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.
info_outline
Open To The Magic with John Tartaglia
04/29/2024
Open To The Magic with John Tartaglia
John Tartaglia has been working as a professional puppeteer since the age of 16, as one of the youngest performers ever to be in the cast of "Sesame Street." He earned a Tony award nomination for his Broadway debut in AVENUE Q, with additional stage credits in Disney's BEAUTY AND THE BEAST and SHREK THE MUSICAL. John's producing debut came with his Emmy-nominated preschool series, "Johnny and the Sprites" for Disney Junior, followed by creating the acclaimed musical IMAGINOCEAN that was re-imagined for PBS Kids as "Jim Henson's Splash and Bubbles." He can be heard every week on SiriusXM on Broadway's "Sunday Funday with John Tartaglia." John's newest project, a reimagining of the beloved 1980s series "Fraggle Rock," is streaming now on Apple TV+.
/episode/index/show/528ca632-2fd9-4c8b-b620-0a86dc4c4cbd/id/30951188
info_outline
LOVE OVER FEAR with Jenn Colella
04/15/2024
LOVE OVER FEAR with Jenn Colella
The personification of kindness, Jenn Colella, returns to Broadway as "Carrie Chapman Catt" in the new musical SUFFS. She shined on stage in IF/THEN, URBAN COWBOY, HIGH FIDELITY, CHAPLIN: THE MUSICAL, and was nominated for a Tony Award for her work in COME FROM AWAY. In this episode, Jenn discusses what she learned from her start in stand-up comedy, telling the suffragists' story during an election year, becoming a first-time mother, and transmuting fear into love when making choices.
/episode/index/show/528ca632-2fd9-4c8b-b620-0a86dc4c4cbd/id/30750178
info_outline
In The Center Of The Saddle with Betty Buckley
04/01/2024
In The Center Of The Saddle with Betty Buckley
Known as "the voice of Broadway," acclaimed and award-winning performer Betty Buckley has made her mark in iconic roles like "Norma Desmond" in SUNSET BOULEVARD, "Grizabella" in CATS, "Margaret White" in CARRIE, and "Alice Nutting/Edwin Drood" in THE MYSTERY OF EDWIN DROOD, just to name a few. In addition to her remarkable contributions on stage, she has release 16 solo albums and toured across the world. She has recently returned to the big screen in the highly anticipated thriller "Imaginary," playing in theaters now. In this episode, Betty discusses booking "Martha Jefferson" in the original Broadway company of 1776 on her first day in New York City, finding her voice through performing Bob Fosse's "Steam Heat" in her school talent show at 11-years-old, and hearing her younger self throughout pivotal moments in her multi-decade career.
/episode/index/show/528ca632-2fd9-4c8b-b620-0a86dc4c4cbd/id/30582613
info_outline
Intoxicated with Kelli O'Hara
03/18/2024
Intoxicated with Kelli O'Hara
Tony Award winner Kelli O'Hara has established herself as one of Broadway's brightest stars and greatest leading ladies. She has starred in FOLLIES, THE PAJAMA GAME, NICE WORK IF YOU CAN GET IT, THE LIGHT IN THE PIAZZA, THE BRIDGES OF MADISON COUNTY, THE KING & I, and DAYS OF WINE & ROSES, just to name a few. She received an Emmy Award nomination for her work on "The Accidental Wolf" and can currently be seen on HBO's "The Gilded Age." In this episode, Kelli discusses finding a niche for voice when she moved to New York City, and what she's learned about herself through working with Adam Guettel for the past 20 years.
/episode/index/show/528ca632-2fd9-4c8b-b620-0a86dc4c4cbd/id/30346443
info_outline
Two Things with Tom Broecker
03/04/2024
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.
/episode/index/show/528ca632-2fd9-4c8b-b620-0a86dc4c4cbd/id/30165813
info_outline
Leslie of The Lake with Leslie Rodriguez Kritzer
02/19/2024
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.
/episode/index/show/528ca632-2fd9-4c8b-b620-0a86dc4c4cbd/id/29974593
info_outline
S4E3: Deconstructing Seth with Seth Rudetsky
02/05/2024
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.
/episode/index/show/528ca632-2fd9-4c8b-b620-0a86dc4c4cbd/id/29917338
info_outline
S4E2: Style & Heart with George Brescia
01/22/2024
S4E2: Style & Heart with George Brescia
George Brescia is a renowned style expert, TV personality, and author of Change Your Clothes, Change Your Life. In this episode, he discusses how your wardrobe is the "window to your soul," the ways you can make fashion work for you, and why you'll see him doing the Electric Slide on QVC.
/episode/index/show/528ca632-2fd9-4c8b-b620-0a86dc4c4cbd/id/29917353
info_outline
S4E1: A New Season with Stephanie J. Block & Marylee Fairbanks
01/08/2024
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.
/episode/index/show/528ca632-2fd9-4c8b-b620-0a86dc4c4cbd/id/29917358
info_outline
S3E27: Christmas on the Prairie with Alison Arngrim & Dean Butler
12/25/2023
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. by Alison Arngrim by Dean Butler
/episode/index/show/528ca632-2fd9-4c8b-b620-0a86dc4c4cbd/id/29917363
info_outline
S3E26: Clever and Curious with Alli Mauzey
12/11/2023
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.
/episode/index/show/528ca632-2fd9-4c8b-b620-0a86dc4c4cbd/id/29917373
info_outline
S3E25: Acceptance & Surrender with Eden Espinosa
11/27/2023
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.
/episode/index/show/528ca632-2fd9-4c8b-b620-0a86dc4c4cbd/id/29917378
info_outline
S3E24: Shiny with Cheyenne Jackson
11/12/2023
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.
/episode/index/show/528ca632-2fd9-4c8b-b620-0a86dc4c4cbd/id/29917383
info_outline
S3E23: Full of Shiz with Quincy Brown & Kevin Bianchi
10/30/2023
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.
/episode/index/show/528ca632-2fd9-4c8b-b620-0a86dc4c4cbd/id/29917388
info_outline
S3E22: The Make-up of Joe Dulude with Joe Dulude
10/23/2023
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.
/episode/index/show/528ca632-2fd9-4c8b-b620-0a86dc4c4cbd/id/29917393
info_outline
S3E21: Fully Expressed with Leslie Odom Jr.
10/07/2023
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.
/episode/index/show/528ca632-2fd9-4c8b-b620-0a86dc4c4cbd/id/29917398
info_outline
S3E20: The Immersion of Arielle with Arielle Jacobs
09/25/2023
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.
/episode/index/show/528ca632-2fd9-4c8b-b620-0a86dc4c4cbd/id/29917403
info_outline
S3E19: A Full Disco Ball with Sammi Cannold
09/11/2023
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:
/episode/index/show/528ca632-2fd9-4c8b-b620-0a86dc4c4cbd/id/29917413
info_outline
S3E18: Faith-isms with Faith Prince
08/28/2023
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
/episode/index/show/528ca632-2fd9-4c8b-b620-0a86dc4c4cbd/id/29917418
info_outline
S3E17: Reimagined with Lillias White
08/14/2023
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.
/episode/index/show/528ca632-2fd9-4c8b-b620-0a86dc4c4cbd/id/29917428
info_outline
S3E16: Big Feelings with Jessie Mueller
07/31/2023
S3E16: Big Feelings with Jessie Mueller
Stages Podcast with Stephanie J. Block and Marylee Fairbanks interview Tony Award- winner Jessie Mueller
/episode/index/show/528ca632-2fd9-4c8b-b620-0a86dc4c4cbd/id/29917433
info_outline
S3E15: New York Capable with Nikki Renée Daniels -
07/17/2023
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.
/episode/index/show/528ca632-2fd9-4c8b-b620-0a86dc4c4cbd/id/29917438
info_outline
S3E14: Perfect Pitch(er) with Derek Klena
07/03/2023
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.
/episode/index/show/528ca632-2fd9-4c8b-b620-0a86dc4c4cbd/id/29917443
info_outline
S3E13: Infuse The Weirdness with John Cariani
06/19/2023
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.
/episode/index/show/528ca632-2fd9-4c8b-b620-0a86dc4c4cbd/id/29917448
info_outline
S3E12: Music Is My First language with Jordan Donica
06/05/2023
S3E12: Music Is My First language with Jordan Donica
Jordan Donica currently stars in Lincoln Center Theatre's revival of Camelot, which has earned him a Tony Award Nominee for Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Musical. His other Broadway credits include Freddy in My Fair Lady, Raoul in The Phantom Of The Opera, and Lafayette in Hamilton. His television career included Blue Bloods and Charmed. In this episode, Jordan discusses how he deepens the storytelling with his own life experiences as "Sir Lancelot" in the Broadway revival of Camelot. He shares his views on participating in social media, the way his love of sports translates to the stage, and how the man he is today is due to the women who raised him.
/episode/index/show/528ca632-2fd9-4c8b-b620-0a86dc4c4cbd/id/29917453
info_outline
S3E11: Comedy To Survive with Robert Horn
05/22/2023
S3E11: Comedy To Survive with Robert Horn
Robert Horn is a playwright, screenwriter and producer. He won the 2019 Tony Award for Best Book Of A Musical for his Broadway adaptation of Tootsie. His other musicals include 13, Disney Theatrical's Hercules and his current Tony-nominated musical Shucked. His television career includes Designing Women, Living Single, High Society, and more. In this episode, Robert shares how Shucked brings audiences together through the universal ideals of family, community and hope. He discusses how humor gets him through challenges in life and what inspires him to create stories in the new "Golden Age" of musical theater.
/episode/index/show/528ca632-2fd9-4c8b-b620-0a86dc4c4cbd/id/29917468
info_outline
S3E10: What Is Your Heartbeat with Betsy Wolfe
05/08/2023
S3E10: What Is Your Heartbeat with Betsy Wolfe
Betsy Wolfe is a Tony Award nominated actress and performer who is currently starring on Broadway in & Juliet. Her other credits include Falsettos, Waitress, The Mystery of Edwin Drood, and Bullets Over Broadway. In this episode, Betsy shares the joys and challenges of returning to Broadway with her Tony-nominated performance as ‘Anne Hathaway’ in & Juliet. She discusses how being a mom has changed the way she portrays her characters, her favorite Max Martin hits to sing in & Juliet, and how she is helping to build the next generation of performers through her musical theatre training company, Broadway Evolved.
/episode/index/show/528ca632-2fd9-4c8b-b620-0a86dc4c4cbd/id/29917473
info_outline
S3E9: 110% Or Not At All with Tiler Peck
04/24/2023
S3E9: 110% Or Not At All with Tiler Peck
Tiler Peck is a Principal Dancer with the New York City Ballet and is also an actor and author. Tiler has been seen on Broadway in The Music Man, On The Town, and Little Dancer. This episode, Tiler discussed the differences between dancing in a Broadway show and being part of the New York City Ballet. She shares how she felt making her Broadway debut at the age of 11, in the 2000 revival of The Music Man with Susan Stroman, explains the musicality and speed required to dance in the George Balanchine style, and details her efforts to care for her mind and body off stage.
/episode/index/show/528ca632-2fd9-4c8b-b620-0a86dc4c4cbd/id/29917478
info_outline
S3E8: Finding Her Voice with Eva Noblezada
04/09/2023
S3E8: Finding Her Voice with Eva Noblezada
Eva Noblezada is a Grammy Award winner currently starring in Hadestown as Eurydice, a role which earned her a Tony nomination in 2019. She also received a Tony Nomination for the role of Kim in the 2017 revival of Miss Saigon In this episode, Eva shares the parallels between her personal growth and the evolution of Eurydice after four years with Hadestown on Broadway. She reveals how the courage to ask questions has helped her on stage and in life, and how therapy helps her find strength in herself and in the art of storytelling.
/episode/index/show/528ca632-2fd9-4c8b-b620-0a86dc4c4cbd/id/29917488
info_outline
S3E7: One Of The Kind Ones with Kennedy Kanagawa
03/26/2023
S3E7: One Of The Kind Ones with Kennedy Kanagawa
Kennedy Kanagawa is a performer & puppeteer. He has performed the role of Milky White in INTO THE WOODS in the Broadway revival and the special engagement U.S. tour. In this episode, we learn how Kennedy helped transform “Milky White” from a cardboard prop to a beloved multi-dimensional Character in INTO THE WOODS. He shares stories of puppetry, family and his journey with Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine’s acclaimed fairytale musical, from New York City Center to Broadway to the U.S. tour. . . .
/episode/index/show/528ca632-2fd9-4c8b-b620-0a86dc4c4cbd/id/29917493