the body’s role in authentic communication

* Why I chose to create Bringing Broadway to France—and how I believe that one bold idea can become a movement

Connect with Cindy

* Website

* Substack

* Instagram

* LinkedIn

* Facebook

* TikTok

* YouTube

Applause-Worthy Moments

“Nobody knows someone else’s story.”

“My love for it surpassed the pain.”

“When you have an obstacle, it’s a freaking opportunity to kick some serious ass.”

“Broadway is a street. It’s an energy. It’s an essence.”

“Our greatest obstacles often become our greatest gifts.”

“I stopped waiting for permission and started creating my own opportunities.”

Next in the Spotlight!

We are super jazzed you joined us for another episode of Bringing Broadway to France: Bridging Humanity, One Story at a Time.

Next week, you will meet Sandra Bargman, who dishes on finding her voice, embracing the edge of change, and having the courage to let ourselves be heard.

If this podcast inspired you, we invite you to join us on Substack. Subscribe for free to stay in the loop, or upgrade to a paid subscription to unlock exclusive content and personalized song dedications — while directly supporting production costs and my incredible team as we continue bringing you meaningful conversations with extraordinary artists from around the world.

All levels of support mean everything. Thank you for being here.

With love, sparkles and gratitude,Cindy and my amazing team (Ieva, Marj, and Ann)

P.S. For Artists, Creatives & Speakers

Artists, Creatives & Speakers: Learn how to monetize your work and land bookings with our free video and workbook.

P.P.S. For Business Leaders

Business Leaders: Learn how to Speak From Your Power® without pushing, performing, or proving.

From beginning his professional theatre career at 18 to performing in The Music Man movie starring Matthew Broderick and Kristin Chenoweth, Christopher Wilson has built a career that spans nearly every corner of the performing arts.

In this episode, we jazz things up with my 20+ year bestie, Christopher Wilson - a singer, dancer, actor, director, choreographer, composer, producer and arts educator who has spent more than 30 years making magic on stage, screen and beyond.

But one of his most powerful creations came directly from his own life…

After being diagnosed HIV positive, Christopher turned his experience of being hospitalized and on the brink of death into Living With Henry, a musical that would go on to reach stages from Toronto to New York City.

What began as his own story became something much bigger as audience members began sharing that they, too, had “met their Henry” - whether through depression, cancer, mental illness, trauma or another life-changing experience.

Together, Christopher and I explore resilience, artistry, identity and the extraordinary power of storytelling to help us see ourselves - and each other - a little differently.

In this episode, humanity takes center stage…

* The deep conversation he had with Kristin Chenoweth while working with her on the movie set of “The Music Man.”

* How Christopher turned his HIV diagnosis and personal journey into the musical Living With Henry

* Why our most raw and honest experiences can become powerful storytelling that creates deep healing

* What it means to become an “entrepreneurial artist” instead of waiting for someone else to give you an opportunity

* Why emerging artists need to step away from the noise, stop comparing and reconnect with their own unique voice

* The magic of live theatre, presence and the human connection that no screen can replace

* Why “Into the Woods” musical is a brilliant reminder that happily ever after may come with a price

Connect with Christopher:

* YouTube

* Instagram - Toronto Musical Concerts

* Instagram - Personal

* Facebook

Applause-Worthy Moments

“You just can’t wait for someone to give you the opportunities that you want.”

“You can’t find the light unless you’ve lived in the dark.”

“When you get to the point where you can’t say anymore, you either have to physically inhabit it with dance or you need to sing it.”

Next in the Spotlight

We are super jazzed you joined us for another episode of Bringing Broadway to France: Bridging Humanity, One Story at a Time.

Next week, the spotlight turns to Cindy Khoury Ashton. In a deeply personal conversation with Christopher Wilson, Cindy shares how surviving multiple heart surgeries, lifelong chronic illness and years of being told what she couldn’t do inspired her to stop waiting for permission—and create a life, career and movement on her own terms.

If this podcast inspired you, we invite you to join us on Substack. Subscribe for free to stay in the loop, or upgrade to a paid subscription to unlock exclusive content and personalized song dedications — while directly supporting production costs and my incredible team as we continue bringing you meaningful conversations with extraordinary artists from around the world.

All levels of support mean everything. Thank you for being here.

With love, sparkles and gratitude,Cindy and my amazing team (Ieva, Marj, and Ann)

P.S. For Artists, Creatives & Speakers

Artists, Creatives & Speakers: Learn how to monetize your work and land bookings with our free video and workbook.

P.P.S. For Business Leaders

Business Leaders: Learn how to Speak From Your Power® without pushing, performing, or proving.

How one woman stopped waiting for permission, transformed rejection into an award-winning career and discovered that our greatest setbacks often become the stories the world needs most.

In this episode, we jazz things up with Trey Anthony - an award-winning playwright, bestselling author of the bestselling book Black Girl in Love (With Herself), speaker, mentor and creator of the groundbreaking play ‘da Kink in My Hair, which grew from a 70-seat Toronto Fringe production into an internationally acclaimed stage show and Gemini Award-winning television series.

A trailblazer in storytelling, her work explores love, mental health, identity, and the resilience of Black women with honesty, humor, and heart. Through her writing and speaking, she inspires audiences around the world to embrace healing, authenticity, and the courage to reinvent themselves.

Raised by her Jamaican grandmother, Trey grew up believing she was capable of something extraordinary. But when the acting world kept offering stereotypical roles that failed to reflect the depth of Black women’s lives, her grandmother offered one simple piece of advice: write something better.

That decision changed everything.

Years later, after building an award-winning career, Trey faced another unexpected turning point. Financial loss, heartbreak, single motherhood and the collapse of dreams she thought defined success became the inspiration for some of her most honest and transformative work.

Today, she helps other creatives stop waiting for permission, embrace their authenticity and finally tell the stories only they can tell.

In this episode, we stop waiting for permission…

* How one conversation with her grandmother inspired Trey to stop waiting for opportunities and start creating her own

* Why authenticity-not perfection-is what audiences truly connect with

* How ‘da Kink in My Hair grew from a tiny Fringe Festival production into an international theatrical phenomenon

* Why not knowing the “rules” of theatre became one of Trey’s greatest creative advantages

* Why artists need to stop waiting until they’re “ready” and simply begin

* How financial loss, single motherhood and unexpected life changes inspired Confessions of a Black Girl Who Should Have Known Better

* Why our greatest shame often becomes the story that helps someone else heal

* How letting go of old dreams can create space for the life we’re actually meant to live

* Why creativity, vulnerability and honesty will always outlast perfection

* How Play in a Box is empowering aspiring writers and performers to transform their stories into powerful live shows

Together, Cindy and Trey explore what happens when we stop asking for permission, trust our own voice and realize that the very experiences we once tried to hide may become our greatest gifts to the world.

Highlights from her career…

Connect with Trey

* Website

* Instagram

Applause-Worthy Moments

“If you write from a level of authenticity and a level of truth, people will find themselves in your work.”

“I didn’t allow myself to rethink the process because I didn’t know there was a process.”

“People like messy because all of us are a bit messy.”

“You are never going to be fully ready.”

“If not now, when?”

“Every single time something happens to you that you think is the worst thing that could possibly happen to you, it is the universe—or God—nudging you to say, ‘People need to hear from you.’”

“The dream that I imagined... do I really want that dream at this point in my life?”

Next in the Spotlight!

We are super jazzed you joined us for another episode of Bringing Broadway to France: Bridging Humanity, One Story at a Time.

Next week, you will meet Christopher Wilson who dishes on transforming life's darkest moments into powerful art, finding light through adversity and why the stories we fear telling often have the greatest power to heal.

If this podcast inspired you, we invite you to join us on Substack. Subscribe for free to stay in the loop, or upgrade to a paid subscription to unlock exclusive content and personalized song dedications — while directly supporting production costs and my incredible team as we continue bringing you meaningful conversations with extraordinary artists from around the world.

All levels of support mean everything. Thank you for being here.

With love, sparkles and gratitude,Cindy and my amazing team (Ieva, Marj, and Ann)

P.S. For Artists, Creatives & Speakers

Artists, Creatives & Speakers: Learn how to monetize your work and land bookings with our free video and workbook.

P.P.S. For Business Leaders

Business Leaders: Learn how to Speak From Your Power® without pushing, performing, or proving.

Tony Award winner Randy Graff shares why great performers don’t chase perfection - they pursue truth. After five decades on stage, her greatest lessons have little to do with fame and everything to do with authenticity, generosity and lifelong learning.

In this episode, we jazz things up with Randy Graff - Tony Award winner, Drama Desk Award winner, acclaimed Broadway actress, singer and beloved acting-through-song teacher whose remarkable career has spanned more than five decades.

From creating the original role of Fantine in Les Misérables on Broadway to unforgettable performances in City of Angels, Falsettos, A Little Night Music, Fiddler on the Roof and Mr. Saturday Night, Randy has become one of Broadway’s most respected performers. Today, she is equally passionate about helping the next generation of artists discover their authentic voice through truthful storytelling rather than performance for performance’s sake.

In this episode, truth takes center stage and every note tells a story...

* Why Randy believes the greatest performances begin with honesty - not perfection

* The mentor who changed the course of her career and taught her that every song is a monologue

* Why continuing to train - even after graduating - is one of the most important investments an artist can make

* The difference between constructive criticism and discouragement—and why artists need both kindness and truth

* Practical advice for auditions, self-tapes and standing out in today’s highly competitive industry

* Why actors should stop trying to “book the job” and instead focus on sharing a story

* The unforgettable experience of originating Fantine in Les Misérables and returning to Broadway decades later in Mr. Saturday Night

* Why Fiddler on the Roof remains one of the greatest examples of theatre’s ability to connect people across cultures, generations and borders

Together, Cindy and Randy explore mentorship, resilience, artistic growth and the timeless reminder that great theatre isn’t about pretending - it’s about revealing what is most deeply human.

Watch Randy on the Phil Donahue Show:

Connect with Randy

Website

Applause-Worthy Moments

“All you need is one person who believes in you.”

“A song is a monologue.”

“Nothing to prove. Only to share.”

“Lead with kindness - but tell the truth.”

“The theatre is the closest thing I have to going to temple.”

“Continue your training.”

Next in the Spotlight!

We are super jazzed you joined us for another episode of Bringing Broadway to France: Bridging Humanity, One Story at a Time.

Tomorrow, you will meet Trey Anthony, an award-winning playwright, bestselling author of the bestselling book Black Girl in Love (With Herself), speaker, mentor and creator of the groundbreaking play ‘da Kink in My Hair, who dishes on dishes on turning rejection into opportunity, embracing the messy parts of life and why your greatest setbacks may become your greatest success story.

If this podcast inspired you, we invite you to join us on Substack. Subscribe for free to stay in the loop, or upgrade to a paid subscription to unlock exclusive content and personalized song dedications — while directly supporting production costs and my incredible team as we continue bringing you meaningful conversations with extraordinary artists from around the world.

All levels of support mean everything. Thank you for being here.

With love, sparkles and gratitude,Cindy and my amazing team (Ieva, Marj, and Ann)

P.S. For Artists, Creatives & Speakers

Artists, Creatives & Speakers: Learn how to monetize your work and land bookings with our free video and workbook.

P.P.S. For Business Leaders

Business Leaders: Learn how to Speak From Your Power® without pushing, performing, or proving.

In this very first episode, we dive into the story behind Bringing Broadway to France—why one artist packed up her extraordinary career in North America and moved to the south of France with a wild dream to bring the magic of musical theater across Europe.

Hi, I’m Cindy Khoury Ashton, host of Bringing Broadway to France! In this very first episode…

We talk about why those songs get stuck in your head for a reason, why stories on stage can change lives, and what’s coming this season—from Tony Award winners to West End stars and beyond, sharing their most human, hilarious, and heartbreaking journeys.

This season, you'll meet Tony winners, West End stars, and creative powerhouses who've overcome it all to tell stories that make us laugh, cry, and remember what it means to be human. Spoiler alert: it involves a lot of joy!!!

Whether you’re an artist, theater lover, creative professional, or just someone who belted a show tune in the shower this morning, we’re so jazzed you’re here.

In This Episode

* Discover the journey that inspired the Bringing Broadway to France movement and podcast.

* Learn why we believe musical theatre belongs not only on Broadway, but on stages throughout Europe and beyond.

* Explore why artists play such an important role in preserving history, inspiring hope, and helping us better understand one another.

* Get a first look at the extraordinary guests joining us throughout Season One.

* Discover why every conversation on this podcast goes beyond the stage to celebrate the power of joy, resilience, creativity, and the stories that connect us all.

Sizzling Season Sneak Peeks!

Season One of Bringing Broadway to France features fabulous conversations with an extraordinary lineup of artists from across the world. Here are teasers of some of the topics we dive in to as well as the fantastical guests you’ll meet:

* From Les Misérables to Fiddler on the Roof with Tony Winner Randy Graff

* Rent, Aida & When Diversity Takes Center Stage with Broadway veterans Yassmin Alers and Maya Days and producer Dave Rappaport

* A Fringe Play Turned National TV Series with Gemini Award-winning playwright Trey Anthony

* The Dish on Kristin Chenoweth & Defying Death with performer, composer, director/choreographer and producer Christopher Wilson

* From South Africa to West End ‘Fanny Brice’ with stage veteran Ashleigh Harvey

...and many more.

Next in the Spotlight!

We’re so jazzed you joined us for the very first episode of Bringing Broadway to France: Bridging Humanity, One Story at a Time.

Come back tomorrow! You’ll meet Tony Award winner Randy Graff, who shares the enduring legacy of Fiddler on the Roof, the power of storytelling to unite generations, and why theatre continues to inspire, connect, and remind us of our shared humanity.

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With love, sparkles and gratitude,Cindy and my amazing team (Ieva, Marj, and Ann)

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