Broadway's Backbone

Stacey Tookey’s dream was to be in a ballet company. After achieving that dream, Stacey realized that she wasn’t  fulfilled and that dreams can change. After five years dancing with Celine at Ceasars Palace and due to an incredible support system, her choreography career started as an 'accidental happening.'

With his original musical premiering this weekend in Los Angeles, Broadway's Tony Spinosa is masked up , vaxed up and ready for 'The Singing Revolution.' When Tony was in nursery school his parents were alerted Tony had the fire of an artist. Since then he has dedicated his life to the uniquely American art form, musical theatre. There is no one clear path to success, so Tony continues to value himself and trust that an act of kindness can change the world so deeply, he wrote a musical about it.

Broadway's Sam Strasfeld can currently be seen on Apple TV’s Schmigadoon! and in person at Mark Fisher Fitness. As one of the best male dancers of the past few seasons with Kiss Me, Kate, An American in Paris and Carousel, Sam knows when something is really hard, it forces him to be better. Sam treats every obstacle as an opportunity to learn something. He stands in the flames and figures out what to do differently. Next up, he wants to pay it forward with college curriculum that teaches performers to move better and cultivate positive self talk.

Jaron Franz is making a name for himself as a go to personal trainer for the working actor.  He has a personal mantra that is about small consistent effort and that fitness is an identity habit. You’ve got to show up and follow up.

Rachelle Rak’s 'DNA is every kind of storm you can imagine.” Rachelle feels that imperfection is what we have and that her resilience, that weird fire she has in her... it’s survival. Tony winner Cady Huffman directed the Actors Fund presentation of “Electric Island,” which premieres March 25th at 8:00pm. From Will’s favorite to Ulla to a burlesque communist, Cady Huffman  continues to do her best and put it out there. Check out the full interview!

Rachelle Rak’s 'DNA is every kind of storm you can imagine.” Rachelle feels that imperfection is what we have and that her resilience, that weird fire she has in her... it’s survival. 

Today's episode features Malcolm Gets, who went from Gainsville, Florida to the Tony Awards (with a pit stop at Yale Drama School). Malcolm still relishes his time in the ensemble.

The Lion King's PSM Ron Vodicka and Calleri Casting's Paul Davis talk about growing up together in the theatre world of San Diego, along with the host Brad Bradley. Talking points include that if you want to do this, take all of the skills you have and cobble a career in the business. If you're focusing on what's bringing you joy, it's gonna provide opportunity. You never know what relationship is the one that will determine your future happiness. Be aware that there is an intersection of art and commerce, that satisfaction is achieved when you feel like you're contributing the most and explore it all with curiously and joy.

The Lion King's PSM Ron Vodicka and Calleri Casting's Paul Davis talk about growing up together in the theatre world of San Diego, along with the host Brad Bradley. Talking points include that if you want to do this, take all of the skills you have and cobble a career in the business. If you're focusing on what's bringing you joy, it's gonna provide opportunity. You never know what relationship is the one that will determine your future happiness. Be aware that there is an intersection of art and commerce, that satisfaction is achieved when you feel like you're contributing the most and explore it all with curiously and joy.

The Beautiful tour's Matt Loehr has spent his career challenging the box that dancers have been put in. With nine Broadway shows and countless off-Broadway credits, Matt has learned that it's not solely about working hard, it's about working effectively.  With a goal of being the best triple threat there is, he has gone from  one of the best dancers on Broadway to currently starring on the Beautiful tour in a non-dancing/singing role. Now knowing he has to be a mental health ninja to survive showbiz, he is working towards progress without being afraid to speak up. 

Broadway's Dale Hensley went from milking cows and putting on shows in his living room in the rural midwest to a thriving Broadway career that has spanned almost four decades. It took him 10 years living in New York before making his debut, and then he never stopped. He has learned that a prepared understudy is the only option, getting out of his own way was essential and finding an outside passion kept him sane. Life in the 'all about me' of showbiz can be exhausting. His Act 3 now includes working with special needs groups and bringing Broadway to them. With the group AHRC, he has created a program that enriches the hidden talents in a group of people often forgotten. In return it has opened a door to his heart. Upcoming shows will be Wednesday Dec. 11th at 11:30 Rudolf and Wed. Dec. 18th 11:30 Scrooge. Both at the Theatre Center 1627 Broadway.

Broadways Jennifer Smith- with 15 Broadway shows to her credit, Jennifer Smith's secret to longevity is to be kind and be on time. Lessons that she's learned along the way is that sometimes you just need to turn upstage and keep your mouth shut and the reason this business can hurt so much is because you love it. Jen believes that there are all types of love in this world and that utility people are vital to a show success. She is currently not fighting mother nature, but taking her by the hand.

After decades of obstacles and being told 'No' repeatedly, Broadway's Charlie Hodges met Twyla Tharp and his life changed forever. Charlie believes that if you love something, you should be allowed access to it and we all must take responsibility for our self-input. He dreams of a world in which everyone is allowed to be the best because there is room for more than one at the top. As artists, we often come to a crossroad with several paths in front of us. Charlie is a prime example of creating a new path when the presented options aren't sufficient.

Third Annual Broadway Debut episode with Becca Lee (The Prom), Eric Anthony Johnson (Beetlejuice) and Katerina Papacostas (Tootsie). All three of the guest were at a turning point in their lives and careers when Broadway came knocking. They talk about enjoying the journey, because it may take longer than you think, and that one's self worth is not only abut the audition room. With a Broadway debut in three original casts this season, many bucket list boxes were checked, but it was becoming part of the Broadway community that has been most fulfilling. If there is an obstacle in your way and you still choose to do it, it makes it that much more fulfilling.

After decades of obstacles and being told 'No' repeatedly, Broadway's Charlie Hodges met Twyla Tharp and his life changed forever. Charlie believes that if you love something, you should be allowed access to it and we all must take responsibility for our self-input. He dreams of a world in which everyone is allowed to be the best because there is room for more than one at the top. As artists, we often come to a crossroad with several paths in front of us. Charlie is a prime example of creating a new path when the presented options aren't sufficient.

After decades of obstacles and being told 'No' repeatedly, Broadway's Charlie Hodges met Twyla Tharp and his life changed forever. Charlie believes that if you love something, you should be allowed access to it and we all must take responsibility for our self-input. He dreams of a world in which everyone is allowed to be the best because there is room for more than one at the top. As artists, we often come to a crossroad with several paths in front of us. Charlie is a prime example of creating a new path when the presented options aren't sufficient.

From the Broadway Company and current 1st National tour of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Madeline Doherty. Maddie admits that fear and intimidation have been some of the best partners in this business and often are the greatest motivators. After 10 years in Les Miserables, over 6 years in The Producers and the entire run of Sister Act, Maddie hit the road with Charlie and the Chocolate Factory to play the role she covered on Broadway. In an industry that is guaranteed to break your heart, she realizes that being tenacious and auditioning well is what provides longevity. When inspiration is needed, she revisits that kernel of being child and seeing her first show and her love for being a member of an acting company explodes.

From the Broadway Company and current 1st National tour of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Madeline Doherty. Maddie admits that fear and intimidation have been some of the best partners in this business and often are the greatest motivators. After 10 years in Les Miserables, over 6 years in The Producers and the entire run of Sister Act, Maddie hit the road with Charlie and the Chocolate Factory to play the role she covered on Broadway. In an industry that is guaranteed to break your heart, she realizes that being tenacious and auditioning well is what provides longevity. When inspiration is needed, she revisits that kernel of being child and seeing her first show and her love for being a member of an acting company explodes.

From the Broadway Company and current 1st National tour of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Madeline Doherty. Maddie admits that fear and intimidation have been some of the best partners in this business and often are the greatest motivators. After 10 years in Les Miserables, over 6 years in The Producers and the entire run of Sister Act, Maddie hit the road with Charlie and the Chocolate Factory to play the role she covered on Broadway. In an industry that is guaranteed to break your heart, she realizes that being tenacious and auditioning well is what provides longevity. When inspiration is needed, she revisits that kernel of being child and seeing her first show and her love for being a member of an acting company explodes.

From the Broadway Company and current 1st National tour of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Madeline Doherty. Maddie admits that fear and intimidation have been some of the best partners in this business and often are the greatest motivators. After 10 years in Les Miserables, over 6 years in The Producers and the entire run of Sister Act, Maddie hit the road with Charlie and the Chocolate Factory to play the role she covered on Broadway. In an industry that is guaranteed to break your heart, she realizes that being tenacious and auditioning well is what provides longevity. When inspiration is needed, she revisits that kernel of being child and seeing her first show and her love for being a member of an acting company explodes.