RD: There's a lot of things you can be.
JS: And it's a wonderful organization. And It's oddly a very large problem in the city of New York. And Ali Forney is really stepping up to the plate to do something about it. And it's really a great thing.
RD: Yeah. And you're listeners all over the country can visit our website at MrBroadway.org and there's a link to the Ali Forney Center there and they can read all about the organization and how they can help out. It's a global problem. But it's a big problem in cities like New York, and LA, and San Francisco. Because people come here because they don't haven anywhere else to go, and they figure," I'll just go to New York".
JS: It's easier to be homeless in New York than in Bismarck, North Dakota. It is. That's what it would seem. So It's where they come.
BB: I always encourage our listeners; they can donate online as well?
RD: Absolutely. There's a link on the website there and they can donate online, and they can read about the programs that are offered.
JS: Totally. It's a great organization.
BB: Now you've also brought 3 of your contestants in to plead to our audience, and then after that they're going to sing a number for us?
RD: Precisely. There's a new song by Eric Svejcar which is sort of a jingle to MR. Broadway that we're going to debut today.
JS: We have a couple original songs in the show. We have songs by Eric Svejcar. Eric is from Jacques Brel . He was the musical director for that. Lisa Lambert who won they Tony award last year for The Drowsy Chaperone is writing a song with Glen Kelly who is a terrific song writer and arranger. And also Sean McDaniel and Ben Cohn who are 2 wonderful guys writing a song. They're both Broadway pit players and are writing some shows, and are currently writing the Tammy Faye Bakker musical with us. So they're really great. So there's a bunch of fun original songs. And the guys are singing songs for their talents, a few of them. Some of them are doing special talents. Varied things. We've encouraged somebody to breathe fire.
RD: But no one's jumped on that yet. We encourage if any of the contestants are listening right now if you can learn to breathe fire or swallow swords within the next 2 weeks, you're probably going to win Mr. Broadway.
JD: From what I hear, Judge Seth Rudetsky enjoys a little fire breathing. So it's going to be a lot of fun.
BB: Alright. So should we hear from our contestants?
RD: Absolutely. Let's ask them some questions.
BB: Mr. Broadway, Contestant #1, please introduce yourself.
Paul McGill :Hi. I am Paul McGill I am from A Chorus Line.
BB: And Paul, if you could change one thing in the world, what would it be?
PM: This sounds a little pagenty but I would change world peace. I think that we have the power as humans to change that and I think we're on our way.
BB: And if you were a tree, what kind of tree would you be?
PM: One with Strong Christian roots. (laughs) No, I would be a sassafras tree because, growing up I had a sassafras tree outside of my house. I always had to rake the leaves and it smelled so good. That's why.
BB: And If you are voted Mr. Broadway, what will be your first change?
PM: I don't know if I really want to change anything. As Mr. Broadway I want to be able to go into the community, the Ali Forney center, Broadway cares, and outside of Broadway, to represent Broadway to other people, to be the best representative of Broadway that I can be.
BB: In reference to a circle, what is pi?
PM: 3.14, right? Repeating? 3.14 repeating.
BB: Contestant #2, please introduce yourself.
Frankie James Grande: Hi. I'm Frankie James Grande and I'm in the cast of Mamma Mia!. I come from South Florida, and here I am. 
BB: And if you could change one thing in the world, what would it be?
FG: It's a very interesting question. I'd have to say I'd have to put the corporation Disney World in charge of our government. Because they run extremely efficiently. Thank you.
BB: And if you were an animal, what kind of animal would you be?
FG: Does it have to be living? Or could it be extinct? Probably a cheetah. No, I don't want to be a cheetah. I have to think about this. Give me a second. I'd think I'd have to be a monkey/ Because that's kind of my personality. I like to climb things and groom other people. I just, yeah. Definitely a monkey of sorts. Spider monkey? Yeah a spider monkey. It just sort of exudes my personality, just high energy all over the place.
BB: And if you were voted Mr. Broadway, what will be your first change?
FG: To bring my influence as MR. Broadway, to struggling actors throughout the community. By hosting events and parties. That's all I got. Thank you.
BB: E=mc what?
FG: Squared.
BB: Thank you very much. Contestant #3, introduce yourself.
Kenway Hon Wai K. Kua: My name is Kenway Kua. I'm from Wicked and I'm 26.
BB: If you could change one thing in the world, what would it be?
KK: I would wave my magic wand and make world peace.
BB: If you were a fossil, what kind of fossil would you be?
KK: I would be a fossil of a hippopotamus. I would be a fossil of a hippo, because then I would know what it would be like to be humongous.
BB: And if you are Mr. Broadway, what will be your first change?
KK: No more raked stages on Broadway. No more raked stages. It's not necessary. It injures people. And it's got to go.
BB: What is the capitol of North Dakota?
KK: I have no idea.
BB: Can you name a city in North Dakota.
KK: Nope. I'm from Hawaii. You're lucky I know where North Dakota is on the map.
BB: Where is North Dakota on the map?
KK: Somewhere.
BB: Alright, thank you.
KK: Thank you.
BB: Well thank you for bringing down some of the contestants here for our virtual Mr. Broadway on BroadwayBullet. And again that is April 30th?
JS: April 30th. Monday.
BB: New World Stages?
RD: New World Stages. MrBroadway.org.
BB: Thank you very much.
You can listen to the Theme for Mr. Broadway in Broadway Bullet Vol. 111
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You can listen to this interview and many other great features for free on Broadway Bullet vol. 111. Subscribe for free so you don't miss an episode.
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