Broadway Babies

Welcome to the 14th episode of Broadway Babies! In this episode, Noelle and Stephanie chat with the incredible Calvin Remsberg!

Calvin Remsberg has worked extensively both as a performer and as a director. He is perhaps best remembered by Los Angeles audiences for his portrayal of Firmin, the crotchety opera house manager in the record breaking production of THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA at the Ahmanson Theater, having played the role with three different Phantoms over the entire four and a half year run. Other stage roles include the Beadle in both national tours, and the acclaimed television production of SWEENEY TODD, and for four years he crawled around as Old Deuteronomy in the first national tour of CATS.

--

Stephanie Andersen (Bare: A Pop Opera, Original Cast, Cast Recording and Revival) and Noelle Hannibal (Hair: 20th Anniversary Production, Star Trek, Buffy) and are professional performers and fangirls with a deep and never-ending love for musical theatre. Join them as they chat about all things Broadway on this special podcast which will feature interviews with some of Broadway's most beloved stars.

Welcome to the 13th episode of Broadway Babies! In this SUPERSIZED episode, Noelle and Stephanie welcome the dynamic mother/daughter duo Ilene Graff and Nikka Graff Lanzarone!

ILENE GRAFF is a Grammy-nominated recording artist (for her CD BABY’S BROADWAY LULLABIES) who is best known as the mom on the TV comedy, MR. BELVEDERE. Broadway work includes runs in PROMISES, PROMISES (pit singer; Fran Kubelik), the original production of GREASE (Sandy) and creating the role of Cleo in the Cy Coleman-Michael Stewart musical, I LOVE MY WIFE. She also co-starred with Glenn Close in the Disney film version of SOUTH PACIFIC. Ilene has performed for Crystal Cruises, has sold out concerts at New York’s legendary Birdland, Hollywood’s Catalina Jazz Club, Feinstein’s at Vitello’s in Los Angeles, and along with her family The Graffs, at New York’s Feinstein’s/54 Below. Ilene and her daughter Nikka have also done their duet cabaret show, “Together Again for the First Time” both at Feinstein’s 54 Below and Feinstein’s at Vitello’s. Ilene’s husband, ASCAP Award-winning composer Ben Lanzarone, is her musical director, arranger, co-producer and accompanist. They are the proud parents of Nikka Graff Lanzarone, an accomplished musical theatre performer.

NIKKA GRAFF LANZARONE is a NYC-based performer who really likes telling stories. She has been lucky enough to do that on Broadway (Chicago, Women on the Verge…), Off-Broadway (Sweet Charity, Hello Again, Seussical), on stages all over the country (Peep Show, My Paris, The Jungle Book, A Chorus Line, Into the Woods to name a few), a few screens here and there (“The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel,” “Divorce,” “Unforgettable,” “Smash,” “Live from Lincoln Center.”), and on the occasional recording. She is also a labor leader, wife, podcaster, mental health advocate, and great lover of assembling IKEA furniture. She thinks Bill and Ted got it right: Be excellent to each other.

--

Stephanie Andersen (Bare: A Pop Opera, Original Cast, Cast Recording and Revival) and Noelle Hannibal (Hair: 20th Anniversary Production, Star Trek, Buffy) and are professional performers and fangirls with a deep and never-ending love for musical theatre. Join them as they chat about all things Broadway on this special podcast which will feature interviews with some of Broadway's most beloved stars.

Welcome to the 12th episode of Broadway Babies! In this episode, Noelle and Stephanie welcome the supremely talented Justin Matthew Sargent!

Justin Matthew Sargent starred as Peter Parker in the Broadway blockbuster SPIDERMAN: TURN OFF THE DARK, Drew in ROCK OF AGES, and was in the Original Broadway Cast of BONNIE AND CLYDE! REGIONAL: WEST SIDE STORY (Tony), BAZ (Christian), LOVE ACTUALLY:LIVE (Mark), PIPPIN (Pippin), THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW (Riff Raff), FOREVER PLAID (Jinx) and many others. DEVELOPMENTAL THEATRE: BRAVE NEW WORLD (NC Stage), BLISS (Workshops), JOAN OF ARC: INTO THE FIRE (Workshops), OSWALD (Workshops), CLOWNTOWN (Workshops), SUPERYOU (Workshops), THE VIEW UPSTAIRS (Workshops), INTO THE WILD (Workshops), BAT OUT OF HELL (Workshops), and more! TV/FILM: JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR: LIVE on NBC, LAW & ORDER: SVU, MR ROBOT, ROYAL PAINS, DE-LOCATED, BIG EXIT (film), STORMCHASER (film), NO ONE CALLED AHEAD (film). Justin is developing a new musical with the band AIR SUPPLY, and has also performed across the country singing the music of QUEEN with a live symphony. He holds a BFA in Musical Theatre from the University of Central Florida.

--

Stephanie Andersen (Bare: A Pop Opera, Original Cast, Cast Recording and Revival) and Noelle Hannibal (Hair: 20th Anniversary Production, Star Trek, Buffy) and are professional performers and fangirls with a deep and never-ending love for musical theatre. Join them as they chat about all things Broadway on this special podcast which will feature interviews with some of Broadway's most beloved stars.

After a two month hiatus, we are back with our eleventh episode of Broadway Babies! In this episode, Noelle and Stephanie welcome the wonderful Jennie Kwan! 

Jennie Kwan, a native Angelino, started performing at the age of 11 years old in the performing troupe, “Kids of the Century.” Audiences first recognized Jennie when she played the lead role of “Kim” in the First National Touring Company of “Miss Saigon” having landed the coveted role after producer Cameron Mackintosh conducted a worldwide search.

Jennie was then introduced to television as series regular, Samantha Woo, the wacky singing sensation on NBC-TV’s situation comedy, “California Dreams” which aired for five successful seasons and then onto worldwide syndication. Recently Jennie and castmate Kelly Packard produced the “California Dreams Reunion Concert” featuring Guest Star Ryan Cabrera to huge success. Some of Jennie’s other television credits include New Girl, Anger Management, and The Nanny. Some film credits include “Promoted”, “Entourage”, and “Trojan War.”

For two years Jennie traveled with “Faces of America,” a one-person show regarding diversity and tolerance in America. She was an original cast member of “Bare, the Musical” originating the role of Diane Lee and had a short stint in “Jewtopia” both shows having successful runs on Off-Broadway.

Jennie toured the United States with the Broadway Tony Award-Winning Musical, First National Tour of “Avenue Q” getting the chance to play the role of “Christmas Eve.” As well as becoming a puppeteer and playing the role of “Mrs. T”, “Bears” and Others.”

Jennie was a proud member of Hollywood Record’s vocal group, “Nobody’s Angel” who earned a Gold record for performing two songs on the “Princess Diaries” soundtrack and was a co-creator for the pilot, “Nobody’s Angel” television network ABC Family. And Disney lovers have been fortunate to see Jennie ride the magic carpet as “Jasmine” in Disney’s musical spectacular “Aladdin.”

She lends her voice to the character, Suki, on Nickelodeon’s hit animated series “Avatar: The Last Air Bender,” as well as all video games for the series. Presently you can hear as Thirteen in Netflix’s animated anime “Scissor seven”. Jennie also enjoys an active voice-over career in many other animes and numerous video games.

Currently, Jennie resides in Los Angeles with her husband Matt and her cat Toothless. She performs as Priscilla Poodle in kid’s pop concert Show “Twinkle Time”. She continues to work in all areas of the business as an actress, singer, dancer, voice-over artist, and vocal coach.

--

Stephanie Andersen (Bare: A Pop Opera, Original Cast, Cast Recording and Revival) and Noelle Hannibal (Hair: 20th Anniversary Production, Star Trek, Buffy) and are professional performers and fangirls with a deep and never-ending love for musical theatre. Join them as they chat about all things Broadway on this special podcast which will feature interviews with some of Broadway's most beloved stars.

Welcome to the TENTH episode of Broadway Babies! In this episode, Noelle and Stephanie welcome the extraordinary Marc Shaiman, hot on the heels of the announcement that Smashis being developed for Broadway!! 

Marc Shaiman co-wrote the songs and composed the score for "Mary Poppins Returns" for which he was nominated for a BAFTA, a Golden Globe, a Grammy and for two Oscars. His other Oscar nominations have been for “Sleepless In Seattle", “Patch Adams”, “The First Wives Club”, "The American President" and “South Park-Bigger, Longer & Uncut”. Other film credits include “Beaches”, “When Harry Met Sally”, “City Slickers”, “The Addams Family”, “Sister Act”, “A Few Good Men” and “The Bucket List”.

For Broadway, he and co-lyricist Scott Wittman have written "Hairspray" (Tony & Grammy Awards), “Martin Short: Fame Becomes Me”, “Catch Me If You Can” (Tony nom), "Charlie & The Chocolate Factory" and they are currently writing a new musical version of "Some Like It Hot". Marc composed original music for the revival of "The Odd Couple" with Nathan Lane & Matthew Broderick and for the current revival of "Plaza Suite" starring Matthew Broderick & Sarah Jessica Parker.

Television credits include "Saturday Night Live" (Emmy and Golden Globe nom), “Smash” (Emmy & Golden Globe nom), The Oscars with Billy Crystal (Emmy Award), and appearances with Neil Patrick Harris, Nathan Lane, Jennifer Hudson, Jack Black & Will Ferrell, among others.

He has co-produced/arranged recordings and performances for Bette Midler, Harry Connick Jr., Peter Allen, Eric Clapton, Diane Keaton, Patti LuPone, Steve Martin, Barbra Streisand, Robin Williams and many more. His online opus “Prop 8 - The Musical” was a Webbie Award winner and he and co-writer Mariah Carey were nominated for a Golden Globe for their title song for the animated film "The Star".

--

Stephanie Andersen (Bare: A Pop Opera, Original Cast, Cast Recording and Revival) and Noelle Hannibal (Hair: 20th Anniversary Production, Star Trek, Buffy) and are professional performers and fangirls with a deep and never-ending love for musical theatre. Join them as they chat about all things Broadway on this special podcast which will feature interviews with some of Broadway's most beloved stars.

Welcome to the ninth episode of Broadway Babies! In this episode, Noelle and Stephanie welcome the incredible Adam Pascal! Adam is a Tony Award nominee, best known for his role as Roger in RENT, which he originated both on Broadway and in the 2005 film. He has also starred on Broadway in Aida (Radames), Cabaret (Emcee), Chess (Freddie), Chicago (Billy), Memphis (Huey), Disaster (Chad), and most recently, Something Rotten (Shakespeare). He has released two solo rock albums, Model Prisoner(2000), Civilian (2004), as well as a collaborative rock album Blinding Light(2008) with pianist, Larry Edoff. In television and film, he has appeared in RENT (2005), School of Rock, (2003), Temptation (2004), and Cold Case(2006). Adam also tours regularly, performing sold-out solo concerts all around the country.

--

Stephanie Andersen (Bare: A Pop Opera, Original Cast, Cast Recording and Revival) and Noelle Hannibal (Hair: 20th Anniversary Production, Star Trek, Buffy) and are professional performers and fangirls with a deep and never-ending love for musical theatre. Join them as they chat about all things Broadway on this special podcast which will feature interviews with some of Broadway's most beloved stars.

Welcome to the eighth episode of the Broadway Babies Podcast! In this episode, Stephanie and Noelle welcome Broadway veteran, Lance Roberts: Broadway and Beyond (The Pee Wee Herman Show, The Robber Bridegroom, Ghost, Sunset Blvd., and the upcoming The Visitor) We had an amazing, detailed chat with Lance on his road BACK to Broadway! We can't wait for you to hear it!

Lance has been in the original Broadway companies of Pee Wee Herman on Broadway, Sister Act, Ghost, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, Moss Hart's Act One, Finding Neverland, Sunset Boulevard and My Fair Lady. He's worked at the Roundabout, Signature and next, The Public. On TV, Pose, Most Wanted:FBI, Good Fight, Hooked, and reruns of Law & Order, Nurse Jackie, Elementary, White Collar, The Affair, Will & Grace, Girlfriends, Knots Landing, The Colbys and Drew Carey! More info on imdb.com/LanceRoberts

---

Stephanie Andersen (Bare: A Pop Opera, Original Cast, Cast Recording and Revival) and Noelle Hannibal (Hair: 20th Anniversary Production, Star Trek, Buffy) and are professional performers and fangirls with a deep and never-ending love for musical theatre. Join them as they chat about all things Broadway on this special podcast which will feature interviews with some of Broadway's most beloved stars.

Welcome to the seventh episode of the Broadway Babies Podcast! In this episode, Stephanie and Noelle welcome Broadway veteran, Lance Roberts: Broadway and Beyond (The Pee Wee Herman Show, The Robber Bridegroom, Ghost, Sunset Blvd., and the upcoming The Visitor) We had an amazing, detailed chat with Lance on his road BACK to Broadway! We can't wait for you to hear it!

Lance has been in the original Broadway companies of Pee Wee Herman on Broadway, Sister Act, Ghost, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, Moss Hart's Act One, Finding Neverland, Sunset Boulevard and My Fair Lady. He's worked at the Roundabout, Signature and next, The Public. On TV, Pose, Most Wanted:FBI, Good Fight, Hooked, and reruns of Law & Order, Nurse Jackie, Elementary, White Collar, The Affair, Will & Grace, Girlfriends, Knots Landing, The Colbys and Drew Carey! More info on imdb.com/LanceRoberts

---

Stephanie Andersen (Bare: A Pop Opera, Original Cast, Cast Recording and Revival) and Noelle Hannibal (Hair: 20th Anniversary Production, Star Trek, Buffy) and are professional performers and fangirls with a deep and never-ending love for musical theatre. Join them as they chat about all things Broadway on this special podcast which will feature interviews with some of Broadway's most beloved stars.

Welcome to the sixth episode of the Broadway Babies Podcast! In this episode, Stephanie and Noelle welcome writer, producer and showrunner, Joshua Safran! We are so happy you are joining us and hope you enjoy our podcast. If you have any questions, comments or topics you would like us to discuss, let us know on Facebook or Twitter! Stay safe and healthy and thank you for listening!

Joshua Safran was the executive producer and showrunner for the second season of the NBC television series Smash. He is the creator, executive producer and showrunner for the Netflix musical television series Soundtrack, which premiered on December 18, 2019.

Joshua was the creator, executive producer and showrunner (seasons one and two) of the ABC drama series Quantico and was an executive producer and writer on the CW television series Gossip Girl. He is also creating, executive producing and showrunning the 2020 sequel series Gossip Girl for HBO Max.

He shared writing credits with director Shana Feste for the screenplay of the 2014 remake of the 1981 film Endless Love.

---

Stephanie Andersen (Bare: A Pop Opera, Original Cast, Cast Recording and Revival) and Noelle Hannibal (Hair: 20th Anniversary Production, Star Trek, Buffy) and are professional performers and fangirls with a deep and never-ending love for musical theatre. Join them as they chat about all things Broadway on this special podcast which will feature interviews with some of Broadway's most beloved stars.

Welcome to the fifth episode of the Broadway Babies Podcast! In this episode, Stephanie and Noelle welcome two-time Tony Award winner, Michael Cerveris! We are so happy you are joining us and hope you enjoy our podcast. If you have any questions, comments or topics you would like us to discuss, let us know on Facebook or Twitter! Stay safe and healthy and thank you for listening!

Michael Cerveris is an American actor, singer, and guitarist. He has performed in many stage musicals and plays, including several Stephen Sondheim musicals: Assassins, Sweeney Todd, Road Show, and Passion. In 2004, Cerveris won the Tony Award as Best Featured Actor in a Musical for Assassins as John Wilkes Booth. In 2015, he won his second Tony Award as Best Actor in a Musical for Fun Home as Bruce Bechdel.

He was called, by Playbill.com, "arguably the most versatile leading man on Broadway", playing roles from "Shakespeare's Romeo to The Who's Tommy, from the German transsexual rock diva Hedwig in Hedwig and the Angry Inch to the homicidal title character of Sondheim's Sweeney Todd."

Cerveris' most visible television role to date has been as the Observer code-named September in the FOX science fiction television series Fringe. His character, a mysterious man seen attending many unusual events, has appeared regularly during the series and become one of the main characters to bring the story to its end. Cerveris has also appeared as Marvin Frey on Treme, State's Attorney James Castro on The Good Wife, Ramses IV on The Tick, Lazlo Valentin/Professor Pyg on Gotham and Assistant Director Gunn on Mindhunter.

---

Stephanie Andersen (Bare: A Pop Opera, Original Cast, Cast Recording and Revival) and Noelle Hannibal (Hair: 20th Anniversary Production, Star Trek, Buffy) and are professional performers and fangirls with a deep and never-ending love for musical theatre. Join them as they chat about all things Broadway on this special podcast which will feature interviews with some of Broadway's most beloved stars.