EP 30: Beneath the Spotlight with Donna Vivino: Broadway Actress on Essence & Purpose

Donna Vivino stars in Alicia Keys' new Broadway musical, "Hell's Kitchen," currently captivating audiences in NYC. She takes on the role of Jersey during select performances. She made her Broadway debut at age 8 as the original Young Cosette in Les Miserables and is on the cast recording. She performed as Elphaba in "Wicked" on Broadway, previously starring on the national tour. Other Broadway credits and national tour credits include: "Fame Becomes Me" w/ Martin Short, "Hairspray" “Saturday Night Fever". "Cats" as Grizabella, Fave role: Mary Flynn “Merrily We Roll Along" opposite Wayne Brady and directed by Michael Arden. (LA Ovation Award Nomination). She has appeared in film and tv this past year on Law & Order, Family Affair and will be in the upcoming film "Ezra" starring Robert Deniro. Donna's album “Beautiful Dreamer”and "DNA"  can be found on itunes and Spotify. Donna is founder of the youth arts program Broadway-Unlimited.com.  Proud Mom of Hendrix. Social media for Facebook, Titok and X @donnavivino  Here are some key take aways from our conversation: Staying True to Your Essence: Donna emphasizes the importance of authenticity and staying true to one's unique essence, a lesson vital for personal and professional growth. Understanding True Success: She shares her perspective on what true success means, highlighting that it's not just about accolades but about personal fulfillment and staying true to oneself. Finding Beauty in Vulnerability: Donna gets vulnerable about the times when challenges seemed to pull the rug from under her, teaching us to notice the beauty and lessons beneath life's unexpected turns. The Power of Connection: She reminds us of the strength found in connecting with others, showing vulnerability, and the importance of community and support in both personal and professional spheres. Embracing the Gift in Everything: Donna encourages us to always look for the gift in every situation, finding opportunities for growth and learning even in adversity. Advice to Young Artists: Donna emphasizes to the upcoming generation of artists the critical importance of dedication and continuous improvement in their craft. She urges them to commit to their work tirelessly, refine their skills, and embrace the journey of growth amidst the industry's hurdles. Spreading Empathy and Kindness: Above all, Donna wants to spread the message of empathy and kindness to the world. She believes that understanding and compassion are crucial in creating a better environment for artists and individuals in every walk of life. How can you support the podcast? Buy Ydaiber a coffee  Love the Music? Support Mark West Art. You can find him on Instagram, Facebook, Spotify and Apple Music as Mark West Art, as well as online at markwestart.com. His art and music are available for purchase and streaming. Rate and Review the podcast Share with someone you love Important links from today's episode  Work with Ydaiber www.rekindleyourlight.com  Les Mis Donna's video Check out Donna's filmography here Learn more about Broadway Unlimited (You can also find the headshot she talks about on this page) Follow Donna on Instagram