Podcast Exclusive: The Theatre Podcast With Alan Seales: Amber Ardolino

This Broadway performer gets a kick out of the swing lifestyle, and shares how learning to shed her perfectionist skin has helped her not only in her career, but in promoting being your authentic self on social media, and taking care of her own mental health.

Amber Ardolino is a dancer, singer and actress who made her Broadway debut in Hamilton, and was also in the original Chicago company. She is currently part of the Broadway cast of Moulin Rouge!. Amber has previously been seen as Mopsa in Head Over Heels on Broadway, Sherrie in Rock of Ages in Las Vegas, as well as on national tours of Flashdance, West Side Story, Legally Blonde, and both the Philip and Eliza tours of Hamilton. She recently sang a duet with former Head Over Heels co-star Bonnie Milligan on the new concept album Within Earshot, a new musical with music and lyrics by Jackson Teeley, and a book by Sarah Galante. The album is now available on all streaming platforms. When Broadway returns, Amber will reprise her roles in Moulin Rouge! as a swing, and the understudy for Satine, Arabia, and Baby Doll.

Amber covers 10 tracks in Moulin Rouge! including Satine, Arabia, Baby Doll, La Chocolate, and the Can-Can girls. During our conversation, Amber delves into what life is like as a swing, revealing that she started covering La Chocolate after someone was injured on stage, and that when she actually made her initial Moulin Rouge! debut, she went out in a costume she had tried on once, wearing no make-up, and her hair thrown up into a wig. If it sounds chaotic, it's because it can be. But Amber says that's kind of the most exciting part and what she enjoys most about swinging, "you could go on at any moment." She also gets candid with us about what life has been like as a performer during the pandemic, sharing there was a moment when for the first time ever, she doubted being in musical theater. But after opening up about her experience with anxiety and depression, she shares that the most important thing this pandemic has taught her is how important it is to take care of yourself.

In this episode, they talk about:

• Building stamina as a swing
• Being on stage with Aaron Tveit and Karen Olivo
• Her decision to pursue musical theater
• Creating content on instagram, and why she loves TikTok
• Being authentic on social media
• Spending 3 years performing with Hamilton
• The Within Earshot concept album
• Her experience navigating depression and anxiety

What is The Theatre Podcast?

A weekly release of intimate, personal conversations with theatre's biggest talents showcasing what makes them human. Featuring stars of the stage and the producers, stage managers, directors, press and marketing agents, theatre owners and other creatives of this industry. Hosted by Alan Seales. Music by Jukebox the Ghost.

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The Theatre Podcast is a proud member of the Broadway Podcast Network.