Living the Dream with Rory O'Malley

Julia Murney (WICKED, WILD PARTY) is here to talk about her time as the Wicked Witch, how growing up in NYC in a family of actors gave her a very different perspective and what it means to be a woman in this business. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jacqui Polk (HAIRSPRAY, SPELLING BEE) found early success in her career on Broadway but found that she wanted to expand her dream and went to business school. Jacqui talks about how she found the courage to forge a new path and try something new. Her leap into a new realm paid off. She has worked for environmental causes, a U.S. senator, is currently a marketing executive for a large entertainment streaming service and about to become a mom! Jacqui thinks that her years on Broadway gave her an edge in the business world. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jennifer Simard (MEAN GIRLS, DISASTER) has made a name for herself on Broadway as one of the funniest musical comedians in the business since her early days in the company of FORBIDDEN BROADWAY. Jen shares the overwhelming feeling of being nominated for Tony for her work in DISASTER and the joy of sharing that moment with the friends and family who supported her along the way. This episode is sponsored by Goldstar! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Oak (HAMILTON, STATION 19) is best known for originating the roles of Hercules Mulligan and James Madison in HAMILTON on Broadway. Oak talks about his unlikely path to Broadway and what it was like to be at the epicenter of the biggest hit on Broadway in a generation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Josh Lamon (THE PROM, GROUNDHOG DAY) has a very unique path to Broadway. He didn’t like school so he left college early and wound up getting his equity card in a very “creative” way. Josh is one of the funniest actors on Broadway. Onstage and off. His years of regional theater and lab work on new musicals prepared him for his current new venture as writer for his new show BLOODY BLODDY JESSICA FLETCHER.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Donna Lynne (CRAZY EX-GIRLFRIEND, HOLLYWOOD ARMS) talks with Rory about the difference between singing on Broadway and singing on TV, raising a child while maintaining an acting career, and her time working on a new Broadway show with the legendary Carol Burnett. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jared Gertner (MORMON, SPELLING BEE) is an Olivier nominee for his portrayal of Elder Cunningham in the West End production of THE BOOK OF MORMON. Jared has had the dream of being on Broadway since he was three and his parents took him to CATS. His determination led him to graduate from NYU Drama School, participate in regional theater all across the country, and move to Los Angeles to pursue TV and Film after making a name for himself on Broadway. Jared has accomplished a lot in his career, but his priority is his husband and son, so he talks about making decisions that are best for the entire family. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

George Salazar (BE MORE CHILL, GODSPELL) is one of the most grateful, lovely and charming folks to have been on living the dream. He just finished a run off Broadway in the phenomenon BE MORE CHILL which will open on Broadway in the spring. It’s a very exciting time for George who has worked hard for years to have a moment like this. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Lesli Margherita (MATILDA, ZORRO) is an Olivier Award winner who took Broadway by storm in her star making performance as Mrs. Wormwood in MATILDA. She is a triple threat and that includes being seen in recent TV dramas like HOMELAND and 7 SECONDS. Lesli had a steady climb to her success in NYC which has given her a unique perspective and gratitude. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Carly Hughes (AMERICAN HOUSEWIFE, PIPPIN, CHICAGO) made her way from regional theater to understudying on Broadway to literally being the “Lead Player” in PIPPIN. Her extensive broadway credits led her to her current gig as a series regular on ABC’s AMERICAN HOUSEWIFE where she has learned a new language from working on a set. Carly has navigated her way through the unique challenges this business presents to woman of color with grace and has maintained a positive and sunny attitude throughout. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jason Michael Snow (THE BOOK OF MORMON, SOUTH PACIFIC) is an actor, composer, writer, and very funny human being. Jason has excelled in all of these areas because he learned early on that you have to make your own opportunities. Jason walks us through the daily routines that keep him grounded, how he uses humor to deal with rejection, and his thoughts on social media.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Kirsten Wyatt (ANNIE, GREASE) refers to herself as “Blue Collar Broadway.” A veteran of many shows and an elected member of Actor’s Equity council, Kirsten is extremely active in the community and a positive leader. Rory and Kirsten talk about their work with #BeltTheVote and why having a foundation outside of your career is so important. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ilana Levine is the host of the podcast LITTLE KNOWN FACTS and has appeared on Broadway in YOU'RE A GOOD MAN, CHARLIE BROWN, JAKE'S WOMEN, and THE LAST NIGHT OF BALLYHOO. Ilana and Rory talk about there mutual love of podcasting and why they do it. You can find Ilana's podcast at http://www.littleknownfactspodcast.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Eric Anderson (PRETTY WOMAN, WAITRESS, KINKY BOOTS) and Jessica Rush (JERSEY BOYS, GYPSY, SUMMER) are a hard-working Broadway couple who have to balance 8 shows a week with raising a kid. They are continually adjusting and learing the best way to pick up their child from school, make that audition, and sing at that benefit. They are incredibly talented and generous. Jessica has started an group called Broadway Baby Mommas that offers help and a place to talk for moms who are pursuing theatre. They are an beautiful couple with a lot of wisdom on what it takes to maintain a life while doing the Broadway grind. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Andy Karl (ROCKY, GROUNDHOG DAY, PRETTY WOMAN) has been the leading man in a musical on Broadway in nearly every season for the last decade. He is known for his talent, dedication to the work, and great sense of humor. Andy and Rory go way back to working on HAPPY DAYS THE MUSICAL for the late great Garry Marshall, who co-wrote Andy's current hit show PRETTY WOMAN. Andy discusses the joy of getting to do what you love at a dinner theater and the agony of getting a closing notice when you are on Broadway. There is also a surprise guest appearance by his wife and co-star Orfeh. They talk about the upside to working together on an 8 show a week schedule. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Beth Crosby (Dr. Ken, Speechless, Life in Pieces) is an alum of The Groundlings, has appeared on many TV shows and in several national commercials. Beth and Rory share stories from their days waitng on tables together at a restaurant during their eary post college days in LA. Beth talks about how her dream grew from soley being about Broadway to working in comedy, the challenges and rewards of being a mom while pursuing an acting career, and her thoughts on the Geoffrey Owens discussion about working side jobs while "living your dream." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Kevin (DAYS OF OUR LIVES, AFTER FOREVER) has participated in every aspect of show business. From touring as a chorus boy to standing by for Hugh Jackman on Broadway. From starring in soap operas on daytime to producing his own internet series AFTER FOREVER- Kevin has maintained a diverse career on both coasts while navigating the difficult task of coming out of the closet professionally, at a time it wasn't so easy. He has an incredible story and his new series is a wonderful accomplishment. You can check out AFTER FOREVER on AMAZON Prime - http://a.co/iVK8H4z or on the website www.afterforevertheseries.com  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Legendary producer Craig Zadan unexpectedly passed away this week, so we are replaying his recent episode in honor of his life and great career. We are lukcy to have heard so many great stories here on this podcast. He was passionate, kind and inspired us all. Craig's work will live on forever. Our condolences to his friends and family. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Asmeret (DREAMGIRLS, THE BOOK OF MORMON, LEGALLY BLONDE) is currently starring in DREAMGIRLS on the West End after performing on Broadway ensembles of numerous shows. She got her fierce work ethic and drive to succeed from her immigrant parents and her early days of dance competition in Pittsburgh. Asmeret's story is unique and shows what hard work, perseverance, and the right attitude can do. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Marc Tumminelli is the founder and director of www.broadwayworkshop.com, a school for high school and middle school performers who love Broadway. Marc started as an actor, but after years of working and a few really heart breaking experiences, he decided to start his own school in NYC. Marc has wonderful insights for actors who want to teach, kids who want to perform, and parents who have kids who have been bit by the theater bug! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices