Oh My Pod U Guys

U Guys, from Broadway's Wicked and the Off-Broadway hit Titanique, Michael Di Liberto is here! First, I give you all the latest Bway tea in this week's BroadwayWorld Recap! Then I am joined by TV actor and Broadway performer Michael Di Liberto to talk all about his amazing life in the theater! From playing roles on shows like The Gilded Age and The Blacklist, to performing in the Broadway and National Touring companies of Wicked, Michael's talents are as broad as his smile. He shares about his experience in the egregiously short run of the original Broadway production of Tammy Faye, and finding the balance between artistry and commercial success on Broadway. We touch on his time playing Ruth in the Off-Broadway run of Titanique, and the origins of his incredible sense of humor, both onstage and off. Michael truly one of the best, U don't wanna miss this episode! Follow Michael on Instagram: @michaeldi_li Follow the pod on Instagram: @ohmypoduguys Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

U Guys, Olivia Valli is here! In this episode, I give you all the latest Bway news in the BroadwayWorld Recap! Then, Olivia shares her journey through the world of musical theater, discussing her experiences in various roles, from Vivian in the first National Tour of Pretty Woman, to Elphaba in the National Tour of Wicked. She reflects on the importance of self-advocacy, the challenges of performing, and the joy of gardening in New Jersey. Olivia also touches on her family legacy, having played her very own grandmother in Off-Broadway’s Jersey Boys! She talks about the lessons learned from leading multiple national tours, and the significance of teamwork in theater. Olivia is a true gem, U don’t wanna miss this episode!  Follow Olivia on Instagram: @oliviafvalli  Follow the Pod on Instagram: @ohmypoduguys Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

U Guys, Julian Manjerico is here! First, I give you all the latest Bway tea in this week’s BroadwayWorld Recap. Then I am joined by stage and screen actor, Julian Manjerico, to talk about everything from playing a clown opposite Tom Hanks, to playing Abraham Lincoln opposite Tony-winner Cole Escola in Broadway’s Oh, Mary! A Delaware native, Julian studied musical theater at Boston University, and has made appearances in multiple films and tv shows, from Bird in Hand, to Hulu’s Adults. Julian shares about his queer identity and how it has helped shape his career, and we touch on the experience of coming up in the industry working with stars we have revered. Julian is an absolute delight, U don’t wanna miss this episode!   Follow Julian on Instagram: @jmanjerico Follow the pod on Instagram: @ohmypoduguys Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

U Guys, Drama Desk and OBIE Award-winning puppet designer and director, James Ortiz is here! From his enormous, OBIE Award-winning, dinosaur puppets in Lincoln Center's The Skin of Our Teeth, to the creation of fan favorite Milky White the cow in the Broadway Revival of Into The Woods, James Ortiz's work is as imaginative as it is impactful. A graduate of the acting program at SUNY Purchase, James has worked as a designer, director, and performer in reputable regional houses all over the country, like The MUNY, Hartford Stage, Papermill Playhouse, Yale Rep, and Ars Nova. Most recently his work was seen onstage at Arena Stage in the world premiere of Heather Christian's musical adaptation of A Wrinkle In Time. You can also catch James in the upcoming original feature film, Project Hail Mary, opposite Ryan Gosling in the spring of 2026. In this episode, James shares insight on the world of puppetry and its importance onstage, and we touch on how his work has impacted people across the globe. On top of it all, James is simply the loveliest. U don't wanna miss this episode! Follow James on Instagram: @jortface Follow the pod on Instagram: @ohmypoduguys Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

U Guys, Broadway star and two-time Tony Nominee, Christopher Sieber is here! First, I give you all the latest Bway news in this week's BroadwayWorld Recap! Then I am joined by current star of Broadway's Death Becomes Her, Christopher Sieber, to talk all about his incredible career! A veteran of the stage and screen, Christopher has an amazing resume spanning from playing the father of the Olsen twins on ABC's Two of A Kind, to his tony-nominated performance as Lord Farquaad in Broadway's Shrek The Musical. He shares about his experience being an openly queer man in the world of tv/film, and gives advice about working through difficult imposter syndrome. We talk about the journey of his current show, Death Becomes Her, getting to Broadway, and how it differs from playing roles in long-running shows like Billy Flynn in Chicago. From the Broadway revival of Stephen Sondheim's Company, to the Broadway revival of La Cage Aux Folles, Christopher has truly done it all, and has garnered a well-deserved industry reverence. He is truly a delight, U don't wanna miss this episode! Follow the pod on Instagram: @ohmypoduguys Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

U Guys, star of the screen and the stage, Vicki Lewis is here! First, I give you all the latest Bway tea in this week's BroadwayWorld Recap. Then I am joined by a true legend of the stage and screen, Vicki Lewis! Most recently seen in A Wrinkle In Time at Arena Stage in Washington, DC, Vicki Lewis has an incredible and extensive resume of projects, spanning from originating the role of Gloria in the Broadway revival of Damn Yankees, to voicing the roles of Deb and Flo in the Disney/Pixar smash hit movie Finding Nemo. Vicki shares about navigating the world of tv and film in Los Angeles, having played roles on countless tv shows, including a five-season run on the NBC sit-com NewsRadio. We touch on the realities of being a working actor, and how her singular voice has led to a huge list of voice-over credits. From Broadway's Anastasia, to playing Velma Kelly in Chicago, Vicki's stage credits are just as vibrant and vast as her work in tv and film. On top of it all, Vicki is just the loveliest. U don't wanna miss this episode! Follow Vicki on Instagram: @vickilewis1 Follow the pod on Instagram: @ohmypoduguys Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

U Guys, Broadway star and Tony Nominee Amber Gray is here! First, I fill you in on all the latest Bway updates, from closing announcements to casting announcements, in this week's BroadwayWorld Recap, brought to you by my wonderful friends at BroadwayWorld.com. Then I am joined by Broadway star Amber Gray to discuss her amazing career on stage and screen, and beyond! Currently starring as Mrs. Whatsit in the World Premiere of Heather Christian's musical adaptation of A Wrinkle In Time, Amber Gray is no stranger to originating roles. From Helene in Great Comet, to her Tony-nominated portrayal of Persephone in Hadestown, Amber's talent and artistry know no bounds and hold a singular place in the musical theater canon. In this episode, we talk about everything from higher education in the arts, to being a mother and a full-time working actor. Amber is truly one of the best, both onstage and off. U don't wanna miss this episode! Follow the pod on Instagram: @ohmypoduguys Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

U Guys, this very special bonus episode features the delightful playwright and star of the new show House of Life, Ben Welch! Described as a "feel-good, part re-birth, part rave," House of Life is a traveling musical cult-collective, hosted by the Rave-Rend, with one mission: to get you happy at any cost. After becoming a hit in London and Edinburgh , this new musical experience, starring Ben Welch and co-creator Trev, is coming to NYC for a very special pop-up engagement, June 20th, and 22nd, at Three Dollar Bill, and WARA respectively. Based in the UK, Ben Welch is the creator of Sheep Soup, a company that creates and produces musical theatre, gigs, and cabarets, known for their improvisational style and collaborative approach. Ben is such a delight, U don't wanna miss this episode! And don't forget to get your tickets to House of Life, at www.houseoflife.me Follow Ben on Instagram: @houseoflifeshow Follow the pod on Instagram: @ohmypoduguys Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

From originating the role of Mopsa in Broadway's Head Over Heels, to taking on the role of Catherine Parr in Six: The Musical, Taylor Iman Jones is here! U Guys, this week's BroadwayWorld Recap has all the latest Bway news, brought to you by my pals at BroadwayWorld.com. Then I am joined by Broadway actor Taylor Iman Jones, currently starring in the world premier production of A Wrinkle In Time at Arena Stage. Originally from California, Taylor made their way to NYC and eventually to Broadway, making their debut in Groundhog Day. After originating the role of Mopsa in Broadway's Head Over Heels opposite Bonnie Milligan, Taylor went on to join productions of Hamilton, and Six. In this episode, we discuss everything from the journey of playing roles in community theater to originating roles in Broadway-bound musicals, and beyond. U don't wanna miss this episode! Follow Taylor on Instagram: @taylorimanjones Follow the pod on Instagram: @ohmypoduguys Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

U Guys, Jon Patrick Walker is here! Jon made his professional stage debut at the age of eight, and has been a working actor for twenty-five years, appearing in film, television, and on-and off-Broadway. In 2006, Jon portrayed Bruce Springsteen in the Broadway rock musical, High Fidelity. The following year, Jon appeared in a workshop staging of a new Pete Townshend rock opera, The Boy Who Heard Music. In 2010, Jon made his debut at Carnegie Hall, portraying one of his primary musical heroes, John Lennon, in Alarm Will Sound’s 1969. In the fall of 2015, Jon worked with another musical hero, David Byrne, in a workshop production of Mr. Byrne’s Saint Joan. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

U Guys, current Nessarose in Wicked on Broadway, Jenna Bainbridge is here! First, I bring you all the latest Bway tea in the BroadwayWorld Recap. Then I’m joined by Jenna as she shares her journey as an actor and advocate for disability rights, highlighting her role as Nessarose in Wicked. She discusses the importance of authentic representation of disabled individuals in the arts, her personal experiences with disability, and how these experiences shape her performances. Jenna also reflects on her transition from sports to the performing arts, the challenges of navigating accessibility in New York, and her involvement in new Broadway shows like Suffs. We talk about the intricacies of representation in musical theater, particularly focusing on the importance of casting disabled actors in roles that reflect their identities. Jenna also touches on the creative process behind building new shows, and the challenges faced by marginalized individuals in the audition room. Jenna is so insightful and lovely, U don’t wanna miss this episode! Follow Jenna on Instagram: @bainbridgejenna Follow the pod on Instagram: @ohmypoduguys Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

U Guys, the Judy to my Babs, Thomas Doelger is here! This week's BroadwayWorld has your Bway updates, including a tribute to the late, great, William Finn. Then I am joined by one of my favorite people, current understudy for Elder Price in The Book of Mormon on Broadway, Thomas Doelger! A graduate with a BFA in Musical Theater from Emerson College, Thomas is a non-binary performer based in New York City. In this episode we talk about it all, from being a replacement in a long-running Broadway show, to our mutual love of Wicked. Thomas shares about their experience navigating the highs and lows of a career in the arts, and having a partner who is also a performer. Thomas shares about making their Broadway debut in The Book of Mormon, and we chat about our similar experiences as non-binary performers in a heavily gendered industry. Thomas is truly a gem, U don't wanna miss this episode! Follow Thomas on Instagram: @tdoelg Follow the pod on Instagram: @ohmypoduguys Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

U Guys, this week’s episode has all the latest Bway updates in my BroadwayWorld Recap! Then I am joined by the delightful Mikayla Renfrow to chat all about her amazing career. Fresh off of graduating with a BFA from CCM, Mikayla joined the Broadway company of Wicked in the role of Nessarose. Since then, she has gone on to cover the roles of Jasmine in Disney’s Aladdin, and Velma Kelly in Chicago The Musical. In this episode we talk about the ups and downs of navigating a blossoming career on Broadway, and what it means to use your individual voice and put your own stamp on things. Mikayla also shares some amazing stories about preparedness for last minute swing-ons, and how she stays grounded in the chaos. Mik is truly such a doll, U don’t wanna miss this episode!   Follow Mikayla on Instagram: @mikayla.renf Follow the pod on Instagram: @ohmypoduguys Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

U Guys, star of the stage and screen, and cast member of the upcoming Broadway musical Just In Time, Emily Bergl is here! Emily Bergl is a true Broadway vet, having done eight Broadway shows, from classic works like Cat On a Hot Tin Roof, to playing opposite Sean Hayes in the critically acclaimed play Good Night, Oscar as June Levant. In this episode, we dive into her amazing career, as she shares about her experience as an actor both on the Broadway stage and in front of the camera on shows like The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, Shameless, and Desperate Housewives. She touches on the importance of learning as you grow, and how her life has changed since becoming a mother. We talk about working alongside your idols, and how to cultivate longevity in a career in the arts. Emily is truly one of the best, U don’t wanna miss this episode! Follow Emily on Instagram: @emilybergl Follow the pod on Instagram: @ohmypoduguys Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

U Guys, current Elder Cunningham standby in Broadway's The Book of Mormon, Noah Marlowe is here! Noah started his professional career at age 10, playing the role of Michael Banks in the Broadway production of Disney's Mary Poppins. Now he is standing by for a principal role in one of Broadway's biggest hits. In this episode, we touch on everything from being a child actor, to swinging on mid-show for one of Broadway's biggest roles. Noah shares about his experience leaving a collegiate program early to make his Broadway debut, and what it means to navigate the current landscape while acting in a long running show. Noah is the sweetest, U don't wanna miss this episode! Follow Noah on Instagram: @noah.marlowe Follow the pod on Instagram: @ohmypoduguys Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

U Guys, after a brief hiatus, Oh My Pod is back with a bang! This week's BroadwayWorld Recap is overflowing with Bway news. Then I am joined by ten-time Broadway veteran, J.Elaine Marcos! From Priscilla, Queen of the Desert to Drag The Musical, J.Elaine has performed in every facet of the New York theater scene and beyond. In this hilarious episode, we talk all about the highs and lows of a lifelong career in Musical Theater, and how to navigate the inevitable ebbs and flows. We touch on J.Elaine's experience as a Filipino actress, and how her heritage has influenced her career in the theater. J.Elaine's resume includes some of the most iconic Broadway shows, from A Chorus Line to Annie, to Sweet Charity to Miss Saigon. With ten Broadway credits and regional/off-broadway credits to boot, I can confidently say J.Elaine knows what she's talking about. She is such a delight, U don't wanna miss this episode! Follow J.Elaine on Instagram: @jelainemarcos Follow the pod on Instagram: @ohmypoduguys Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

U Guys, Broadway veteran Tia Altinay is here! In this episode, five-time Broadway vet Tia Altinay shares about her incredible stage career in New York City and across the country in shows like Hamilton, Aladdin, and Chicago. We dive into what it means to be an artist in the current climate of the musical theater industry, as well as maintaining the stamina to be in a long-running Broadway show. Tia also shares about her experience having a partner working in a very different field, and the intersection of being a black and queer woman working in the arts. In addition to being in the original company of Aladdin on Broadway understudying the role of Jasmine, Tia has been seen on Broadway in A Christmas Story, Some Like It Hot, Mary Poppins, and is currently playing the role of Mona in Chicago The Musical. From overcoming injury to embracing herself, Tia shares about it all. She’s the best, U don’t wanna miss this episode! Follow Tia on Instagram: @tiaaltinay Follow the pod on Instagram: @ohmypoduguys Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices