Had to Ask: Ann Harada on Broadway Longevity, Representation & Having No F's Left to Give

Ann Harada (@iamannharada) has built one of the most respected careers in Broadway history.From Avenue Q and Seussical to Schmigadoon! (run and have a forking good time with this show at the Nederlander ASAP!), Cinderella, Les Misérables, Into the Woods, and beyond, she has spent decades navigating an industry that is constantly changing while staying true to herself.In this episode of Had to Ask, Ann reflects on the realities of building a long-term career in the arts, the show she still has a deep emotional connection to, and how the landscape for Asian American performers has evolved since she first arrived in New York.She opens up about being told she was "too American" for certain roles, the career regret she still carries, and why reaching a place of contentment has been one of the greatest gifts of getting older.Along the way, we also talk about Hallmark movies, poker, fresh flowers, and the unexpected lessons that come from spending a lifetime in the theatre.This is a conversation about longevity, identity, community, and what happens when you stop trying to be who everyone else wants you to be.CHAPTERS00:00 — Introduction01:28 — Opening Schmigadoon! and the magic of live theatre05:28 — Why Avenue Q still means so much to her09:20 — The people who helped build her career12:12 — Auditioning as an Asian American actress16:07 — Hallmark movies, baking, poker, and reading people22:52 — Reaching a point where she has "no Fs to give"31:57 — Her biggest career regret39:31 — Why art matters, especially during difficult times46:00 — Advice for the next generation of performers49:30 — Final thoughtsFollow Ann Harada (@iamannharada⁠) and Had to Ask (@hadtoaskpod) for more bold, unfiltered conversations — hosted by Melanie Sutrathada.Co-produced and edited by Joseph Loper.Special thanks to Thompson Central Park New York for being the perfect space for this conversation with Had to Ask.⭐️ Enjoyed the conversation? Follow the show, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who could use a reminder that there's more than one way to build a meaningful career.