Lynn and Stephen have been an acclaimed musical theater writing team for 40 years. They have won Tony, Drama Desk, Outer Critics Circle Awards, as well as Academy and Golden Globe nominations for their work on RAGTIME, ANASTASIA, ONCE ON THIS ISLAND, SEUSSICAL and many other musicals.

In this episode, this charming and humble duo talk about how they met, their process for creating, and the search for the big picture in their shows and in life.

Lynn & Stephen

Terrence McNally

BMI Workshop

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In this episode, airing for 2020 Tony Award Sunday, Stephanie J. Block switches roles from Co-Host to Guest, to talk about her 2019 win for Best Actress in a Musical for her performance as "Star" in THE CHER SHOW.

Marylee Shares the hosting duties with special guest Sebastian Arcelus, breaking down the ins-and-outs of the Tony Awards season experience as a Nominee and Winner. Stephanie shares that she will be returning to this year's Tony Awards as a Presenter and in doing so, is reminded of personal and professional victories, while revealing some emotional truths and fears.

Stephanie J. Block 2019 Tony Award Speech

Watch the 2020 Tony Awards on Broadway Direct

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Celebrated songwriter Scott Alan and Musical Supervisor and Director (DEAR EVEN HANSEN, WICKED) Ben Cohn join us to chat about their new album release, "Nothing More."  Each track sheds light on the unconditional relationship between parent and child and is performed by gay and trans dads.

In this episode, Scott and Ben talk about their very different approach to life and work, the ways parenthood never fails to surprise them and discover that Ben has been unknowingly renting space in Scott's mind for years. 

Nothing More 

This Place I Know

Adoptions Together

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Dr. Kirsten Gilardi is the Executive Director & Chief Veterinary Officer of the Gorilla Doctors in Rwanda and the director of the Karen C. Drayer Wildlife Health Center at UC Davis.

In this episode, Kirsten talks about her efforts in the oceans and the wild to save animals and the earth, her experiences in the "jungle operating room" in Rwanda, and the efforts taken to increase the mountain gorilla population from near extinction to more than 1000 living in the wild.

Growing Up Gorilla Campaign

Gorilla Doctors

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Gorilla naming ceremony in Rwanda

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Gavin Lee is a Drama Desk Award-winning actor, known for. his hilarious and heartwarming portrayal of "Squidward" in SPONGEBOB SQUAREPANTS: THE BROADWAY MUSICAL and his charming "Bert" in MARY POPPINS.  In this episode, he talks about the teamwork that goes into making theater magic, meeting his wife Emily and spending the day with Dick Van Dyke.

The Two Berts 

Puttin' On The Ritz: Fred Astaire Biography

Beauty And The Beast UK Tour 

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Mindleaps is a not-for-profit organization of dance instructors, educators, social workers, and administrators, all dedicated to building a bridge for the most vulnerable children in the world to education and positive livelihoods through dance.

 In this episode, we speak with the founder Rebecca Davis and her inspirational team about working with children in developing nations.  Mindleaps encourages them to discover their abilities and chase their dreams.

Mindleaps Team: Kirvin Douthit-Boyd, Martin Mamadouno, LaMar Baylor, Bashir Karenzi, Rebecca Davis. 

MINDLEAPS

SOS

Ubumuntu Arts Festival with Mindleaps Choreography by Kirven Douthit-Boyd

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Tiffany Little Canfield is an Emmy-nominated casting director for Telsey + Company.  Her projects include the upcoming "Dear Evan Hansen" film, FX'x Fosse/Vernon, "This Is Us", and "The Greatest Showman.  She talks about her love of getting to the heart of people's motivations and impulses.  She also recounts moving her family and career from New York City to Sacramento, CA, and shares lessons from living a life of unconventional yet conscious choices.  

Telsey + Company

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James Lapine - or "Uncle James James," as he's known to Stephanie's Daughter, Vivi - is a multi award-winning director, playwright and librettist.  In this episode, he discusses his new book Putting it Together and shares some of his "otherworldly" experiences while creating Sunday In The Park With George.  He also talks of his search for balance through yoga and his efforts to create a "human experience" in the audition room.

Putting It Together

James Lapine

Sunday In The Park With George

Tree Pose

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Sakina Jaffrey is an acclaimed actress known for her work on hit TV shows like House of Cards, Timeless, and Snowpiercer.

In this episode, she shares stories of her childhood, early family upheaval, and the characters she created to help her cope.  This "small but mighty" woman shares how she struggled to embrace her calling but ended up right where the universe intended her to be.

Snowpiercer

Chutney Popcorn

 F.E.A.R.

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LaChanze is an acclaimed actress, singer and dancer, winning the Tony Award for Best Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical in 2006 for her role as "Celie" in THE COLOR PURPLE. In this episode, LaChanze talks about shaping her career and personal life with intention. She speaks about being one of the founding members of Black Theatre United, her strange taste in movies, and her new found on-screen roles as the 50-something "hot love interest to the middle-aged white guy."

Lachanze & Daughter make history

Black Theater United

Trouble In Mind

Celia Cruz

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