EPISODE 91- MICHAEL IAN BLACK

Michael Ian Black is a multi-media talent who’s starred in numerous films and TV series, written and/or directed two films, is a prolific author and commentator, and regularly tours the country performing his ribald brand of jokes and observations. He most recently starred in TVLand's “The Jim Gaffigan Show” and Comedy Central’s “Another Period.” He also reprised one of his iconic film roles in Netflix’s “Wet Hot American Summer: Ten Years Later,” and previously in "Wet Hot American Summer: First Day of Camp." His third standup comedy special, “Noted Expert,” was released on Epix.

Black’s authored 11 books, including the recently released best seller, “A Child’s First Book of Trump.” He’s written two well-received memoirs: “Navel Gazing: True Tales of Bodies, Mostly Mine (but also my mom’s, which I know sounds weird)”, and “You're Not Doing It Right: Tales of Marriage, Sex, Death and Other Humiliations.” In 2012, he collaborated with conservative Meghan McCain on “America, You Sexy Bitch: A Love Letter to Freedom.” He’s the author of “My Custom Van (and 50 Other Mind-Blowing Essays That Will Blow Your Mind All Over Your Face),” and seven children's books, including “Cock-a-Doodle-Doo-Bop!,” “Naked”, “Chicken Cheeks,” “The Purple Kangaroo,” “A Pig Parade Is A Terrible Idea” and “I'm Bored.” He also writes book reviews for the New York Times.

Previously, Black released two stand-up specials, “Very Famous” and “I Am A Wonderful Man.” He and Tom Cavanagh host the popular podcast, “Mike and Tom Eat Snacks.” He also writes and hosts a podcast with Michael Showalter, "Topics,” and his own interview podcast, “How To Be Amazing.” He hosts “Debate Wars” on SeeSo, and he recently hosted “Easiest Game Show Ever” on Pop TV.

Sketch comedy fans know Black’s work on “The State,” “Viva Variety,” “Stella” and “Michael and Michael Have Issues” all of which he co-created, wrote and starred in. Other TV credits include quirky bowling alley manager ‘Phil' on the NBC series “Ed,” and his hilarious commentary on cable’s “I Love the...” series. He recently starred in two hit web series that migrated to cable TV: “Burning Love” on E! and “You’re Whole” on Adult Swim.

Black’s movie roles include “Slash,” “Smosh: The Movie,” “They Came Together,” “Hell Baby,” “This is 40,” “Wet Hot American Summer,” “Take Me Home Tonight,” “Reno 911!: Miami,” “The Ten” and “The Baxter.”

Black wrote and directed the film “Wedding Daze,” starring Jason Biggs and Isla Fisher. He also co-wrote the comedy “Run, Fatboy, Run,” directed by David Schwimmer and starring Simon Pegg, Hank Azaria and Thandie Newton. 

Originally from Hillsborough, NJ, Black resides with his family in the wilds of Connecticut.

Little Known Fact: He left college to perform in a live show of "The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles." Best decision he ever made. 

EPISODE 90 - LAURA BENANTI

Tony Award-winner LAURA BENANTI can now be seen in the Samantha Bee and Jason Jones TBS comedy, The Detour. Additional TV credits include Supergirl, Nashville, guest-starring as songbird Sadie Stone; The Good Wife; and Showtime’s Nurse Jackie.

Most recently, Laura co-starred along side Amy Schumer and Keegan Michael Key in Steve Martin’s hit Broadway play, Meteor Shower.

In 2016, Laura completed her Tony nominated role (and 5th nomination) as Amalia Balash in the hit Broadway Musical, She Loves Me. Laura also received Outer Critics Circle, Drama League and Drama Desk Award nominations for this role.

In addition to television work and her critically acclaimed performance as Elsa Schrader in NBC’s The Sound of Music LIVE, Ms. Benanti is a highly celebrated, stage actress who took Broadway by storm at the age of 18.

She received a Drama Desk award, Outer Critics Circle Award and a Tony Award Nomination for her starring role in the Broadway production of Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown for Lincoln Center where she also starred in the Broadway production of Sarah Ruhl’s In the Next Room or The Vibrator Play. Ms. Benanti earned the 2008 Tony Award for Outstanding Featured Actress in a Musical, a Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle Award for her revelatory portrayal of Gypsy Rose Lee in Gypsy opposite Patti LuPone and directed by Arthur Laurents. Her other Broadway roles include The Wedding Singer, Nine, starring Antonio Banderas, her Tony, Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle Award-nominated performance of Cinderella in Stephen Sondheim’s Into the Woods and her sultry Tony nominated turn in Swing! Ms. Benanti made her Broadway debut as Maria in The Sound of Music opposite Richard Chamberlain.

Other distinguished theater performances include the Public Theater’s production of Christopher Durang’s Why Torture is Wrong and the People Who Love Them, Perdita in The Winter’s Tale at the Williamstown Theatre Festival opposite Kate Burton, Anne in A Little Night Music at the L.A. Opera opposite Victor Garber, Eileen in Wonderful Town opposite Donna Murphy and most recently her portrayal of Rosabella in the Most Happy Fella, both for City Center Encores! Ms. Benanti completed a week-long engagement at the popular New York cabaret club, 54 Below, for which The New York Times hailed her as a “supremely confident” performer whose “bright, full soprano, with its semioperatic heft, can go almost anywhere.” In September 2013, she released her debut album, “In Constant Search of the Right Kind of Attention: Live at 54 Below” on Broadway Records to ecstatic reviews.

Laura currently performs her concerts in venues around the country and even recently performed for the President and First Lady of the United States at both the Fords Gala and the Kennedy Center Honors in Washington DC.

In 2014, she joined the cast of ABC’s hit series “Nashville” guest-starring as songbird Sadie Stone. Laura also appeared in recurring roles on CBS’s “The Good Wife” and HBO’s “Nurse Jackie.”

Laura’s past television credits include a starring role in the NBC series “The Playboy Club” and “Go On” opposite Matthew Perry. She also starred in the F/X original series “Starved”. Ms. Benanti recurred on  “Law and Order: SVU,” “Royal Pains,” and “Eli Stone.” and had appearances on “The Big C” and “Elementary”.

She currently resides in Manhattan with her husband Patrick and daughter Ella.

Little Known Fact: When she was 17 she auditioned for her first Broadway show. She wore her  high school prom dress and clogs (because she forgot her heels). She was cast as the understudy and later took over the role of Maria in The Sound Of Music.

EPISODE 89 - JENNIFER TEPPER

JENNIFER ASHLEY TEPPER is the Creative and Programming Director at Feinstein’s/54 Below, where she has curated or produced over 3000 shows, including musicals in concert, original solo acts, theatrical reunions, songwriter celebrations, and more. Tepper's leadership at the venue has gained praise from publications including The Huffington Post, The New York Times, Buzzfeed, Playbill, Newsday, the New York Post, and more.

As a writer, Tepper has authored three volumes of The Untold Stories of Broadway series, published by Dress Circle. NBC New York has called the books an "inspiring Must-Read". On Broadway, Tepper has worked on The Performers, Godspell, Macbeth, and this season’s The Parisian Woman. In addition, she’s the co-creator of the Bistro Award-winning concert series, If It Only Even Runs A Minute, now in its 8th year.

As a public speaker and theatre historian, Tepper has delivered celebrated talks, including at TEDxBroadway. She collaborates often with the group known as Joe Iconis & Family. Tepper was named one of the 10 professionals on Backstage Magazine's "1st Annual Broadway Future Power List", which stated: "Proving herself both a zeitgeist predictor and theatrical historian with her eclectic programming, Tepper is leading the conversation on contemporary musical theatre."

Little Known Fact: Early on in her career, someone said to her, "You might not be someone who fits the mold, because you are the mold." That moment was so impactful for her, because it made her realize that she could recreate a place for herself in the Broadway community, a world she had loved from the moment she understood what Broadway was. And she has been impactful in creating a legacy for herself in American theater that will last forever, because of her passion, enthusiasm and incredible sense of artistic integrity. 

EPISODE 88 - KEVIN McCOLLUM

Kevin McCollum has received the Tony Award for Best Musical for "In the Heights" (2008), "Avenue Q" (2004), and "Rent" (1996), which also won the Pulitzer Prize. He is currently represented on Broadway with the Olivier Award-winning "The Play That Goes Wrong." He produced "Something Rotten!" (Broadway, National Tour), "Hand to God" ( Broadway, West End), "Motown: The Musical" (Broadway, West End, and National Tour), "The Drowsy Chaperone" in 2006, which won five Tony Awards, Baz Luhrmann’s production of "Puccini’s La Boheme" in 2002, [title of show] in 2008, the touring and Broadway productions of Irving Berlin’s "White Christmas," the off Broadway hit "De La Guarda," the recent hit revival of "West Side Story," and "Bengal Tiger at the Baghdad Zoo." In 1995 Mr. McCollum co-founded the Producing Office, and has since created Alchemation, a theatrical and media producing company committed to new work.

Mr. McCollum was trained at the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music, and earned his Master’s degree in film producing from the Peter Stark Program at the University of Southern California. In 1995, he received the Robert Whitehead Award for Outstanding Commercial Theatre Producing.

Little Known Fact: Kevin produced three Tony Award winning plays, including RENT, and he grew up in Hawaii where he went to school with President Barack Obama. 

EPISODE 87 - RORY O'MALLEY

Rory is currently reigning as King George III in the smash hit Hamilton in Los Angeles after ruling Broadway for a year where he was the first actor to replace an original cast member in the production. He is best known for starring in the original company of The Book Of Mormon on Broadway.  He received both Tony and Drama Desk nominations for playing openly closeted Mormon Elder McKinley and performing the show stopper "Turn It Off".  Most recently he was seen on stage in back to back Off-Broadway productions at Second Stage's Nobody Loves You (Drama Desk nomination) and Little Miss Sunshine.  His broadway debut was in The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee and regionally, he created the role of Richie Cunningham in Garry Marshall’s Happy Days The Musical for Goodspeed Opera House and Paper Mill Playhouse. Rory expanded his repertoire of pasty white dudes by butchering the song “Cadillac Car” as lead singer of ‘Dave and the Sweethearts’ in the Paramount Pictures film Dreamgirls.

Most recently, Rory was seen on the CW's Crazy Ex-Girlfriend. He can also be seen on the small screen in episodes of Partners with Kelsey Grammer and Martin Lawrence, Nurse Jackie, The Good Wife, Law and Order: SVU, and 1600 Penn.

This year Rory premiered his autobiographical show Pub Crawl to a sold out crowd at Joe's Pub in New York City.   Pub Crawl is his tale of being raised in an Irish pub in Cleveland by his single mom and all the bar's eclectic patrons. Rory tells his hilarious coming of age story using classic Irish pub songs from The Wolftones, U2, Van Morrison and more with music direction from Tony and Grammy Award winner, Stephen Oremus.

Rory is a Co-Founder of Broadway Impact, an organization that mobilizes the theater community to take action on fighting for marriage equality. Along with Jenny Kanelos and Gavin Creel, Rory was there from it's inception and has organized large rallies, phone banks, and theater events; all for the sake of marriage equality.  Currently Broadway Impact is producing the play 8, conceived by Rory and edited by Oscar winner Dustin Lance Black.  8 uses the original transcript of the trial that overturned Prop 8 in California and puts it on a stage for theaters all across the country to perform and hold talkbacks.  Rory has had the pleasure of performing around the country in the piece with many great actors and activists including George Clooney, Brad Pitt, Larry Kramer, Cleve Jones and many more. Currently 8 has been produced in over 400 theaters, including in all 50 states and in 7 countries.

Rory lives in Los Angeles with his husband Gerold Schroeder. He is very happy:)

Little Known Fact: Because singer and superstar, Josh Groban, got a record deal, my guest today got his spot in the musical theater program at Carnegie Mellon... And the rest is musical theater history.

EPISODE 86 - CARA BUONO

Cara currently stars in the hit Netflix show Stranger Things as Karen Wheeler. The much anticipated season 2 will air in 2017.

She was recently in a heavily recurring role as assassin Martine on CBS’s Person of Interest.  Cara was nominated for an Emmy Award in 2011 for her critically acclaimed portrayal of Dr. Faye Miller, the smart, Kim Novak-esque psychologist and love interest of Don Draper (Jon Hamm) on AMC’s Mad Men. She played Michael Imperioli’s wife, Kelli Moltisanti, on the final two seasons of The Sopranos (HBO).  She is the only actor to have appeared in both critically acclaimed shows. She was a series regular on Third Watch (NBC) playing paramedic Grace Foster (Helen Mirren portrayed her mother). Her notable television appearances include Brothers & Sisters, two critically acclaimed episodes of Law and Order (as well Criminal Intent & SVU), Deep in My Heart a CBS/Hallmark movie in which she played Young Gerry with Anne Bancroft who played Gerry, and was the final fatality on ER.

Cara was recently seen in All Saints for Sony. She was featured in 20th Century Fox’s feature Paper Towns.  Prior feature work includes Let Me In directed by Matt Reeves (Cloverfield). She also shot a supporting role in Stephen King’s A Good Marriage with Anthony LaPaglia.  She was the female lead in  Artie Lange’s Beer League, Edith Banner in Ang Lee’s Hulk, and has played in independent features such as Next Stop Wonderland, Happy Accidents, and River Red (all Sundance premieres), Two Ninas with Amanda Peet and Ron Livingston (winner Audience Award GenArt Film Festival), Nisha Ganatra’s Chutney Popcorn (winner Audience Award Berlin Film Festival), and Noah Baumbach’s directorial debut Kicking and Screaming (NY Film Festival premiere). 

She has worked extensively in NY theater at companies including The New Group, Primary Stages and Theater for a New Audience. She has appeared on Broadway in The Rose Tattoo opposite Mercedes Ruehl and Anthony LaPaglia directed by Tony Award winner Robert Falls, Some Americans Abroad directed by Roger Michel (Changing Lanes, Notting Hill) and The Tenth Man directed by Ulu Grosbard both at Lincoln Center.  

Born and raised in the Bronx. She graduated from Columbia University in 3 years with a double major in English and Political Science. She ran 3 NYC Marathons.

Little Known Fact: When she was about 12 years old Cara was hanging out in the corner candy store and saw a casting notice for a kid. She looked at the owner and said, "Al, I'm going to be an actress," and got on a bus from The Bronx to Times Square to audition. 

EPISODE 85 - Auditions: The Good, The Bad, The Hilarious!

At BroadwayCon 2018 Donna Murphy, Lesli Margherita, Emily Skeggs and Andrew Keenan Bolger got together with Ilana to share war stories about auditioning. This conversation is equal parts hilarious and inspirational.  Each of these Broadway stars has a unique perspective on the challenges and joys of putting yourself out there when faced with auditioning -- even though their careers have garnered them awards, accolades and fame.  Their generosity in sharing how they approach the process of auditioning is a gift to all artists.

EPISODE 84 - MELISSA ANELLI

MELISSA ANELLI- 

Melissa Anelli is an American author and webmistress. She is the author of the New York Times bestseller "Harry, A History," which chronicles the Harry Potter phenomenon with exclusive interview material and a foreword written by Harry Potter creator J.K. Rowling. Anelli is also the full-time webmistress of The Leaky Cauldron, a commercial fansite devoted to the Harry Potter franchise for fans. Anelli also is one of three hosts of the Leaky Cauldron's official podcast PotterCast, which talks about various aspects of the Harry Potter books, movies, video games and more. She is the founder of Mischief Management which produces Broadway Con Leaky Con, Geeky Con and Con of Thrones.

Little Known Fact- She was a  huge fan of the musical RENT where she  met actor Anthony Rapp at the stage door of the Nederlander Theater. What began as a fan/actor relationship  over time turned into a deep friendship that later turned into co- founding  BroadwayCon.

EPISODE 83 - CHAZZ PALMINTERI

CHAZZ PALMINTERI (Book) wrote and performed his one-man show A Bronx Tale for the first time in 1989 before moving it off-Broadway. Mr. Palminteri went on to write the screenplay and co-star in the screen adaptation of A Bronx Tale alongside Robert De Niro. Mr. Palminteri has more than 55 movies to his credit as an actor, writer, and director, including The Usual Suspects, Bullets Over Broadway (Academy Award nomination), Analyze This, Hurlyburly, Mullholland Falls, Faithful (also written by Mr. Palminteri), A Guide to Recognizing Your Saints, Yonkers Joe, Jolene and most recently Legend starring Tom Hardy. Mr. Palminteri has had a recurring role on the hit show Modern Family and has starred in Blue Bloods. Mr. Palminteri directed the HBO series “Oz,” Showtime’s “Women vs Men,” and the feature film Noel.

Little Known Fact: He turned down one million dollars to sell the rights to his one-man show. He wouldn't do it unless he could be in it and write the screenplay. Everyone said he was crazy--everyone except Robert De Niro, who said, "You got it. You get to be in it. You get to write it. It'll be authentic; we'll make it the way you want to make it."

EPISODE 82 - BEANIE FELDSTEIN

Beanie Feldstein currently stars in Greta Gerwig’s LADY BIRD opposite Saoirse Ronan. Set in Sacramento, California in 2002, the film takes an affecting look at the relationships that shape us, the beliefs that define us, and the unmatched beauty of a place called home. Christine “Lady Bird” McPherson (Ronan) is a loving, deeply opinionated and strong-willed high-school senior struggling to assert her independence, and Beanie plays the role of “Julie,” the loyal best friend who understands “Lady Bird” like no one else. 

Since A24 theatrically released LADY BIRD on November 3rd, Beanie has received critical acclaim for her performance, as has the film and its stellar cast including Laurie Metcalf, Tracy Letts, Timothee Chalamet and Lucas Hedges. LADY BIRD was nominated for a Golden Globe Award, Independent Spirit Award, Broadcast Film Critics’ Association Award, and named one of the top 10 films of the year by both the National Board of Review and American Film Institute. The film was also recognized by various critics’ groups including: New York Film Critics Circle, Boston Online Film Critics Association, Philadelphia Film Critics Circle, North Texas Film Critics Association, Washington, DC Film Critics Association, San Diego Film Critics Society, Chicago Film Critics Association, St. Louis Film Critics Association, Seattle Film Critics Society, Houston Film Critics Association and Phoenix Critics Circle. Furthermore, LADY BIRD broke the record of being the most reviewed film ever to maintain a 100% on Rotten Tomatoes.

In addition to the rave reviews of Beanie’s performance in LADY BIRD, she is also receiving recognition for her portrayal of “Minnie Fay” in the Broadway smash hit musical HELLO, DOLLY! with Bette Midler. The musical won a 2017 Tony Award for “Best Revival of a Musical.” 

Beanie will next star in Whitney Cummings’ THE FEMALE BRAIN which will be released by IFC on February 9th and also stars Cummings and Sofia Vergara. Previously she starred in Nicholas Stoller’s NEIGHBORS 2: SORORITY RISING alongside Seth Rogen, Zac Efron, Rose Byrne and Chloe Moretz. The film grossed over $100 million worldwide.  

Her television credits include ABC Family comedy FAN GIRL, ORANGE IS THE NEW BLACK on Netflix and THE DEVIL YOU KNOW, an HBO pilot directed by Gus Van Sant.

Little Known Fact: When she was nine years old she completely lost her voice, and she found out she had nodules on her vocal cords. Working as hard as an athlete to get into the Olympics, she didn't stop until she got her voice back. And luckily she did all that and more. Welcome Beanie Feldstein! 

EPISODE 81 - ACTORS AND ACTIVISM w/ ANTHONY RAPP and MORE!

At BroadwayCon 2018 Ilana  Levine hosted a panel called "Actors and Activism."

The speakers included Lisa Kron (Fun Home), Arian Moayed (The Humans), Emily Skeggs ( Fun Home), Britton Smith (Shuffle Along), and

Anthony Rapp ( Rent, If/Then, You're A Good Man Charlie Brown.)

It is a revealing, passionate and intimate conversation.

EPISODE 80 - STEVEN ROGERS

Writer-producer Steven Rogers was born in Seattle but because his father produced regional theatre for a living, grew up all across America wherever his family had a season. Before going to college, he moved to N.Y.C. at 17 and studied acting with Sandford Meisner at the Neighborhood Playhouse School of Theatre where he first met and befriended I, TONYA’s LaVona, Allison Janney.

He toured in Larry Shue’s play The Foreigner winning a critics prize in Los Angeles and moved to Hollywood in order to become famous.  He didn’t.  Instead, he wrote his first screenplay, KATE AND LEOPOLD, in order to be in it.  He wasn’t.  In very quick succession he wrote, HOPE FLOATS, Anne Tyler’s EARTHLY POSSESSIONS and STEPMOM. He then decided to focus on writing and just act on the page.

Other writing credits includes P.S. I LOVE YOU, LOVE THE COOPERS, which he also executive produced, and his latest, I, TONYA which made the 2016 Blacklist and won the 2016 Hit List.  He also produced I, TONYA with Bryan Unkeless, Margot Robbie and Tom Ackerly. I, TONYA is currently in theaters and was nominated for a Golden Globe for Best Motion Picture – Comedy. He is currently producing his script, FLORA PLUM and his script THE DRIVING LESSON with Octavia Spencer attached to star and produce.

Little Known Fact: He was watching a documentary about Tonya Harding when he realized this was going to be his next film. Welcome Steven Rogers!

EPISODE 79 - MATT RODIN

Matt Rodin is a creator who believes art is a channel to the core human spirit. He’s working to ignite the creative power in each of us so that our work can expand us into a more empathetic and conscious species. He’s worked with brands like SoulCycle, Dear Evan Hansen and The Smithsonian to produce innovative and engaging content. He’s performed across the country with his original music, in professional productions, and was named one of Broadway’s 40 under 40 for 2017. He is the co-creator and writer of the viral video series ‘BROdway’ and is the creator and host of ‘The Red Carpet Challenge’, which has streamed more than 65 episodes on Playbill and Broadway.com. 

Little Known Fact: I am a guest on Matt Rodin's show and I'm sharing it here. A little more me than I'm used to sharing, but I hope you like it. Enjoy Matt Rodin and me on Little Known Facts!

EPISODE 78 - LESLI MARGHERITA

An Olivier Award winner for her West End debut as Inez in ZORRO THE MUSICAL , Lesli made her Broadway debut originating the role of Mrs. Wormwood in MATILDA THE MUSICAL. After over 1000 performances, she bid farewell to the Broadway company of Matilda and crossed the street to The Helen Hayes to star as the diva Mona Kent in the Broadway premiere of Randy Skinner's DAMES AT SEA. In September 2016, Lesli returned to the role she originated to close out the Broadway run of MATILDA. 

Lesli currently recurs on three television dramas: Homeland (Showtime), Instinct (CBS), and Seven Seconds (Netflix). This past fall she starred opposite Topher Grace, Taye Diggs & JC Chasez in the feature film "Opening Night" which can be seen on Netflix following its theatrical release. 

Born and raised in California, Lesli trained at UCLA and was soon after chosen to star in MGM's television series "Fame LA" directed by Kenny Ortega. She has gone on to star and recur on numerous television shows and pilots including  "Donny!", "The Good Wife", "Major Crimes", "The Suite Life On Deck", "Charmed", "NYPD Blue",  and "On The Lot", produced by Steven Spielberg.

Film credits include the movie musical 'Opening Night' opposite Topher Grace & Taye Diggs,  'Lucky Stiff' with Jason Alexander, Joel Schumacher's 'The Number 23', and the Sam Raimi produced 'Boogeyman 2'. Lesli's voice can also be heard on several animated films and  shows including Disney's 'Cinderella 3' and Nickelodeon's "Sponge Bob Squarepants". 

Regional stage credits include Adelaide in GUYS & DOLLS (Bucks County Playhouse), Signora Psyche Zinobia in A SCYTHE OF TIME (NYMF; Outstanding Performance in a Leading Role), Esmeralda in HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME (Sacramento Music Circus), Lilli / Kate in KISS ME KATE (Reprise; Ovation Award - Best Actress), THE GRONHOLM METHOD (The Falcon ; Ovation nom. - Best Ensemble), Aldonza in MAN OF LA MANCHA opposite Davis Gaines (MTW; Ovation nom.  & LADCC nom - Best Actress), Julie in SHOWBOAT (Goodspeed Opera), Audrey in LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS (La Mirada), Lady of the Lake in SPAMALOT opposite Gary Beach (Sacramento Music Circus), Ilona in SHE LOVES ME (CLOSBC), the West Coast Premiere of Michael John LaChiusa's SEE WHAT I WANNA SEE (Blank Theatre), Rated RSO (Boston Court), and Gloria in DAMN YANKEES(Reprise; dir. Jason Alexander) .

Lesli is a published author with two books currently available on iTune and Amazon: NECK PUNCH and CARRY ON: Advice from the "Queen", a series of 'inspirational' messages inspired from her Twitter feed (@QueenLesli). (debuted at #1 on the Humor charts) and BLU!, about a unique lobster who teaches us that we are all special. 

She is the creator/star of  'Looks Not Books'  and 'Ship Happens' the popular backstage vlogs commissioned by Broadway.com which can also be seen on YouTube. 

Lesli's critically acclaimed solo shows RULE YOUR KINGDOM, ALL HAIL THE QUEEN, BROAD continue to play to crowds across the country.

Little Known Fact: She grew up on a cattle ranch then became a Broadway star. Find out how those two things go together... Welcome Lesli Margherita!

EPISODE 77 - UMA THURMAN

Uma Thurman is best known for her portrayal of Mia Wallace in Quentin Tarantino's critically lauded "Pulp Fiction," receiving an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress for her role in the cult classic. Thurman also garnered a Golden Globe Award nominations for her role in the "Kill Bill" film franchise. Thurman earned a Golden Globe Award for "Hysterical Blindness," in which she starred and produced, and her first Emmy nomination for Outstanding Guest Actress in a Dramatic Series on NBC's series “Smash.” 

Uma Thurman made her Broadway debut in 2017 in the play "The Parisian Woman." She was previously seen on stage in New York in "The Misanthrope" at Classic Stage Company in 1999. Her TV and film accolades include Bravo’s “Imposters,” NBC’s miniseries “The Slap,” Lars Von Trier's "Nymphomaniac: Vol. 1," "The Adventures Of Baron Munchausen," "Dangerous Liaisons," "Henry & June," "Beautiful Girls, "Batman & Robin," "Les Miserables," "Sweet and Lowdown," "Prime" with Meryl Streep, "Be Cool" and "The Producers."

Thurman recently completed production on various films including Lars Von Trier’s "The House That Jack Built," "The Brits Are Coming" and "Down a Dark Hall." She will also star opposite Robert De Niro in Tim Hill’s "The War with Grandpa." Born in Massachusetts, Thurman currently lives in New York City with her three children.

Little Known Fact: Originally Quentin Tarantino wasn't interested in seeing her for the role, but somehow her clever agent snuck her in the meeting––and the rest is history. 

EPISODE 76 - SARAH JESSICA PARKER

Sarah Jessica Parker, who played Carrie Bradshaw on the HBO television series Sex and the City (1998-2004) as well as serving as an executive producer, has won four Golden Globe Awards, three Screen Actors Guild Awards, and two Emmy Awards. Parker reprised her role and served as a producer for the screen adaptation of the hit series with the theatrical release of Sex and the City and Sex and the City 2.  Past film credits include: I Don't Know How She Does It, Smart People, Failure to Launch, The Family Stone, State and Main, Mars Attacks!, Ed Wood, The First Wives Club, Miami Rhapsody and Honeymoon in Vegas.

She has worked in the theatre, on and off Broadway, since 1976 when she debuted on Broadway in The Innocents directed by Harold Pinter. Other Broadway credits include: the title role in Annie, How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, and Once Upon a Mattress. Off-Broadway credits include: the original production of To Gillian on Her 37th Birthday and The Commons of Pensacola.

Parker currently stars on HBO’s television series Divorce, in which she stars and serves as an executive producer.

In 2014, Parker launched her namesake label, SJP, which is carried by Amazon Fashion, Bloomingdales, Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus online, Saks.com, and Zappos Luxury, as well as various other boutiques and international retailers.  Parker designed this collection of shoes, handbags and accessories in association with George Malkemus III. In 2016, SJP launched its first stand-alone store, with a second that just opened this past summer.

Parker released her perfume, Lovely, in 2005. Ten years later, it is currently a top-selling global brand. She recently introduced a new fragrance to the SJP Beauty collection called Stash.

Parker currently serves as a Vice-Chairman of the Board of Directors for the New York City Ballet. In November 2009, the Obama administration elected her to be a member of the President's Committee on the Arts and the Humanities.  She has partnered with schools in Oregon and, most recently, Minnesota for The Turnaround Arts Initiative.

Little Known Fact: When I asked her to tell me about her childhood, she said, "Well first we'd have to listen to some Pete Seeger or Arlo Guthrie." Welcome Sarah Jessica Parker!

EPISODE 75 - Patti LuPone

Author of The New York Times bestseller, Patti LuPone: A Memoir, Miss LuPone returned to Broadway to critical acclaim this spring as cosmetics pioneer Helena Rubinstein in the new Scott Frankel-Michael Korie-Douglas Wright-Michael Grief musical War Paint.

Her recent NY stage appearances include Douglas Carter Beane’s new play Shows For Days, directed by Jerry Zaks at Lincoln Center Theater, her debut with the New York City Ballet as Anna in their new production of The Seven Deadly Sins, Joanne in the New York Philharmonic’s production of Company, David Mamet’s The Anarchist, and Lincoln Center Theater’s production of the musical Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown, for which she was nominated for Tony, Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle Awards. Winner of the Tony, Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle Awards for Best Actress in a Musical and the Drama League Award for Outstanding Performance of the Season for her performance as Madame Rose in the most recent Broadway production of Gypsy, her other stage credits include appearances with the Los Angeles Opera in their new production of John Corigliano’s The Ghosts of Versailles and Weill-Brecht’s Mahagonny (debut), the world premiere of Jake Heggie’s opera To Hell and Back with San Francisco’s Baroque Philharmonia Orchestra, Mrs. Lovett in John Doyle’s production of Sweeney Todd (Tony, Drama Desk, Outer Critics Circle nominations; Drama League Award for Outstanding Contribution to Musical Theatre), the title role in Marc Blitzstein’s Regina, a musical version of Lillian Hellman’s The Little Foxes at the Kennedy Center, Fosca in a concert version of Passion, which was also broadcast on PBS’ Live From Lincoln Center, a multi-city tour of her theatrical concert Matters of the Heart, the City Center Encores! productions of Can-Can and Pal Joey, the NY Philharmonic’s productions of Candide and Sweeney Todd (NY Phil debut) and performances on Broadway in Michael Frayn’s Noises Off, David Mamet’s The Old Neighborhood, Terrence McNally's Master Class and in her own concert Patti LuPone On Broadway.

Since 2000 she’s appeared regularly at the Ravinia Festival. First in its Sondheim series when she starred as Mrs. Lovett in Sweeney Todd, Desiree in A Little Night Music, Fosca in Passion, Cora Hooper in Anyone Can Whistle, Madame Rose in Gypsyand in two different roles in Sunday in the Park with George. Her subsequent appearances there include a reprise of her performance in Heggie’s To Hell and Back, a concert performance of Weill’s The Seven Deadly Sins and starring in the title role in a concert production of Annie Get Your Gun.

A graduate of the first class of the Drama Division of New York’s Juilliard School and a founding member of John Houseman's The Acting Company in which she toured the country for four years, her subsequent New York credits include Dario Fo's Accidental Death of An Anarchist, David Mamet's The Water Engine, Edmond and The Woods and Israel Horovitz' Stage Directions and performances in the musicals Pal Joey for City Center Encores!, Anything Goes (Tony Award nomination, Drama Desk Award), The Cradle Will Rock, Oliver!, Evita (Tony and Drama Desk Awards- Best Actress in a Musical), Working and The Robber Bridegroom. In London, she won the Olivier Award for her performances as Fantine in the original production of Les Miserables and in the Acting Company production of The Cradle Will Rock. She also created the role of Norma Desmond in Sunset Boulevard, for which she was nominated for an Olivier Award, and recreated her Broadway performance of Maria Callas in Master Class.

Film: Cliffs of Freedom (upcoming), The Comedian, Union Square, Parker, City by the Sea, David Mamet’s Heist, State and Main; Just Looking, Summer of Sam, The 24 Hour Woman, Family Prayers, Driving Miss Daisy, Witness.

Television: Crazy Ex-Girlfriend, Penny Dreadful (Critics Choice nomination), Girls, American Horror Story: Coven, Law & Order: SVU, Glee, 30 Rock, PBS Great Performances The Rise and Fall of the City of Mahagonny, Ugly Betty, Will & Grace (as herself), PBS Great Performances’ Candide, Oz , the TNT film Monday Night Mayhem, PBS’ Evening At The Pops with John Williams and Yo Yo Ma, Falcone, Bonanno: A Godfather’s Story (Showtime); Frasier (1998 Emmy nomination); Law & Order, An Evening with Patti LuPone (PBS), the NBC movie Her Last Chance, Showtime's ACE Award and Emmy nominated The Song Spinner (Daytime Emmy nomination, Best Actress), The Water Engine, L.B.J., AMC's Remember WENN and ABC's Life Goes On.

Recordings include: Far Away Places, Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown, Patti LuPone at Les Mouches, Gypsy, Sweeney Todd (both the 2006 Broadway revival cast recording and 2000 live performance recording on NY Philharmonic’s Special Editions Label), The Lady with the Torch, and Don't Monkey With Broadway. 

Little Known Fact: She was in the very first graduating class from the acting program at the Juilliard School of Drama. 

EPISODE 74 - ROB MORROW

Rob Morrow is a multi-Emmy and Golden Globe-nominated actor, writer, and director with an established career in television, film, and theater spanning over three decades. Rob shot to stardom with his portrayal of New York doctor gone‐to Alaska, Joel Fleischman, on the hit television series, "Northern Exposure," garnering him three Golden Globe and two Emmy Award nominations. He played the iconic role of Don Eppes on the hit CBS drama, "Numb3rs," which ran for six seasons.

Morrow's film credits include starring in Robert Redford's Oscar-nominated film "Quiz Show," Albert Brooks' comedy "Mother," Bruce Beresford's "Last Dance" opposite Sharon Stone, and "Into My Heart."

Currently, Rob can be seen on ABC’s new hit show "Designated Survivor." He was recently on the critically acclaimed FX mini-series, "The People Vs. OJ Simpson," portraying defense attorney Barry Scheck, and on Showtime's new series "Billions," playing Counselor to the Attorney General, Adam Degiulio. He will be seen opposite Queen Latifah, Betsy Brandt and Marin Ireland in the Lifetime TV movie, "Flint."

Rob is an accomplished singer and guitarist. He plays all around Los Angeles with his band which features his musical collaborator Carlos Calvo. They have also toured New York, Maine, and Nevada.

Little Known Fact: Not only is he a beloved Emmy and Golden Globe-nominated actor, he is also an incredibly accomplished singer and songwriter and has a band with his dear friend, Carlos Calvo. Welcome Rob Morrow!

EPISODE 73 - JULIAN OVENDEN

British actor, Julian Ovenden is an accomplished thespian and musician, who has also had memorable performances in globally renowned television and film projects over the span of his 17-year career. He has starred on Broadway and in the West End, in high profile television series on both sides of the Atlantic, as well as fashioning an international career as a concert and recording artist.

His musical education began as a chorister at St.Paul's Cathedral, London and later as a music scholar both at Eton College and subsequently at New College, Oxford. While training as an opera singer, Ovenden was naturally drawn to musical theatre and continued his academic studies as an actor at The Webber-Douglas Academy of Performing Arts.

Ovenden will appear next as ‘Bobby Kennedy’ in Season 2 the nine-time Emmy Award nominated Netflix series, “The Crown.” Winner of two Golden Globe Awards, the critically acclaimed story follows the political rivalries and romance of Queen Elizabeth II’s reign and the events that shaped the second half of the 20th century. 

Additionally, Ovenden will star as ‘William De Nogaret’ in HISTORY’s “Knightfall,” created by Don Handfield and Richard Rayner and executively produced by Jeremy Renner. The story centers on the mysterious but true accounts of the Knights Templar, the elite warriors of the Crusades. It delves into the great secrets protected by the Templars and tells the story of faith, loyalty, and brotherhood that help sustain these warriors on the battlefield and the dark events that would forever sear the infamous date of Friday the 13th into the world’s psyche. The series has concluded production and is set to premiere this year. 

As a solo singer, Ovenden has appeared with many of the world’s leading orchestras, including The New York Philharmonic, The New York Pops, The Northern Sinfonia, The Liverpool Philharmonic, The RPO, The LPO, The Belfast Symphony Orchestra, the John Wilson Orchestra, The BBC Symphony, The Royal Concertgebouw, and The BBC Concert Orchestra. He has had particular success at the Proms at London’s Royal Albert Hall and has since become a reoccurring performer. Ovenden made his Carnegie Hall debut in 2014 and with much success, performed an additional headlining concert in 2016. 

In 2013, Ovenden recorded a debut album for Decca records entitled “If You Stay” and has since made a “Rogers and Hammerstein” record with John Wilson for Warner Classics and a “Downton Abbey Christmas” record for Warner Music that went double platinum earlier this year. In late 2015, he signed a multiple record deal with East West music and his latest album was released in April 2016.

On stage at the Booth theatre in 2006, Ovenden made his Broadway debut in “Butley,” as ‘Joseph Keyston’ opposite Nathan Lane. In 2011, Ovenden starred as ‘Death’ in “Death Takes a Holiday” for The Roundabout Theatre Company and appeared as ‘J.M. Barrie’ in The Weinstein Company’s “Finding Neverland.” Most recently in 2015, Ovenden took the stage as ‘Gaylord’ in “Show Boat” at Lincoln Center. 

Other notable theater roles include the multi award-winning “Merrily We Roll Along” (2000), Adrian Noble’s “A Woman of No Importance” (2003), “Grand Hotel” (2004), “Marguerite” (2008), “Annie Get your Gun” (2009), “Sunday in the Park with George” (2013), and “My Night with Reg” (2014).

Ovenden first appeared on British television as ‘Andrew Foyle’ starring opposite Michael Kitchen in the widely adored “Foyle’s War” for five seasons. He has also appeared as ‘Charles Blake’ in two seasons of the worldwide phenomenon “Downton Abbey.” Domestically, Ovenden is best known for playing ‘Jeremy Lambert’ in Season 3 and 4 of CBS’s drama series, “Person of Interest.” 

Further television credits include ‘Val Dartie’ in “The Forsyte Saga,” ‘Ernest Hemingway’ in “Any Human Heart,” ‘Dr. David Cheriton’ in “The Royal,” the greatly acclaimed ‘Captain Von Trapp’ in ITV’s recent live version of “The Sound of Music Live” opposite Kara Tointon, “Cashmere Mafia,” “Related,” and “SMASH.”

Ovenden can be seen in the films, “Colonia” opposite Emma Watson and Daniel Bruhl, “The Confessions” with Daniel Auteuil, Toni Servillo and Connie Nielsen, and the British indie war film “Allies.”

Ovenden currently resides in England with opera singer Kate Royal, their son Johnny Beau, daughter Audrey, and Roman the dog.

Little Known Fact: In 1996, his father became the Royal family vicar, and he has had the opportunity to sing for the Queen. Welcome Julian Ovenden!

EPISODE 72 - NIA VARDALOS

Academy Award and Golden Globe nominee Nia Vardalos was born and raised in Winnipeg, Canada, and is classically trained. After graduating from Toronto's Ryerson Theater School, she performed in Shakespeare and many musicals, later taking a job in the box office of The Second City so she could watch the shows for free. One fateful night, the lead actress fell ill and Vardalos convinced producers that she had memorized the show and to let her fill in. The next day she was hired, going on to write/perform in twelve Second City revues and winning Chicago's Jeff Award for Best Actress.

After a few years living in Los Angeles, unable to get a film job, she wrote, “My Big Fat Greek Wedding”. It continues to hold the title of #1 Romantic Comedy of all time. She received an Academy Award nom for best Screenplay, Golden Globe nom for Best Actress, and won the Independent Spirit Award and People’s Choice award.

She is the screenwriter/actor/producer of "Connie and Carla", “My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2”, lead actor in "My Life in Ruins", and "For a Good Time Call", with Tom Hanks is the co-writer of "Larry Crowne", plus is the actor/writer/director of "I Hate Valentine's Day."

Vardalos is the author of INSTANT MOM, a New York Times bestseller, the true story of adopting her daughter as a toddler from American Foster Care. Social workers confirm that, to date, the information from her book has placed over 1300 children in permanent homes. Vardalos also donates all proceeds to adoption charities.

She is currently writing a series for BRAVO about a woman who accidentally gets famous when she makes a viral video, plus is in pre-production on an indie film she wrote and will direct.

Some of her television credits include co-hosting ABC’s “The Great American Baking Show”, and guesting on, “Dr. Ken”, “The Catch”, “Graves”, “Law & Order: SVU”, "Grey's Anatomy", "Curb Your Enthusiasm”, “Jane The Virgin”, hosting "Saturday Night Live”, and voicing Angie Diaz in Disney’s animated series "Star Vs. the Forces of Evil."

Besides her years with The Second City, stage credits include “Jennie” in Theate20’s COMPANY directed  by Gary Griffin. (winner Best Actress Broadway Theater Award).

Directed by Thomas Kail (HAMILTON), and performed for two consecutive seasons at THE PUBLIC, Vardalos plays SUGAR in TINY BEAUTIFUL THINGS, her adaptation based on the bestselling book by Cheryl Strayed. Vardalos wrote the play over the course of three years.

Nia Vardalos currently volunteers with adoption charities, including matching prospective parents with children living in foster care. She volunteers at her twelve year old daughter’s school, mentors five writers per year, and currently lives in Los Angeles. Vardalos calls herself a Fearless Idiot because she believes it’s best to leap without asking questions.

Little Known Fact: She was running the box office for Second City, when one night an actress got sick. She knew the show, went on, and the next day she was hired.