Stages Podcast

Marc Shaiman is an Emmy, Tony, and Grammy Award-winning composer and lyricist for his decades of work on stage and screen, including beloved Broadway hits HAIRSPRAY, SOME LIKE IT HOT, SMASH and acclaimed films When Harry Met Sally, The First Wives Club, Sister Act, Beaches, Sleepless in Seattle, Hocus Pocus, and many more. In this episode, Marc shares stories from his memoir, Never Mind the Happy: Showbiz Stories from a Sore Winner, and discusses the power of believing in yourself, showing up, and saying "yes."   Order Marc's book The Sweeney Sisters View Stages Podcast on YouTube    

Kelly Cervantes is an award-winning author, sharing her personal experiences with grief. Her debut book, Normal Broken: The Grief Companion for When It's Time to Heal But You're Not Sure You Want To, is a USA Today best-seller. Her new memoir, The Luckiest: A Memoir of Love, Loss, Motherhood, and the Pursuit of Self, is available now. In this episode, Kelly discusses healing through remembering her loss, reshaping "everything happens for a reason" into making a reason, and finding gratitude in growing and evolving.    Kelly's Book Cure Epilepsy.org Michael in Hamilton View epison on Stages on YOUTUBE      

Happy Holidays to all our listeners!   Stephanie and Marylee are moving to YouTube!  Starting in Season Six, Stages Podcast will release full episodes (and maybe even some past episodes!). You'll still be able to find us whereever you get your podcasts but now you can watch full episodes! Please head over and subscribe to the channel and share with all your friends!  Thank you all for the support and joy that you bring to all of us at Stages Podcast.  We look forward to another season! Love, Stephanie & Marylee Follow us on YouTube  

Jeff Hiller is a recent Emmy Award winner for his heartwarming performance as "Joel Anderson" on HBO's Somebody, Somewhere. Jeff has graced both the stage and screen in shows like American Horror Story: NYC, Crazy Ex-Girlfriend, and 30 Rock, and recently on stage in New York City Center's Encores! production of Urinetown. His new memoir, Actress of a Certain Age, is a humorous collection of autobiographical essays about an aspiring actor climbing his way to Hollywood. In this episode, Jeff shares how empathy folds into his storytelling, working through imposter syndrome, and the challenges he faced when writing a book, as a performer. Actress of a Certain Age Jeff's Emmy Speech Brooke Shields Documentary Pretty Baby

Dr. Martha Beck is a Harvard-trained sociologist, world-renowned coach on harvesting creativity and finding purpose, and New York Times best-selling author across her dozens of books, including The Way of Integrity: Finding the Path to Your True Self, Finding Your Own North Star, and her newest release, Beyond Anxiety: Curiosity, Creativity, and Finding Your Life's Purpose.  In this episode, Dr. Beck shares how to practice patience in consciousness, the power in both compassionate self-talk and being a compassionate witness, and how creativity works as a tool for anxiety. Dr. Martha Beck Stages Podcast YouTube Join the mailing list  

Dr. Jill Bolte Taylor is a Harvard-trained neuroscientist and New York Times best-selling author, who began to develop her concept of "whole brain living" after experiencing a severe hemorrhage in the left hemisphere of her brain. She has written several books on her experience and learnings, including My Stroke of Insight and her latest work, Whole Brain Living: The Anatomy of Choice and the Four Characters That Drive Our Life. Dr. Taylors Ted Talk was the first talk to go viral.  In it she describes her stroke and the life lessons that it gifted. In this episode, Dr. Jill shares how our brain creates a perception of reality, the ways to tap into all of its "characters," and why it's healthy to do weird things every day. Ted Talk Dr. Jill The Master and The Emissary by Iain McGilchrist

Andrew Durand has received a Tony Award nomination for his standout performance in DEAD OUTLAW.  He plays the title role of Elmer McCurdy in this brilliant, dark musical comedy about a mummified corpse. The show is nominated for 7 Tony Awards including Best New Musical. Andrew's Broadway credits include HEAD OVER HEELS, SHUCKED, INK, WAR HORSE and SPRING AWAKENING. He performed in the West End in THE UMBRELLAS OF CHERBOURG and Off-Broadway in THE ROBBER BRIDEGROOM, GIGANTIC, LOVE'S LABOUR'S LOST, THE WILD BRIDE, & THE BURNT PART BOYS.  In this episode, Andrew talks about the meditative process he undertakes to stand perfectly still for 45 minutes during the show, his years working in England in experimental theater and how his instincts have led him to unique shows.  DEAD OUTLAW tickets GOOD NIGHT AND GOOD LUCK Live PBS KISS ME KATE The Tony Awards

Jasmine Amy Rogers is an Outer Critics Circle Award Winner and Tony Award Nominee for her Broadway debut as "Betty Boop" in BOOP! The Musical, directed by Jerry Mitchell. She has also graced the stage across the country as "Anita" in JELLY'S LAST JAM at Pasadena Playhouse, in the National Tour of MEAN GIRLS, as "Melody Green" in THE WANDERER at Papermill Playhouse, and in the world premiere of BECOMING NANCY at Alliance Theatre. In this episode, Jasmine shares her childhood moment that revealed she wanted to be a performer, why she trusts the universal plan, and how auditioning for BOOP! taught her how to stand up for herself in her career.  Boop! Tickets William Finns Falsettos Join Stages Mailing list

Adrienne Warren is currently starring as "Cathy Hiatt," opposite Nick Jonas, in the highly anticipated Broadway debut of THE LAST FIVE YEARS. She received a Tony Award for her performance as "Tina Turner" in TINA, THE TINA TURNER MUSICAL, after originating the role in the West End. Her additional Broadway credits include SHUFFLE ALONG, BRING IT ON: THE MUSICAL, THE WIZ, and DREAMGIRLS. She has also starred on TV and film in Hulu's BLACK CAKE, Sony Pictures' THE WOMAN KING, and ABC's WOMEN OF THE MOVEMENT, where she starred as Mamie Till-Mobley. Adrienne is also dedicated to building a more equitable society through arts and storytelling, as a Co-Founder of Broadway Advocacy Coalition (BAC), which won an honorary Tony Award in 2021. In this episode, Adrienne shares how she gets to use every part of her voice in "Cathy," the ways she will always be connected to Tina Turner, and her belief that nothing happens in life before you are ready for it. The Last Five Years Broadway Advocacy Coalition Tina's Chant Album Check out Stages Podcast YouTube

Jonathan Groff is a Tony and Grammy Award-winning actor, who is beloved on Broadway and beyond. He is known on stage for his acclaimed performances in MERRILY WE ROLL ALONG, HAMILTON, and SPRING AWAKENING, as well as for his roles on TV and in film, including Glee, Looking and the Frozen franchise. Jonathan returns to Broadway as "Bobby Darin" in the new musical JUST IN TIME. In this episode, Jonathan shares what it felt like performing to empty houses before SPRING AWAKENING became a massive hit, transforming into a musical icon on-stage as Bobby Darin, and getting comfortable with failure on the path to growth.  Just In TIme Intimacy Idiot Broadway Impact Stages Podcast YouTube

Gabrielle Nevaeh will make her Broadway debut in the highly-anticipated STRANGER THINGS: THE FIRST SHADOW. She is an Emmy-nominated actress who has graced the small screen throughout her teen years, starring in many hit shows, including Nickelodeon's "The Girl Lay Lay" and the revival of the sketch comedy show "All That." Gabrielle is also a singer, producer and clothing designer focused on sustainable fashion. In this episode, Gabrielle shares why being on Broadway is an childhood dream she never thought could come true, how comedy helped her outgrow her shy nature, and what the teamwork of live theater has taught her about acting. Stranger Things: The First Shadow  Join Stages Podcast Cast! PBS Stories From The Stage: Marylee Fairbanks

Nathan Lee Graham has illuminated stage and screen for decades. On Broadway, he performed in THE WILD PARTY and PRISCILLA, QUEEN OF THE DESERT. He is known for his roles on screen in the Zoolander movies, Sweet Home Alabama, Hitch, Theater Camp, and currently in Hulu's Mid-Century Modern alongside Nathan Lane, Matt Bomer, and the late Linda Lavin. In this episode, Nathan shares how powerful women have guided him, learning to perform for a multi-camera sitcom, and why he focuses on always moving forward in life while protecting his inner circle carefully. Mid-Century Modern on Hulu Jim Caruso's Cast Party The Telepathy Tapes 

  Season Five of Stages Podcast starts with a question and answer episode. We're joined by a fantastic group of Thespians, all connected through their work with the Educational Theatre Foundation. ETF is the philanthropic arm of the Educational Theatre Association, and home to the International Thespian Society. In this episode, Cristiana, Marsae, Layla, Kenna, McKenzie & Lolly join Marylee and Stephanie to ask questions about working in the theater.  Educational Theatre Foundation   Join Stages Podcast Maiing list The Artists Way Better Help Thank you FeedSpot for voting Stages one of the top Broadway Podcasts

James Monroe Iglehart is a Tony Award-winning actor of stage and screen, currently co-directing and starring as Louis Armstrong in the Broadway musical A Wonderful World. You know him from Broadway hits Aladdin (Genie), Spamalot (King Arthur), Hamilton (Marquis de Lafayette/Thomas Jefferson), Chicago(Billy Flynn), and Freestyle Love Supreme. Iglehart's television and film credits include recurring roles in "The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel," "Maniac," "Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt",  "At Home with Amy Sedaris," "Girls5eva," and the feature film "Disenchanted." He has also voiced numerous characters for animated shows including "Hazbin Hotel," "Rapunzel's Tangled Adventures," "DuckTales," and "SuperKitties." In this episode, James shares his love for "the godfather of jazz", meeting his wife in show choir at the age of 16, and his nerdy love of comic books and his own books for Marvel Comics. Wonderful World Tickets Lil Harden James' Marvel comics

Marla Mindelle  is criminally deranged for writing and starring in her second musical, THE BIG GAY JAMBOREE. She co-created and starred as Céline Dion in the hit Off-Broadway show TITANIQUE, which won her the 2023 Lucille Lortel Award and Obie award. On Broadway she perfomed in SISTER ACT (Sister Mary Robert, Outer Circle Critics Nomination), Stepsister Gabrielle in CINDERELLA and SOUTH PACIFIC. Marla starred as Olivia in the Emmy- nominated series, "Special" (Netflix).  In this episode, Marla talks about her surprise and delight of being back on stage in New York and how resiliency and humor are the corner stones of success. She candidly shares her ongoing challenges with tinnitus, and how it has affected her as a performer. Marla Mindelle Tickets Big Gay Jamboree Tickets Titanique Join Stages Podcast Cast

Julie Halston is one of New York's busiest actresses and was the recipient of the 2021 Isabelle Stevenson Tony Award for her advocacy on behalf of The Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation. Her Broadway credits are numerous, including Tootsie, Hairspray, Gypsy, Anything Goes, and The Twentieth Century. She received the Richard Seff Award for her acclaimed performance in You Can't Take it with You and has garnered four Drama Desk nominations for her Broadway and off-Broadway work. Miss Halston was a founding member of Charles Busch's legendary theatre company and co-starred with Mr. Busch in many productions including TheDivine Sister, Red Scare on Sunset and The Lady in Question. They starred together in the independent feature film, The Sixth Reel. In addition, Miss Halston recently completed the independent feature films, Intermedium and Simchas and Sorrows and Chosen Family with Heather Graham. Television credits include a recurring role on the latest "Gossip Girl", guest roles on "The Good Fight", "Almost Family" and "Divorce". In addition, she has reprised her role of the popular character , Bitsy Von Muffling on the Sex and The City reboot, "And Just Like That" on MAX. Miss Halston's web series, Virtual Halston was a pandemic hit with over 40 YOUTUBE. In this episode, Julie shares rehearsal room stories ranging from terrible to beautiful, her start as an actress and thoughts on living to the fullest.  Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation Julie Halstoon Youtube Series OUR TOWN Tickets Tickets to see Marylee in Stories From The Stage with PBS Boston

Tony Award winner Joanna Gleason (Into the Woods, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels) and actor and fellow podcaster Chris Sarandon (The Princess Bride, Fright Night, The Nightmare Before Christmas) join us for our Season 4 return! They discuss their favorite dinner conversations on Chris' "Cooking By Heart" podcast, growing into multi-hyphenate performers as a married couple and individual artists, and building family on-set in Joanna's newest venture as the writer and director of her new film, The Grotto. Cooking By Heart The Grotto The Stay Gold Project Stephanie in concert Stories From The Stage PBS

It's Summertime! In this episode, Stephanie and Marylee take a moment to connect and reflect before the Summer break, discussing their Tony Awards experiences -- now both as winners!; why cultural and societal expectations change between generations, how they each found a sense of belonging in the theater community and unique birthday celebrations. See you in the September! Kiss Me Kate Birdland Support Stages Podcast

Emmy-nominated actor John Stamos is a favorite of stage and screen, known widely for his work on hit shows like "General Hospital, "ER, "Full House," and the sequel on Netflix, "Fuller House." He has also starred on Broadway in HOW TO SUCCEED IN BUSINESS WITHOUT REALLY TRYING, CABARET, NINE, and BYE BYE BIRDIE, and is beloved for his musical collaboration over the years with The Beach Boys. His memoir, If You Would Have Told Me, is a universal story about love, loss, and the courage to embrace love once more.  In this episode, John shares the ways writing a book forces you to reflect on your life, how his son watching "Uncle Jesse" helped him understand the "Full House" impact, and why he always asks for help in rehearsal rooms.    If You Would Have Told Me   John in Cabaret tickets to Kiss Me Kate Tickets to Birdland  concert

Ryan J. Haddad is an actor, playwright, and autobiographical performer known for his on stage and off. His acclaimed solo play, HI, ARE YOU SINGLE?, premiered at The Public Theater's Under the Radar Festival, and he continued his career with The Public, making his off-Broadway debut as a playwright and performer with his autobiographical DARK DISABLED STORIES, which was named a New York Times Critic's Pick. His latest work, HOLD ME IN THE WATER, was recently announced for the Spring 2025 season at Playwrights Horizons.   In this episode, Ryan shares how he transforms his personal essays into plays, the importance of taking up space, and getting creative about accessibility in live theater.   Ryan Haddad   Playwrights Horizons   Dictionary of Obscure Sorrows