U Guys, in this episode I am joined by Maiga Vidal and Linedy Genao (Broadway’s On Your Feet!, Bad Cinderella) to discuss their new musical, Cafe Con Leche. They explore the origins of the show, the importance of cultural representation in theater, and the personal connections that inform their work. The discussion highlights the challenges and joys of creating a bilingual musical that resonates with diverse audiences while honoring the Latinx experience. Maiga and Linedy  share insights on character development, the significance of family dynamics, and the need for authentic storytelling in the arts. When also joined by director Hector Flores, the creators of 'Cafe Con Leche' delve into the intricacies of storytelling, character development, and the vital role of music in their new musical. They explore themes of identity, the power of cadence in performance, and the collaborative nature of theater-making. They highlight the challenges and joys of creating a rom-com musical, emphasizing the importance of authenticity and connection in both the narrative and the characters' journeys. U Guys are invited to follow the ongoing development of the show and its creators' journeys on socials! They’re so lovey, U don’t wanna miss this episode.

Follow Linedy on Instagram: @linedygenao

Follow Maiga on Instagram: @maigavidal

Follow the pod on Instagram: @ohmypoduguys 

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U Guys, my next guest on the pod is the delightful and talented Glinda Standby in the Broadway smash hit Wicked, Jennafer Newberry! In this episode, Jennafer shares about her amazing journey from performing in the ensemble and understudying the role of Glinda on the National Tour, to assuming the role full-time, to joining the Broadway company as the Glinda Standby. She talks about how the show changes from day to day as she performs opposite many different witches, and how she has learned something from each of them. Jennafer also speaks to the resurgence of excitement surrounding the show following the fantastic film version’s release, and she shares her story of meeting the witches of the film, Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande. We touch on her experience becoming a mother while being in Wicked, and how she has grown as both a performer and a person. From crazy mishap stories to touching memories made in the show, Jennafer is so open and wonderful. U don’t wanna miss this episode!

Follow Jennafer on Instagram: @jennafernewberry

Follow the pod on Instagram: @ohmypoduguys

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U Guys, it’s the 100th episode, and Solea Pfeiffer is here! In this episode, Solea shares her journey as a Broadway star, discussing her experiences in incredible roles such as Satine in Moulin Rouge and Eva Peron in Evita, as well as originating the role of Penny Lane in Almost Famous. She reflects on the challenges and triumphs of navigating the Broadway landscape, the impact of colorism in the industry, and the importance of representation for young women of color. With candid insights, Solea emphasizes the significance of resilience in the face of public scrutiny. She delves into the complexities of representation in the arts, particularly focusing on the Black experience and the nuances of being a mixed-race artist. We also discuss the importance of authenticity in storytelling, the challenges of performing roles like Eurydice in Hadestown, and the transition from stage to screen in projects like Tyler Perry's Jazz Man's Blues. Solea highlights self-acceptance, the power of escapism in performance, and the evolving perception of one's capabilities in the industry. She is truly one of the best in the biz, U don’t wanna miss this episode!

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U Guys, Michele Pawk is here! In this episode, Michele shares her journey from a Tony-winning actor to a theater professor, discussing the balance of family life and career, the importance of teaching, and the development of new works in theater. She reflects on her artistic upbringing, the complexities of female roles in theater, and the legacy of Bobby Darin, providing insights into the challenges and rewards of a life in the arts. In this conversation, Michele shares her journey from her musical roots in a small town to her Broadway debut and the challenges of originating roles versus replacing iconic characters. She reflects on the significance of her Tony Award win for 'Hollywood Arms' and the collaborative process with legendary figures in theater. Michele emphasizes the importance of taking risks in her career and the serendipitous nature of success in the performing arts. From Crazy For You to Seussical, Michele Pawk has one of the most incredible Bway careers with stories to boot. U don’t wanna miss this episode!

Follow the show on Instagram: @ohmypoduguys

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U Guys, Bianca Leigh is here! In this episode, she shares her journey from performing in small venues to making her Broadway debut. She discusses the significance of her role in 'Oh, Mary!' and the importance of representation for queer and trans individuals in theater. Bianca reflects on the essence of theater, the joy of performing, and the need for diverse roles that go beyond traditional narratives. The discussion highlights the evolution of queer art in mainstream theater and the personal experiences that shape an artist's journey. In this engaging conversation, Bianca and I explore the intricacies of performance in theater, focusing on the dynamics of collaboration, the importance of chemistry between actors, and the evolution of their roles throughout the rehearsal process. They discuss the balance between comedy and character development, the trust required between scene partners, and the necessity of laughter in performance. Bianca shares her experiences and insights on navigating the complexities of acting, emphasizing the significance of contributing to the bigger picture while ensuring that each actor shines in their own right. Bianca also shares her unique insights into the world of acting, comedy, and personal growth. She discusses the unexplainable choices that actors make, the dynamics of being a straight man in comedy, and her journey of self-discovery as a trans actress. Bianca reflects on the realities of acting training, the importance of experience, and offers heartfelt advice to her younger self, emphasizing the significance of perseverance and self-acceptance. Bianca is truly one of the best, U don’t wanna miss this episode!

Follow Bianca on Instagram: @Bianca_leigh2000

Follow the pod on Instagram: @ohmypoduguys

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U Guys, performer and director, and current cast member of the smash hit play Oh, Mary!, Peter Smith is here!

This week's BroadwayWorld Recap has all the latest Bway updates, including some crazy closing announcements. Then I am joined by actor and director Peter Smith to talk about her amazing career. A midwestern native, Peter made her Broadway debut understudying multiple roles in the critically acclaimed revival of Macbeth starring Daniel Craig. She shares her experience as a trans artist, currently understudying two cis men in the Cole Escola-led Broadway play, Oh, Mary!, having also served as Assistant Director for the show. We talk about what inspires her as an artist, and her road to the world of theater and the arts. Peter has also been seen in tv/film appearances in shows like Shrill and Girls5eva, and movies like Fire Island. Peter is such a hilarious delight, U don't wanna miss this episode!

Follow Peter on Instagram: @ptrsmth

Follow the pod on Instagram: @ohmypoduguys

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U Guys, Fosse legend Dylis Croman is on the pod!

This week's BroadwayWorld Recap has all the latest Bway updates, including my official review of the Wicked film. Then I am joined by a true Broadway veteran with an incredible career, Dylis Croman. Fresh off of performing the role of Roxie Hart in Chicago on Broadway, we chat in her dressing room between shows about her history with the show, and the world of Fosse. Having met Anne Reinking at 14 years old and coming up through the ranks as a dancer, Dylis has always been a force in the world of dance. She made her Broadway debut in FOSSE, taking on one of the most iconic pieces of choreography, Bob Fosse's Trumpet Solo. She worked closely alongside Anne Reinking helping set the first national tour of the show, before going into the Broadway company. Dylis shares about her experience in shows like Sweet Charity, A Chorus Line, Oklahoma!, and the most recent revival of Dancin'. We talk about what it takes to maintain the longevity of a career on the stage, and she opens up about how the most impactful thing she has come to know as a performer is the ability to watch and learn from your peers. Dylis is a true gem, U don't wanna miss this episode!

Follow Dylis on Instagram: @dycro33

Follow the pod on Instagram: @ohmypoduguys

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U Guys, performer and creator Phillip Taratula is here!

This week’s BroadwayWorld Recap has all the latest Bway news, including a special tribute to the 28th Anniversary of Chicago The Musical on Broadway! Then I am joined by Bway performer Phillip Taratula to chat all about his amazing career. Fresh off of closing the off-broadway run of The Beastiary at Ars Nova, Phillip shares about his experience working on a plethora of developmental works in New York City and beyond. We chat about how we first met, working together on A Wrinkle In Time at the New York Stage and Film Festival. Prior to this, Phillip had already been seen on the First National Tour of What The Constitution Means To Me, and on Broadway in The Skin of Our Teeth at Lincoln Center. Phillip has also been seen on multiple tv/film spots, including And Just Like That, and High Maintenance opposite Martha Stewart. One of my favorite elements of Phillip’s career is the creation of his original character, Pam Goldberg, with which he has produced multiple solo shows and performances. Stick around to the end of the episode, Pam might just make an appearance! Phillip is a delight, U don’t wanna miss this episode.

Follow Phillip on Instagram: @ptaratula

Follow the pod on Instagram: @ohmypoduguys

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U Guys, a true triple threat, and Seussical's original Gertrude McFuzz, Janine LaManna is here!

This week's BroadwayWorld Recap is a short and sweet little roundup of Bway news. Then I am joined by a true Bway legend, Janine LaManna! From standing by for Chita Rivera in Kiss of the Spider Woman, to originating the role of Gertrude McFuzz in Broadway's Seussical, Janine has truly done it all. She made her Broadway debut as Evelyn Nesbit in Ragtime alongside the original company, and eventually went on to work with such legends as Anne Reinking and Harold Prince. She shares about her experience of being the wife of a military officer and traveling the country with her family living in new places, simultaneously being a mother and continuing to work as a performer. We talk about her time playing Nickie in the Broadway revival of Sweet Charity with Christina Applegate, as well as replacing Bway star Sutton Foster as Janet Van De Graaff in the original Broadway production of The Drowsy Chaperone. Her other Bway credits include Swing!, Kiss Me, Kate, and The Look of Love. A true triple threat, Janine's talent is only matched by her grace, humility, and humor. U don't wanna miss this episode!

Follow the pod on Instagram: @ohmypoduguys

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U Guys, RuPaul's Drag Race Star and Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club's Marty Lauter is here!

This week's BroadwayWorld Recap has all the latest Bway news, including some very exciting announcements about new Broadway-bound musicals. Then I am joined by Broadway performer and drag artist, Marty Lauter, also known as Marcia Marcia Marcia! A graduate of the Boston Conservatory, Marty made their Broadway debut as a vacation swing in Kinky Boots, eventually going on to launch to stardom on season 15 of the hit reality tv drag competition show, RuPaul's Drag Race as their drag persona, Marcia Marcia Marcia. We talk about the intersection of drag and theater, and their personal experience with gender identity in the world of the arts. Marty also shares about their drag journey, and their experience playing Victor and understudying The Emcee in Broadway's Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club. We also touch on their regional work and National Tour debut with the 1st Nat'l company of Hello, Dolly! with Carolee Carmello. Marty is so lovely, U don't wanna miss this episode!

Follow Marty/Marcia on Instagram: @marciax3nyc

Follow the pod on Instagram: @ohmypoduguys

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