Broadway's Backbone - Page 2

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.

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.

Broadway Legend Stephen Schwartz believes life works a-lot better if you give to others what you would like to receive back. He was eight years old when he went to his first Broadway Show, became smitten and followed up with Juilliard Prep and a directing major at Carnegie Mellon.

Broadway Legend Stephen Schwartz believes life works a-lot better if you give to others what you would like to receive back. He was eight years old when he went to his first Broadway Show, became smitten and followed up with Juilliard Prep and a directing major at Carnegie Mellon.

In this episode: Chicago's Charlotte d'Amboise started dancing with Balanchine at 8 years old and hasn't stayed still since. It was a moment in a character class where she felt in her soul 'there I am' that began her path to Broadway. An admitted workhorse, Charlotte most enjoys working with people whose passion is as great as hers and more. She has always had a sense of self and aware the she is her instrument, her instrument is art, and art must change. Along with this self awareness, she is facing the heartbreak that her body can't do what it used to, but this is inspiring her new focus: re-invention.

In this episode: Broadway show shoe designer Phil LaDuca began his career singing and dancing on Broadway with choreographers like Agnus De Mille. Now choreographers like Jerry Mitchell are calling him to design shoes for singers and dancers. Phil LaDuca is a definition of having a second act in life that is just as grand as the first, and the term my 'LaDucas' has become a noun. After a reconstructive knee surgery he took his eye for beauty and experience onstage and created the most sought after shoe on stage and screen. Since dance has changed from the days of 'bring out the chorus girls', Phil thought that shoes should change with it. He brought his idea to the big companies and they said dancers don't have ideas and the rest is history. With accolades like a Drama Desk awards and thanks from dancers who say he's saved their legs and careers, it's the thought of a child getting inspired from a performer in his shoes that keeps him on pointe.

In this episode: My Fair Lady's Cameron Adams grew up in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina and devoted her time to basketball and dance. At 16 years old, she was cast in Susan Stroman's The Music Man, and basketball become a spectator sport. A self-proclaimed tomboy, Cameron loves to play Broadway dress up and it's usually in period clothing. Her secret to having worked with all the top Broadway choreographers is that she shows up, works hard and is always authentic. Her favorite part is the rehearsal process because that's where she gets to make things. In Lincoln Center Theatre's My Fair Lady, she was allowed to be seen as an actor within the ensemble and that path she has made.

In this episode: Victoria Bailey, Executive Director of TDF, talks about TKTS celebrating 45 years and parent company TDF celebrating 50 years in 2018. TDF (Theatre Development Fund) is an organization that believes the performing arts should be available to everybody. They sell the idea of going to all theatre, not shows in particular and that Broadway is for everyone. Victoria Bailey has been with the company for 17 years, started at Yale, and was the GM at MTC for 19 years. She believes that theatre creates empathy for lives different than our own, that TDF/TKTS has created theatre goers for generations, and is a prime example of having a successful life in the arts separate from the footlights.

In this episode: Victoria Bailey, Executive Director of TDF, talks about TKTS celebrating 45 years and parent company TDF celebrating 50 years in 2018. TDF (Theatre Development Fund) is an organization that believes the performing arts should be available to everybody. They sell the idea of going to all theatre, not shows in particular and that Broadway is for everyone. Victoria Bailey has been with the company for 17 years, started at Yale, and was the GM at MTC for 19 years. She believes that theatre creates empathy for lives different than our own, that TDF/TKTS has created theatre goers for generations, and is a prime example of having a successful life in the arts separate from the footlights.

In this episode: Broadway's Shannon Lewis grew up in a rural Canadian suburb and at age 19 was hand picked by Susan Stroman to make her Broadway debut, after a 'Crazy for You' casting director saw her in a Toronto theme park show. The essence of this podcast is having integrity, the importance of the respect of your peers, and to have your talent and drive ready, so that when someone opens a door for you, you can walk right in. With an impeccable work ethic that takes every opportunity seriously; whether in the ensemble, as a deputy, or as a principle; as well as having Gwen Verdon as a champion, the real Shannon Lewis is coming out of hiding. @realshanlew 

In this episode: Broadway's Shannon Lewis grew up in a rural Canadian suburb and at age 19 was hand picked by Susan Stroman to make her Broadway debut, after a 'Crazy for You' casting director saw her in a Toronto theme park show. The essence of this podcast is having integrity, the importance of the respect of your peers, and to have your talent and drive ready, so that when someone opens a door for you, you can walk right in. With an impeccable work ethic that takes every opportunity seriously; whether in the ensemble, as a deputy, or as a principle; as well as having Gwen Verdon as a champion, the real Shannon Lewis is coming out of hiding. @realshanlew