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    Stages Podcast

    Stages Podcast connects with creatives, innovators and healers and go beyond the resume and beneath the surface of a creative life. Co-hosts Stephanie J. Block and Marylee Fairbanks bring together their friends and colleagues, from Broadway, TV and film and have down to earth conversations that you won't hear anywhere else. We share the roadblocks, choices, mistakes and successes that lead to new avenues of expression and connection. Love where you are now.
    en87 Episodes

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    Episodes (87)

    Two Things with Tom Broecker

    Two Things with Tom Broecker
    Tom Broecker has helped bring your favorite sketch comedy characters to life for nearly 30 years, as an Emmy Award-winning costume designer for Saturday Night Live. He has also designed for hit TV series like Showtime's "The Big C," NBC's "30 Rock," HBO's "The Comeback," "House of Cards" on Netflix, the Mean Girls movie and more. 
    In this episode, he discusses how his love for the rehearsal process led him to costume design, the power of being present and going with the flow during a live TV show, and the costume reflects the emotional state of a character. 
     

    Leslie of The Lake with Leslie Rodriguez Kritzer

    Leslie of The Lake with Leslie Rodriguez Kritzer
    Leslie Rodriguez Kritzer dazzles with an illustrious career on Broadway and beyond, originating roles in hit shows like BEETLEJUICE, SOMETHING ROTTEN!, ELF, and A CATERED AFFAIR. She is also known for her work in LEGALLY BLONDE, HAIRSPRAY, and her currently show-stopping performance as "The Lady of the Lake" in the Broadway revival of Monty Python's SPAMALOT.
     
    In this episode, Leslie discusses finding the freedom in loss, recreating an iconic role in her own way, and keeping up with cast text threads for 20 years.
     

    S4E3: Deconstructing Seth with Seth Rudetsky

    S4E3: Deconstructing Seth with Seth Rudetsky

    Seth Rudetsky is a beloved Broadway music director, writer, and host of "Seth's Big Fat Broadway" and "Seth Speaks" on SiriusXM, where he gets to showcase his vault of musical theater knowledge. He and his husband, James Wesley Jackson, raised millions of dollars, with their live virtual show "Stars in the House," to support the theatre industry during the pandemic shutdown. In this episode, he discusses how he fell in love with musicals, the power of persistence, and the experience of playing the opening notes of RAGTIME with no rehearsal.

    Seth Rudetsky

    The Actors Community Fund

    Support the show: http://www.stagespodcast.net

     

    S4E1: A New Season with Stephanie J. Block & Marylee Fairbanks

    S4E1: A New Season with Stephanie J. Block & Marylee Fairbanks

    For the Season 4, Stephanie and Marylee discuss their visions and vibes for 2024. They dive into their lifelong fandom for Barbra Streisand, share their favorite books of the year and play a guessing game to discover the meaning of new words.

    Stephanie's Concerts

    Marylee's book reading workshop at Illume

    A Hole In The Wall Gang Camp

    Support the show: http://www.stagespodcast.net

     

    S3E27: Christmas on the Prairie with Alison Arngrim & Dean Butler

    S3E27: Christmas on the Prairie with Alison Arngrim & Dean Butler

    For the final episode of 2023, Marylee gifts Stephanie a surprise visit from "Little House on the Prairie" stars Alison Arngrim ("Nellie Oleson") and Dean Butler ("Almanzo Wilder"). Alison and Dean share behind-the-scenes stories from set, why they feel the show has withstood the test of time, and gush over Michael Landon's signature chin quiver. 

    Little House Festival

    Confessions of a Prairie Bitch by Alison Arngrim

    Prairie Man by Dean Butler

    Protect.org

    Support the show: http://www.stagespodcast.net

     

    S3E26: Clever and Curious with Alli Mauzey

    S3E26: Clever and Curious with Alli Mauzey

    Alli Mauzey is an acclaimed actress and singer known for her outstanding performances on Broadway. She starred as Glinda in WICKED, and HELLO DOLLY! with Bette Midler. She originated the role of "Lenora" in CRY-BABY, and is currently starring as "Pattie" in the Tony Award-winning KIMBERLY AKIMBO.

    In this episode, Alli discusses the joys and challenges of playing a "messy" character, early days of waiting tables at Tibbies Music Hall, and her adventures in raising monarch butterflies. 

    Kimberly Akimbo

    How to save Monarch Butterflies

    Eticket podcast

    Support the show: http://www.stagespodcast.net

     

    S3E25: Acceptance & Surrender with Eden Espinosa

    S3E25: Acceptance & Surrender with Eden Espinosa

    Eden Espinosa is an Emmy-nominated voice actor. She has performed on Broadway in the roles of Elphaba in WICKED, Maureen in RENT, and the title role in BROOKLYN. She portrayed Trina in the national tour of FALSETTOS and I currently starring in Lincoln Center Theater's THE GARDENS OF ANUNCIA. She will lead the new musical LEMPICKA on Broadway this spring.

    In this episode, Eden discusses the power of multi-generational storytelling, the tight-knit bond of her FALSETTOS family, and how a practice of surrender has opened her life to new possibilities.

    Eden Espinosa

    William Esper Acting Studio

    Limpicka

    Support the show: http://www.stagespodcast.net

     

    S3E24: Shiny with Cheyenne Jackson

    S3E24: Shiny with Cheyenne Jackson

    "Cheyenne Jackson is a beloved leading man of stage and screen, known for his work on and off Broadway in XANADU, FINIAN'S RAINBOW, THOROUGHLY MODERN MILLIE, THE SECRET GARDEN, AIDA, ALL SHOOK UP, DAMN YANKEES and INTO THE WOODS. On screen, he starred in hit shows like 30 Rock, Glee and American Horror Story and in the Academy Award-nominated United 93.  
    In this episode, Cheyenne recounts his high school days in rural Idaho, the magical experience of his kids seeing him perform on Broadway for the first time, and  he and Stephanie share their love of Little House on the Prairie.


    Livin' on a Prairie

    Stages Podcast Merch

    Support the show: http://www.stagespodcast.net

     

    S3E23: Full of Shiz with Quincy Brown & Kevin Bianchi

    S3E23: Full of Shiz with Quincy Brown & Kevin Bianchi

    Quincy Brown and Kevin Bianchi started Sentimental Men Podcast three years ago out of the love (and their obsession) over WICKED. They started out as two friends bantering and bickering about theater during the shutdown and have ended up with a hit podcast on Theatrely.

    In this episode, they join their favorite Elphaba, for the 20th anniversary of WICKED, go behind-the-scenes of the early days of rehearsals, talk about how their friendship began, and the insecurities and sentimentalities that connect us all -- as theater lovers and human beings. 

    Sentimental Men

    A Scare is Born Polish

    People Magazine Wicked 20th

    Support the show: http://www.stagespodcast.net

     

    S3E22: The Make-up of Joe Dulude with Joe Dulude

    S3E22: The Make-up of Joe Dulude with Joe Dulude

    Joe Dulude is an award-winning make up designer and drag artist. His work includes WICKED, BEETLEJUICE, MATILDA, SPONGEBOB: THE MUSICAL, MJ: THE MUSICAL and many more. In this episode, Joe shares how nature inspires new ideas for colors, shapes and textures. He explains how he helps create a character from face chart on paper through completion on and actor's face, how his mentorship work brings new designers and artists to Broadway, and he and Stephanie reminisce on his record-making 7-minute "Elphaba" make-up application.

    Joe Dulude

    Application of" Elpheba" makeup

    Support the show: http://www.stagespodcast.net

     

    S3E21: Fully Expressed with Leslie Odom Jr.

    S3E21: Fully Expressed with Leslie Odom Jr.

    Leslie Odom Jr. is a Tony and Grammy Award-winning actor & singer. He shot to stardom in HAMILTON in the role of Arron Burr and is now on Broadway in PURLIE VICTORIOUS.

    In this episode, Leslie discusses his experience bringing PURLIE VICTORIOUS back to Broadway as an actor and in his new role as producer. He shares how he trusts his gut in making decisions, the importance of re-connecting with himself to start each day, and the power of different narrators telling stories of American history.

    Purlie Victorious

    Leslie Odom Jr.

    Lay My Burden Down Documentary

    Support the show: http://www.stagespodcast.net

     

    S3E20: The Immersion of Arielle with Arielle Jacobs

    S3E20: The Immersion of Arielle with Arielle Jacobs

    Arielle Jacobs stars as Imelda Marcos in HERE LIES LOVE. She made her Broadway debut in IN THE HEIGHTS as Nina Rosario. She was starred on Broadway in Disney's ALADDIN, and WICKED. She starred Off-Broadway in BETWEEN THE LINES, and the world premiers of SOTTO VOCE and FARHAD OR THE SECRET OF BEING.

    In this episode, Arielle discusses the pride she feels telling the story of HERE LIES LOVE with an all Filipino cast. She shares how her parents supported her and her brother, Adam Jacobs, on their paths to Broadway, and why she is a California girl at heart.

     

    Arielle Jacobs

    Broadway Pup

    Half Moon Bay Pumpkin Fest

    Support the show: http://www.stagespodcast.net

     

    S3E19: A Full Disco Ball with Sammi Cannold

    S3E19: A Full Disco Ball with Sammi Cannold

    Sammi Cannold is a theater director and Documentary Producer. She directed EVITA at New York City Center and A.R.T, RAGTIME at Ellis Island, and SUNSET BOULEVARD at the Kennedy Center.

    In this episode, Sammi shares how attending the memorial for the late Hal Prince led her to the opportunity to direct her upcoming Broadway debut HOW TO DANCE IN OHIO. She shares her views on agism in the theater industry and how understanding the world and the cultures creates a stronger artist.

    LINKS:

    HOW TO DANCE IN OHIO

    Ted X Talk

    Human First Coalition

    Support the show: http://www.stagespodcast.net

     

    S3E18: Faith-isms with Faith Prince

    S3E18: Faith-isms with Faith Prince

    Faith Prince won a Tony for her outstanding performance as Adelaide in GUYS AND DOLLS. She also starred on Broadway in THE KING AND I, JEROME ROBBINS' BROADWAY, BELLS ARE RINGING, and A CATERED AFFAIR.

    In this episode, Faith reminisces about her work in music therapy and how it led her to the theater. She tells us why she moved her family and career to Los Angeles and she shares how she has learned to trust her instincts and open herself to healing and great joy through her work as a teacher.

    LINKS

    Faith Prince

    Kristin Chenoweth Broadway Bootcamp

    From Strength to Strength

    Support the show: http://www.stagespodcast.net

     

    S3E17: Reimagined with Lillias White

    S3E17: Reimagined with Lillias White

    Lillias White has performed on Broadway for four decades. Her shows include DREAMGIRLS, ONCE ON THIS ISLAND, CHICAGO and her Tony Award-winning performance in THE LIFE. She is currently starring in HADESTOWN as "Hermes". In this episode, Lillias discusses how she makes the role of "Hermes" in HADESTOWN uniquely her own. She shares her experience starting out on Broadway as a single mom, her fond memories of working with legendary composer Cy Coleman, and how trusting her instincts has guided her in life and on stage.

    HADESTOWN TICKETS

    Lillias at the Tony Awards

    GET YOURSELF SOME HAPPY

    Support the show: http://www.stagespodcast.net

     

    S3E16: Big Feelings with Jessie Mueller

    S3E16: Big Feelings with Jessie Mueller

    Jessie Mueller has starred on Broadway in WAITRESS, THE MYSTERY OF EDWIN DROOD, CAROUSEL, ON A CLEAR DAY YOU CAN SEE FOREVER and won a Tony Award for her work in BEAUTIFUL:THE CAROLE KING MUSICAL.

    In this episode, Jessie discusses her venture into songwriting and how it makes her feel more vulnerable than acting. She shares her experience growing up in a family of professional actors and the importance of empathy in storytelling.

     

    LINKS:

    VOTE FOR STAGES PODCAST

    The Four Agreements

    Neuro Gum Stages Listeners

    Strip Make for Stages Listeners

    Support the show: http://www.stagespodcast.net

     

    S3E15: New York Capable with Nikki Renée Daniels -

    S3E15: New York Capable with Nikki Renée Daniels -

    Nikki Renée Daniels has been in ten Broadway Shows including COMPANY, THE BOOK OF MORMON, THE GERSHWINS' PORGY AND BESS, ANYTHING GOES & LES MISERABLES. She starred in the role of Angelica Scuyler in the Chicago company of HAMILTON.

    In this episode, Nikki discusses her experience as the first black actor to play the role of "Bobbie" in the Broadway revival of Stephen Sondheim's COMPANY. She shares how she decided to pursue musical theater over opera as a Soprano and the joys and challenges she finds in raising her daughters in New York City.

    VOTE FOR STAGES IN PEOPLES CHOICE AWARDS

    Nikki Renee Daniels

    Neuro Gum Stages Listeners

    Strip Make for Stages Listeners

    Support the show: http://www.stagespodcast.net

     

    S3E14: Perfect Pitch(er) with Derek Klena

    S3E14: Perfect Pitch(er) with Derek Klena

    Derek Klena earned a Tony Award nomination for originating the role of "Nick Heally" in Alanis Morissette's Broadway musical JAGGED LITTLE PILL. He has preformed on Broadway in ANASTASIA and is currently in MOULIN ROUGE! THE MUSICAL.

    In this episode, Derek shares the exhilaration and challenges of a semi-immersive performance portraying "Christian" in MOULIN ROUGE! THE MUSICAL. He shares memories of his American Idol audition and running between baseball games and theater rehearsals as a child, and how his perspective has changed since becoming a father.

    PEOPLE CHOICE PODCAST AWARDS! 

    Moulin Rouge Tickets

    Improvised Shakespeare

    Neuro Gum Stages Listeners

    Strip Make for Stages Listeners

    Support the show: http://www.stagespodcast.net

     

    S3E13: Infuse The Weirdness with John Cariani

    S3E13: Infuse The Weirdness with John Cariani

    John Cariani is a playwright and Tony-nominated actor and has been seen on Broadway in The Band's Visit, Something Rotten!, and Fiddler On The Roof. In this episode, John discusses why weirdness is imperative to creating a compelling story. He shares his challenge with stage fright while on Broadway in The Band's Visit, his fun facts about his home state of Maine, and how a self-proclaimed "shy person" finds his voice through performing.

    Neuro Gum for 20% off
    Strip Makeup for 25% off
    RAGTIME at Tanglewood tickets
    Astrotourism
    Mount Katahdin Hike

    Support the show: http://www.stagespodcast.net