Baring It All with Call Me Adam

This season on my podcast, Baring It All with Call Me Adam, I am spotlighting My Entertainment Idols.Today, I am catching up with one of My Entertainment Pen Pals, Jodi Benson who is known for voicing Ariel in Disney's Oscar winning feature film, The Little Mermaid.Jodi is getting to ready to return to the New York stage, in her Off Broadway debut, to star in & close out one of my favorite plays, Michael Griffo's Pen Pals.In this interview, Jodi is Baring It All with Call Me Adam about:How she landed Pen PalsWhat the show says about friendshipWhy Bernie is the perfect characterHer real-life bond with co-star Marcia Mitzman GavenThe legacy, and lasting impact, of The Little MermaidAnd so much moreJodi Benson & her long time friend, Marcia Mitzman Gaven will be starring in & closing out Michael Griffo's Pen Pals from March 4-15, 2026 at the Daryl Roth DR Theatre in NYC. Click Here for tickets!Click Here to watch this live interview in video format!Special Thanks:Joe Trentacosta, JT Public RelationsTheme Song by Bobby CroninPodcast Logo by Liam O'DonnellEdited by Adam RothenbergConnect with Me:Website: www.callmeadam.comFacebook: @CallMeAdamNYCInstagram: @CallMeAdamNYCMore on Jodi Benson:Jodi Benson is a Disney Legend Award recipient and has proudly served The Walt Disney Company for over 38 years. She is beloved worldwide as the singing and speaking voice of Ariel in the Academy Award®–winning The Little Mermaid, as well as the voice of Barbie in Toy Story 2 and the Oscar®-winning Toy Story 3. Her film work also includes Flubber, Enchanted, Wreck-It Ralph 2, and multiple Disney animated classics.On Broadway, Jodi earned Tony and Helen Hayes nominations for originating Polly Baker in Crazy for You, with additional credits including Smile, Welcome to the Club, and Marilyn: An American Fable. She recently appeared on Sweet Magnolias and continues to star as Ariel in Disney’s LEGO Princess films for Disney+.A celebrated concert artist, Jodi has performed at the Hollywood Bowl, Carnegie Hall, and with symphonies worldwide. She is a longtime Disney Cruise Line guest soloist, Candlelight Processional narrator, and currently serves as a D23 Fan Ambassador. Her memoir, Part of My World, shares behind-the-scenes stories from her remarkable journey.Mentioned in this episode:Book PromoDo you remember watching your favorite celebrity being interviewed, but you could tell there was more to that interview than what was being shown? My name is Adam Rothenberg and in the past 16 years I have interviewed over 2,200 artists & celebrities and I am here to tell you that YES, there is definitely more to the interviews you have watched, read or listened to. In my debut book, Behind The Curtain: The Mistakes, Lessons Learned & Triumphs of Interviewing Celebrities, I take you behind the scenes of what really happens during an interview, sharing the joys, the pitfalls & the OMG moments. You can get your copy on Amazon or through my entertainment platform, https://callmeadam.com/books, you can get your very own personalized autographed copy!

This season on my podcast, Baring It All with Call Me Adam, I am spotlighting My Entertainment Idols.Today, I am catching up with My Entertainment Idol, Adam Jacobs (yep, Broadway's original Aladdin), who is getting to ready to return to the New York stage to star in Monte Cristo at the York Theatre in NYCIn this NEW interview, Adam is once again Baring It All with Call Me Adam, but this time around, he talks about:How Monte Cristo landed on his radarWhat it’s really like playing the darker side of Edmond DantèsA powerful life lesson that’s shaped his perspectiveThe traits he carried over from AladdinPlus so much moreAdam Jacobs will be starring in Monte Cristo from March 12-April 5, 2026 at NYC's York Theatre. Click Here for tickets!Click Here to watch this live interview in video format!Special Thanks:Katie Rosin, Kampfire Films PRTheme Song by Bobby CroninPodcast Logo by Liam O'DonnellEdited by Adam RothenbergConnect with Me:Website: www.callmeadam.comFacebook: @CallMeAdamNYCInstagram: @CallMeAdamNYCMore on Adam Jacobs:Adam Jacob’s made is Broadway debut as “Marius” in the revival of Les Miserables at the Broadhurst Theater alongside such Broadway luminaries as Lea Salonga, Judy Kuhn, Gary Beach, Daphne-Rubin Vega, Norm Lewis, Ann Harada, Aaron Lazar & many others.Since Les Mis, Adam has starred in such hit shows as Mamma Mia!,The Lion King, Once On This Island & of course, as the original Aladdin on Broadway.Mentioned in this episode:Book PromoDo you remember watching your favorite celebrity being interviewed, but you could tell there was more to that interview than what was being shown? My name is Adam Rothenberg and in the past 16 years I have interviewed over 2,200 artists & celebrities and I am here to tell you that YES, there is definitely more to the interviews you have watched, read or listened to. In my debut book, Behind The Curtain: The Mistakes, Lessons Learned & Triumphs of Interviewing Celebrities, I take you behind the scenes of what really happens during an interview, sharing the joys, the pitfalls & the OMG moments. You can get your copy on Amazon or through my entertainment platform, https://callmeadam.com/books, you can get your very own personalized autographed copy!

This season on my podcast, Baring It All with Call Me Adam, I am spotlighting My Entertainment Idols.Today, I am catching up with My Entertainment Idol, 3 Time Emmy Award Winning Actress Cady McClain who is getting to ready to return to the New York stage to star in Roman Freud's Off Broadway play, Beneath the Ice of the Vistula.In this NEW interview, Cady is once again Baring It All with Call Me Adam, but this time around, she talks about:How Beneath the Ice of the Vistula landed in her handsWhy this story couldn't be more timelyHow this role challenges & expands her creative range as an actressLinking Beyond the Gates and Beneath the Ice of the VistulaPlus so much moreCady McClain will be starring in Beneath the Ice of the Vistula from February 12-28, 2026 at NYC's West End Theatre at St. Paul & St. Andrew UMC. Click Here for tickets!Click Here to watch this live interview in video format!Special Thanks:Ron Lasko, Spin Cycle NYCTheme Song by Bobby CroninPodcast Logo by Liam O'DonnellEdited by Adam RothenbergConnect with Me:Website: www.callmeadam.comFacebook: @CallMeAdamNYCInstagram: @CallMeAdamNYCMore on Cady McClain:Cady McClain is the first woman to win a Daytime Emmy© for playing three different characters, on three different shows, on three different networks. Cady made Emmy history by taking home the gold for her roles on All My Children (Best Juvenile, 1990), As the World Turns (Best Supporting Actress, 2004), and Days of Our Lives (Best Guest Performer, 2021).Cady is currently playing the recurring role of “Pamela Curtis” on CBS' Beyond the Gates, which Entertainment Weekly recently named one of the best TV shows of 2025.In 2024, Cady starred as “Joan Plowright” in Austin Pendleton's Off Broadway play, Orson’s Shadow, followed by What Happened Was at The Chain Theatre's 2025 Summer One Act Festival in NYC. Cady has also been seen on the theatrical stage in Shirley Valentine at Cape May Stage, The Red Address at Second Stage Theater, Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing at Lincoln Center Theater, A Comedy of Errors at the Hudson Guild Theater & Barefoot in the Park at the Westbury and Valley Forge Music Fair theaters. Cady also performed in two one-woman shows: Mona7 and Inventions of Farewell (HERE Theatre).In addition to the above Soap Operas, Cady has also been seen on multiple episodes of Law & Order SVU (opposite Amanda Seyfried, Mariska Hargitay, Michael O’Keefe, Ice T & Kevin Kane).Mentioned in this episode:Book PromoDo you remember watching your favorite celebrity being interviewed, but you could tell there was more to that interview than what was being shown? My name is Adam Rothenberg and in the past 16 years I have interviewed over 2,200 artists & celebrities and I am here to tell you that YES, there is definitely more to the interviews you have watched, read or listened to. In my debut book, Behind The Curtain: The Mistakes, Lessons Learned & Triumphs of Interviewing Celebrities, I take you behind the scenes of what really happens during an interview, sharing the joys, the pitfalls & the OMG moments. You can get your copy on Amazon or through my entertainment platform, https://callmeadam.com/books, you can get your very own personalized autographed copy!

This season on my podcast, Baring It All with Call Me Adam, I am spotlighting My Entertainment Idols.Today, I am catching up with My Entertainment Idol Actress, Author & 5-Time Golden Globe Nominee Marilu Henner who is getting to ready to return to the New York stage to star in Michael Griffo's smash hit Off Broadway play, Pen Pals, alongside her lifelong friend, Actress Brooke Adams.In this NEW interview, Marilu is once again Baring It All with Call Me Adam, but this time around, she talks about:How Pen Pals came into her lifeThe moments that shaped her view of BernieA Pen Pals date challenge that put her superhero memory to the testAnd so much more you won’t want to missMarilu (and Brooke) will be in Pen Pals, for 2 WEEKS ONLY, from February 4-15, 2026 at the Daryl Roth DR2 Theatre in NYC. Click Here for tickets!Click Here to watch this live interview in video format!Special Thanks:Joe Trentacosta, JT Public RelationsTheme Song by Bobby CroninPodcast Logo by Liam O'DonnellEdited by Adam RothenbergConnect with Me:Website: www.callmeadam.comFacebook: @CallMeAdamNYCInstagram: @CallMeAdamNYCMore on Marliu Henner:Marilu Henner is a 5 time Golden Globe nominee whose career spans Broadway, Film & Television. Some of her Broadway credits include Chicago, Grease & The Tale of the Allergist’s Wife.On screen, Marilu has appeared in such films as L.A. Story & Noises Off.She is well known to television audiences for her role on the Emmy winning series Taxi, with additional appearances on Grey’s Anatomy & Brooklyn Nine-Nine.A New York Times bestselling author, Marilu is also widely recognized for her work in memory & health. She tours the nation with her one woman show, Memory Girl!Mentioned in this episode:Book PromoDo you remember watching your favorite celebrity being interviewed, but you could tell there was more to that interview than what was being shown? My name is Adam Rothenberg and in the past 16 years I have interviewed over 2,200 artists & celebrities and I am here to tell you that YES, there is definitely more to the interviews you have watched, read or listened to. In my debut book, Behind The Curtain: The Mistakes, Lessons Learned & Triumphs of Interviewing Celebrities, I take you behind the scenes of what really happens during an interview, sharing the joys, the pitfalls & the OMG moments. You can get your copy on Amazon or through my entertainment platform, https://callmeadam.com/books, you can get your very own personalized autographed copy!

In this special BONUS episode of my podcast, I am sharing my recent LIVE interview with Rachel Potter (Broadway Actress, Recording Artist, Producer & X-Factor Season 3 Top 12 Finalist) about her upcoming concert, An Evening of Magic, in Nashville, TN.If you didn't get to watch my LIVE interview, listen to the replay below here!Wait until you hear Rachel's jaw-dropping story about her audition for the Ricky Martin/Michael Cerveris led Broadway revival of Evita!An Evening of Magic will feature Rachel & her talented friends singing music from Broadway & Disney Movies.Scheduled to perform: Susan Egan (Broadway's original Belle in Beauty & The Beast), Morgxn (Singer/Songwriter), Caroline Bowman (Originated the role of Elsa in the National Tour of Frozen) & many more!An Evening of Magic will take place at the Analog at Hutton Hotel in Nashville, TN this Friday, January 23, 2026 at 8pm CST. Click Here for tickets! More on Rachel Potter:Rachel Potter is an acclaimed Broadway Actress & accomplished Nashville Recording artist who was the “pop-u-lar” Glinda u/s on the National Tour of Wicked. She made her Broadway debut as Wednesday Addams in The Addams Family & went on to originate the role of The Mistress in the Ricky Martin/Michael Cerveris led Broadway revival of Evita. Her standout performance of singing "Another Suitcase in Another Hall," further solidified her place in the Broadway community.Transitioning from Broadway to Nashville, Rachel achieved success as a Top 12 finalist on season 3 of FOX's The X Factor. She auditioned by singing Queen's "Somebody to Love" which earned international praise & continues to amass millions of views since the season aired in 2013. Rachel's version of "Somebody to Love" is featured on her solo album, Not So Black and White.Rachel's journey in entertainment began at Walt Disney World, where she portrayed iconic characters such as Ariel, Belle, and Nemo. Most recently, Rachel was the featured soloist on Journey to Fantasy Springs, the theme song for Tokyo Disney Sea's new land Fantasy Springs, further expanding her global reach.Rachel has been featured as a guest soloist with many symphony orchestras all over the world, including the Dallas Symphony, St. Louis Symphony, Utah Symphony & many others. Rachel & fellow country artist, Patrick Thomas, celebrate past icons of country music in their Pops symphony show, Country Legends.Residing in Nashville, TN, Rachel remains focused on recording and writing music, as well as enjoying a successful career in real estate.Mentioned in this episode:Book PromoDo you remember watching your favorite celebrity being interviewed, but you could tell there was more to that interview than what was being shown? My name is Adam Rothenberg and in the past 16 years I have interviewed over 2,200 artists & celebrities and I am here to tell you that YES, there is definitely more to the interviews you have watched, read or listened to. In my debut book, Behind The Curtain: The Mistakes, Lessons Learned & Triumphs of Interviewing Celebrities, I take you behind the scenes of what really happens during an interview, sharing the joys, the pitfalls & the OMG moments. You can get your copy on Amazon or through my entertainment platform, https://callmeadam.com/books, you can get your very own personalized autographed copy!

This season on my podcast, Baring It All with Call Me Adam, I am spotlighting My Entertainment Idols.Today, in this LIVE Interview Replay, I am catching up with My Entertainment Idol Alt Pop Singer Songwriter Rachael Sage who is getting to ready to drop her latest album, Canopy!In this NEW interview, Rachael is once again Baring It All with Call Me Adam, but this time around, she talks about:The making of her new album, CanopyHow she would describe her latest record to audiencesWhy you should come see her live in concertOvercoming adversityHer personal side inspired by the track listing of her latest album, Canopy.So much more Rachael Sage's new record, Canopy, drops on Friday, October 24, 2025. Rachael will be celebrating the release of Canopy with a concert at The Cutting Room in NYC on Thursday, October 23, 2025.Click here to watch this live interview in video format!Special Thanks:Jill Richmond Johnson, MPress Records PRTheme Song by Bobby CroninPodcast Logo by Liam O'DonnellEdited by Adam RothenbergUnderscore Music by CutiqueConnect with Me:Website: www.callmeadam.comFacebook: @CallMeAdamNYCInstagram: @CallMeAdamNYCMore on Rachael Sage:Rachael Sage is a 6x Independent Music Award Winner & John Lennon Songwriting Contest Grand Prize recipient. She has released over 20 albums and EPs since bursting onto the music scene via Lilith Fair. Rachael is an outspoken activist on LGBTQ+ rights, anti-gun violence & women’s health issues. Rachael is a cancer thriver with multiple top-charting singles & hopeful anthems including "Blue Sky Days," "Bravery On Fire" and her feminist anthem “Sistersong.”Rachael has shared the concert stage such musical luminaries as Ani DiFranco, Rufus Wainwright, A Great Big World, Beth Hart and Howard Jones.

This season on my podcast, Baring It All with Call Me Adam, I am spotlighting My Entertainment Idols.Today I am catching up with Actress Jennifer Bassey, who you know for her over 30-year run as man-hungry nymphomaniac Marian Colby on ABC's hit soap opera, All My Children.In 2017, Jennifer & I did an interview together where she briefly spoke about putting together a cabaret show. Now, 8 years later, that cabaret show is coming to life at 54 Below!In this interview, Jennifer is Baring It All with Call Me Adam about:Why she wanted to create a cabaret showWhat will amaze fans about her upcoming cabaret showHow Bobby Short changed the trajectory of her careerSome OMG moments from her time on All My ChildrenWalking through fearSo much more Jennifer Bassey's cabaret show, From Sexy Soaps to Classy Cabaret will be at 54 Below for TWO NIGHTS ONLY, Tuesday, October 14, 2025 & Wednesday, October 15, 2025 both shows are at 7pm EST. There is a livestream option on Wednesday, October 15.In From Sexy Soaps to Classy Cabaret, Jennifer shares memories of her humble beginnings as a singing Playboy Bunny, to starring on Broadway, Off-Broadway & her on and off-screen exploits as TV’s first nymphomanic-cougar daytime diva, in this autobiographical romp featuring songs from Broadway & The Great American Songbook.Click here to watch this interview in video format!Special Thanks:Candi Adams & Adelina Correa - 54 Below PRTheme Song by Bobby CroninPodcast Logo by Liam O'DonnellEdited by Adam RothenbergUnderscore Music by CutiqueConnect with Me:Website: www.callmeadam.comFacebook: @CallMeAdamNYCInstagram: @CallMeAdamNYCMore on Jennifer Bassey:Jennifer Bassey is a two-time Emmy nominated actress whose first job in entertainment was as a singing Playboy bunny. After a chance encounter, Jennifer left her bunny ears behind & auditioned for a spot in the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London. Jennifer got accepted while earning the lowest entrance marks in the history of the academy. She graduated from the RADA with honors, finishing just below classmate and future Academy Award winner, Sir Anthony Hopkins.Upon moving to New York City, Jennifer appeared in several Broadway and Off Broadway productions including Neil Simon's California Suite, Not Now Darling directed by George Abbott, In Praise of Love with Rex Harrison and The Homecoming (The Original Royal Shakespeare Production), Moliere's Tartuffe, Wendy Wasserstein's Isn't It Romantic &The Taming of the Shrew at the Roundabout Theatre. In 1983, Jennifer won the role of Marian Colby on ABC's Daytime Soap Opera All My Children, playing the borderline nymphomaniac for over 30 years.Jennifer has been seen in such feature films as Waxwork, Twogether & Dunston Checks In, where in a scene-stealing, skin revealing moment, she received an orgasmic massage from an orangutan!Jennifer's prime-time work has included guest roles on Law & Order, Body of Proof & Grey's Anatomy. She has also been seen on LA Law, Falcon Crest, Murphy Brown, Silk Stalkings, Matlock & Coach. Most recently Jennifer was a guest star on ABC's General Hospital.In addition to her Daytime Emmy nominations, Jennifer has also received two Soap Opera Digest Awards, the second of which was shared with her All My Children costar David Canary for Favorite Couple.

This season on my podcast, Baring It All with Call Me Adam, I am spotlighting My Entertainment Idols.Today I am catching up with Marissa Jaret Winokur, who you know for winning the Tony Award for Best Leading Actress in a Musical for starring as Tracy Turnblad in the Tony Award winning musical Hairspray.In 2023, Marissa was a featured guest performer in the Off-Broadway musical Exorcistic: The Rock Musical. Now, two years later, Marissa has been invited back as a mystery guest! The mystery is NOT that she will in the show, the mystery is WHEN?In this NEW interview, Marissa is once again Baring It All with Call Me Adam, but this time she reveals:What made her want to return to Exorcistic: The Rock MusicalHow she gets possessed by her charactersThe important role theatre plays in her lifeFinding her sparkSome jaw-dropping stories about her time in HairspraySo much more Exorcistic: The Rock Musical follows a theatre company planning to put on a parody of The Exorcist. The audience will follow this theatre company from stage reading to Broadway as their quest for fame and money supersedes their art and humanity, ensuring that their lead actress, Emma Hunton, actually becomes possessed in the process.The musical is a self-aware parody that creates a chaotic, over-the-top rock musical. In true Rock and Roll fashion, Exorcistic: The Rock Musical features a rotating cast of Celebrity Guests each week, creating an incentive for audiences to return again and again. This unique aspect sets the musical apart in the crowded horror-comedy genre, promising fresh surprises at every performance.Special guest stars include: Lance Bass, Garrett Clayton, Orfeh, Frankie Grande, Lena Hall, Lindsay Heather Pearce, Marissa Jaret Winokur, Evan Rachel Wood, Ryann Redmond, Nick Cearly and MORE! (Scheduling pending)Exorcistic: The Rock Musical is currently playing at The Asylum in NYC.Click here to watch this interview in video format!Special Thanks:Elizabeth Skollar, Skollar PRTheme Song by Bobby CroninPodcast Logo by Liam O'DonnellEdited by Adam RothenbergUnderscore Music by CutiqueConnect with Me:Website: www.callmeadam.comFacebook: @CallMeAdamNYCInstagram: @CallMeAdamNYCMore on Marissa Jaret Winokur:Marissa Jaret Winokur is a Tony, Drama Desk, and Outer Critics Circle Award winner best known for her iconic role as “Tracy Turnblad” in Hairspray. She went on to win Celebrity Big Brother and placed in the final four on Dancing with the Stars.Currently, Marissa is touring in the Drama Desk-nominated Off-Broadway musical Mama, I’m a Big Girl Now, which she co-created, wrote, and directed alongside Kerry Butler and Laura Bell Bundy.Marissa will also be directing 5 Star Theatricals production of Hairspray this October in California.

This season on my podcast, Baring It All with Call Me Adam, I am spotlighting My Entertainment Idols.Today I am catching up with Actress Michelle Clunie, who you know for portraying Melanie Marcus on Showtime's hit Television Series Queer As Folk.The last time Michelle Clunie was on the New York Stage was in 2012 when she starred in her Off Broadway play US. In this NEW interview, Michelle is Baring It All with Call Me Adam about:How Pen Pals made her want to return to the New York StageWhat she hopes audiences come away with after seeing Pen PalsWhat she would tell Melanie from Queer As Folk todaySomething she's never shared beforeSo much more Pen Pals is the extraordinary story of two friends that unfolds over decades. With a rotating cast of renowned actors, no two performances will ever be the same.Bernie and Mags live in two different countries, they’ve never met, and yet they’re best friends. Because they’ve been pen pals for over fifty years. Since they were teenagers, they’ve shared every aspect of their lives with each other. The trivial bits, the most intimate details, all the happiness, all the heartache. They’ve told each other things they wouldn’t dare tell another soul. Even though Bernie lives in New Jersey and Mags is from England, the women are closer to each other than anyone else in the world.Come witness the journey of their lifetime. In their own words.Pen Pals will run at the Daryl Roth DR2 Theater, with a rotating cast of stars, from August 15, 2025-December 21, 2025.Michelle Clunie will be playing Bernie from September 3-14, 2025.Click here to watch this interview in video format!Special Thanks:Joe Trentacosta, JT Public RelationsTheme Song by Bobby CroninPodcast Logo by Liam O'DonnellEdited by Adam RothenbergUnderscore Music by CutiqueConnect with Me:Website: www.callmeadam.comFacebook: @CallMeAdamNYCInstagram: @CallMeAdamNYCMore on Michelle Clunie:Michelle Clunie is an award-winning veteran actress, born and raised in Portland, Oregon. Michelle stepped foot on stage at seven years old, first appearing in plays, operas and ballets.She made her stage debut in Los Angeles at 23, in A Comedy of Eros, earning her a Drama-Logue award. She went on to star in numerous television, film and theatre productions earning awards in all three mediums, including a Backstage Readers’ Choice Award for her performance in The West Coast premiere of Neil LaBute’s The Mercy Seat.In 2012 she wrote, produced, and starred in the Off-Broadway play US earning rave reviews, as an actress as well as writer, with critics comparing her style to Aaron Sorkin and Thornton Wilder.Michelle is most often recognized as ‘Melanie Marcus’ in the groundbreaking series QUEER AS FOLK. The popular series was based on the original British series, but the American remake for Showtime, remains incredibly popular to this day, with a passionate, continually building fan-base.Most recently Michelle wrapped shooting the powerful short film, EVERYTHING’S FINE, about PTSD after a mass shooting.Michelle also recurred on the hit MTV show TEEN WOLF; as well as MAKE IT OR BREAK IT on ABC Family. Up next, she stars in the mystery thriller, BURIED TRUTHS.

This season on my podcast, Baring It All with Call Me Adam, I am spotlighting My Entertainment Idols.Today I am catching up with Actress Nancy McKeon, who you know as Jo Polniaczek, from the beloved & long running 1980s series The Facts of Life.Nancy is kicking off the return of Michael Griffo's play Pen Pals, when she steps back into the role of Bernie, beginning August 15, 2025.In this NEW interview, Nancy is Baring It All with Call Me Adam about:Why she wanted to come back to Pen PalsWho she would write a Pen Pal letter toHow she met her husband of 25 yearsSome behind the scenes info from The Facts of Life So much more Pen Pals is the extraordinary story of two friends that unfolds over decades. With a rotating cast of renowned actors, no two performances will ever be the same.Bernie and Mags live in two different countries, they’ve never met, and yet they’re best friends. Because they’ve been pen pals for over fifty years. Since they were teenagers, they’ve shared every aspect of their lives with each other. The trivial bits, the most intimate details, all the happiness, all the heartache. They’ve told each other things they wouldn’t dare tell another soul. Even though Bernie lives in New Jersey and Mags is from England, the women are closer to each other than anyone else in the world.Come witness the journey of their lifetime. In their own words.Pen Pals will run at the Daryl Roth DR2 Theater, with a rotating cast of stars, from August 15, 2025-December 21, 2025.Nancy McKeon will be playing Bernie from August 15-31, 2025.Click here to watch this interview in video format!Special Thanks:Joe Trentacosta, JT Public RelationsTheme Song by Bobby CroninPodcast Logo by Liam O'DonnellEdited by Adam RothenbergUnderscore Music by CutiqueConnect with Me:Website: www.callmeadam.comFacebook: @CallMeAdamNYCInstagram: @CallMeAdamNYCMore on Nancy McKeon:An actress, director, and producer best known for playing the role of Jo Polniaczek on the beloved long-running 1980s sitcom, The Facts of Life. She starred in and produced the sitcom Can’t Hurry Love and starred with Jean Smart in the sitcom Style & Substance. She portrayed Inspector Jinny Exstead on the Lifetime police drama The Division from 2001 to 2004. She also directed two episodes. Nancy starred in numerous made-for-TV movies in the 1980s and 1990s, some including A Cry for Help: The Tracey Thurman Story, in which she portrayed the title role of Tracey Thurman, and Firefighter portraying the first female firefighter in Los Angeles County. Strange Voices, she portrayed a woman with schizophrenia. Love, Honor and Obey; The Last Mafia Marriage, mini series with Eric Roberts.She produced many of these movies through her film company, Forest Hills Entertainment. In 1999, she wrote and directed her own short film, A Wakening. The film won two film festival awards. 

This season on my podcast, Baring It All with Call Me Adam, I am spotlighting My Entertainment Idols.Today I am catching up with Motown Singer & Songwriter Charlene Oliver, who you know as the songstress behind the #1 song, "I've Never Been To Me," written by Ron Miller & featured in one of my favorite movies, The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert.Charlene & I last spoke in 2020 and now I am thrilled to be speaking with Charlene once again! In this NEW interview, Charlene is Baring It All with Call Me Adam about:How she came to record the global hit song, I've Never Been To MeGetting out of her abusive marriageFinding tranquility amongst the chaos of the worldThe sweetness of candySo much more "I've Never Been To Me" is available to stream on all music platforms!Special Thanks:Adam White & Jeff OliverTheme Song by Bobby CroninPodcast Logo by Liam O'DonnellEdited by Adam RothenbergUnderscore Music by CutiqueConnect with Me:Website: www.callmeadam.comFacebook: @CallMeAdamNYCInstagram: @CallMeAdamNYCMore on Charlene Oliver:Charlene Oliver always knew she wanted to be a singer, from her childhood in Hollywood in the late 1950s, one of two sisters in a loving family of Italian/American origin. Charlene's first break came with the offer to join Petula Clark's backing singers at Caesar's Palace in Las Vegas. Before long, she was auditioning in front of legendary Motown boss Berry Gordy and to her joy, being signed, the first ever white female singer to be signed to the label.Her first song, "All That Love Went To Waste," came out in 1974, followed by two albums on the Motown label. Then writer Ron Miller persuaded Charlene to record his song, "I've Never Been To Me," in 1977, but the single only just scraped into the Top 100.By the early 1980s, Charlene's career seemed to be stalling and she had left the US to move to her second husband Jeff's home in Essex, England, where she found work in the local sweetshop.It was there that she heard, in 1982, that a Florida DJ had been pushing her song so much that it had been re-released, and was finally hitting the charts. Within a few weeks, the singer found herself back at the top, as the song hit #1 in country after country all over the world, and she left her Essex sweetshop to fly on the Concorde to perform internationally. The growing international success of the musical Priscilla, Queen of the Desert has confirmed her as a hugely popular singer amongst the gay community, and recently she released a new club version of her iconic song in association with Eye Witness.Charlene's story has it all: the stars, the fame, the struggle, the pain.

If you weren't able to attend the LIVE talkback after Crystal Skillman's play OPEN at WP Theater in NYC on Friday, July 18, 2025, you can listen to the replay here! This talkback was Hosted by Call Me Adam's Adam Rothenberg, and Featured Playwright Crystal Skillman & OPEN Star, Actress Megan Hill.Crystal & Megan went Behind-The-Curtain with Adam about the creation of Crystal's play OPEN & how magic plays a part in their lives.They also answered a few questions from the audience. In this interview, Crystal & Megan are Baring It All with Call Me Adam about:How Crystal came to write the play OPENHow Megan prepares for this emotional story every nightIf there's been a time when they wished magic could have helped meIf they could cast a spell on their own life, what would they want it to do for themSo much moreIn OPEN, a woman called The Magician appears to perform tricks, but there’s no illusion—she’s attempting the impossible: saving her partner, Jenny.OPEN is a powerful, funny, and deeply moving play about love’s ability to defy hate in magical ways.OPEN runs through July 27, 2025 at WP Theater in New York City. Click Here for tickets!Special Thanks:Crystal SkillmanMegan HillTheme Song by Bobby CroninPodcast Logo by Liam O'DonnellFilmed by Lou BaronMore on Crystal Skillman:Crystal Skillman is an internationally award-winning playwright, fictional podcast writer, and comic book author who has written for Stories Podcast (Wondery Kids), Girl Tales, Adventure Time comics, as well as Marvel comics.In addition to OPEN and The Rocket Men, Crystal is the dramatist of RAIN AND ZOE SAVE THE WORLD & co-writer with Bobby Cronin for the award winning musical Mary & Max.She also wrote the book for the NYTimes Critics’ Pick plays GEEK, CUT, and KING KIRBY which you can listen to on Broadway Podcast Network.More on Megan Hill:As an actor, Megan Hill primarily does new work, having originated roles in the World Premieres of Crystal Skillman’s OPEN; Amy Staats’ EDDIE AND DAVE, Mara Nelson Greenberg’s DO YOU FEEL ANGER?, Leah Nanako Winkler’s KENTUCKY, and Rob Askins’ HAND TO GOD, to name a few.As a writer, Megan's play THE LAST CLASS: A JAZZERCIZE PLAY has had acclaimed runs in New York, DC, and Seattle. In 2019, Megan was nominated for a Drama Desk Award for her portrayal of David Lee Roth in the hit Off-Broadway show EDDIE AND DAVE.Meagn was also named one of the Best Comedic Performances of 2019 by the New York Times.

This season on my podcast, Baring It All with Call Me Adam, I am spotlighting My Entertainment Idols.Today I am catching up with three-time Emmy Award Winner Cady McClain, who you know for playing Dixie Martin on ABC's Soap Opera All My Children & more recently, Pamela Curtis on CBS' Daytime Drama, Beyond The Gates!Cady & I last spoke in 2024 when she was starring in Austin Pendleton’s play Orson’s Shadow and now I am thrilled to be speaking with Cady once again as she returns to the theatrical stage to be directed by Austin Pendleton in Walter John Thompson’s What Happened Was which will be playing in the Chain Theatre’s Summer One Act Festival for 3 performances ONLY! In this NEW interview, Cady is Baring It All with Call Me Adam about:How she got involved with What Happened WasWhen she has felt unseen & how she made herself more visibleAdvice she would give someone on working with their exHow Austin Pendleton elevates her as an actressSo much more In What Happened Was, a dilapidated bar that flickers between memory and imagination, two actors trapped in an endless loop confront love, regret, and the fragile line between reality, performance and the unbearable silence of being unseen.Directed by the legendary Austin Pendleton, What Happened Was will play 3 performances ONLY - July 22, 2025, August 1 & 2, 2025. Click here to watch this interview in video format!Special Thanks:Katie Rosin, Kampfire PRTheme Song by Bobby CroninPodcast Logo by Liam O'DonnellEdited by Adam RothenbergUnderscore Music by CutiqueConnect with Me:Website: www.callmeadam.comFacebook: @CallMeAdamNYCInstagram: @CallMeAdamNYCMore on Cady McClain:Cady McClain is a history-making three-time Emmy© Award winning actress, two-time Emmy© nominated director, and an accomplished producer and writer who has worked for over 40 years in film, television, and theater. She is proud to be the new Artistic Director for Axial Theatre, a twenty-four year theatrical institution dedicated to the development of new plays.A Los Angeles Native, Cady spent 25 years living in New York City to pursue acting training and work in theatre. She studied for eight years with Master Teacher Michael Howard and was proud to be the youngest student he ever accepted into his master class. Cady went on to enjoy performing in such historic theatrical productions Off-Broadway as David Ives’ The Red Address at Second Stage, Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing at Lincoln Center Theater, A Comedy of Errors at the Hudson Guild, Barefoot in the Park at the Westbury and Valley Forge Music Fair, Quiet on the Set at the Westbeth, and Self Offense at the Cucaracha Theater Company. In addition to performing in a one-woman show of Wallace Stevens poetry called Inventions of Farewell (directed by Estep Nagy) at the Here Theater in NYC, she is particularly proud of Mona7 - a short one-woman show she wrote, produced, co-directed, and performed, in which dealt with the after affects of abuse on a young woman through collaged video by video artist Tal Yarden, surrealist word play, and viewpoints movement. Her work in film and television includes starring roles in independent films Soldier’s Heart, Home Movie (with Adrian Pasdar, released through IFC), Alma Mater (with Alexander Chaplin and Will Lyman), Simple Justice (with Doris Roberts and Cesar Romero), and Retreat. Studio films include My Favorite Year (with Peter O’Toole) and Pennies From Heaven (with Steve Martin and Bernadette Peters). Television credits include Law and Order SVU (with Mariska Hargitay and Christopher Maloni), Cheers (with Ted Danson and Woody Harrelson), and St. Elsewhere (with Christina Pickles). She is the first woman to have won three Emmys© for three different characters on three different television shows and networks: All My Children (Best Juvenile, 1991), As the World Turns (Best Supporting, 2004), and Days of Our Lives (Best Guest Performer, 2021). Additionally, she has earned eight Emmy© nominations for her work in daytime.Cady is also an award-winning audiobook performer, winning an Earphones Audiophile Award and recognition from Entertainment Weekly, Audiophile Magazine, and Publishers Weekly for her first book: Emma Cline’s incredible debut novel The Girls. Other books include Every Last Fear by Alex Finlay, The Witch Hunter by Max Seeck, Home Before Dark by Riley Sager, The Sleepwalker and The Premonition by Chris Bohjalian, Generation Chef by Karen Stabiner, Red, White, Blue by Lea Carpenter, and Home Sweet Home by April Smith - for which she won her second Earphones Audiophile Award.Cady moved into directing in 2013 and since has directed six short films, two web series, a full length play, and a documentary feature film. Her shorts include: Burnt Feathers, Broken Wings for Kids in the Spotlight (Winner: Best Film, Best Screenplay, Best Ensemble - Paramount Sponsored “Movies by Kids” awards; Winner: Best Impact Film - Santa Fe FF 2020; Winner: Best Short Documentary - Mystic Film Festival 2020) which can now be seen on INDIEFLIX. The World of Albert Fuh (Premiere - SOHO International Film Fest 2015; Winner: Best Comedy Drama Short at the Indie Gathering Festival 2015; Honorable Mention: Best Director - Los Angeles Film Review 2015; Honorable Mention: SaMoIndie FF; Award of Merit: Best Shorts Film Festival 2015; Official Selection: LA Indie Film Fest 2015). Flip Fantasia (Official Selection Macon Film Festival 2014). Other Kids in the Spotlight films include The Last Day (Nominated for Best Ensemble - “Movies by Kids Awards”) and The Missing Piece (Winner: Best Ensemble and Best Supporting Actress at the Movies By Kids Awards hosted by Ty Burrell), also now available on INDIEFLIX.Devoted to helping more women become directors, her foray into documentary film, Seeing is Believing: Women Direct, premiered at the 2017 SOHO International Film Festival winning the Audience Award for Best Feature Film. A grant awardee from the Awesome Without Borders Foundation, Seeing is Believing: Women Direct has been featured in Indiewire as “Project of the Day,” NPR, Salon, Film Threat, PBS SoCal, Good Morning Texas, The Alliance of Women Film Journalists, and Women and Hollywood, to name a few. It is now available through the educational distributor Collective Eye. It can be seen on KANOPY and PBS stations and is in the collections of The University of Miami, Exeter University, The University of San Diego, Philip Exeter University, The University of Delaware, The University of Michigan, Pennsylvania State University, Temple University, Minnesota State University, Loyola Marymount University, the St Louis Public Library, the New York Public Library, and the Anchorage Public Library. It was picked up for further distribution by an APT (American Public Television) awarded grant and sold to eight regional PBS stations in 2020 including Connecticut PBS; KPBS, San Diego CA; KQED, San Francisco CA; KUEN, Salt Lake City UT; Maryland PBS; North Carolina PBS; WHUT, Washington DC [Howard University station] and WILL Illinois Public Media, Urbana IL.Cady interviewed highly experienced directors and producers for the film including Lesli Linka Glatter (Homeland, Mad Men), Kimberly Peirce (Boys Don’t Cry), Sarah Gavron (Suffragette, Rocks), Bethany Rooney (Bull, Pretty Little Liars, co-author Directors Tell the Story), Joanna Kerns (Jane the Virgin), Jann Turner (Chicago Fire), Jon Wells (ER, West Wing), Oscar© winner Lee Grant, two-time Oscar© winner Sarah Kernochan; Michael Rauch (EP Royal Pains, Instinct); Mike Robin (EP Major Crimes, The Closer, NYPD Blue); and one of the highest grossing female directors in film, Betty Thomas (Dr. Doolittle, The Brady Bunch Movie), among others.Seeing is Believing: Women...

This season on my podcast, Baring It All with Call Me Adam, I am spotlighting My Entertainment Idols.Today I am catching up with Steve Burns, who you know as the original sleuth finding host of Nickelodeon's Blue's Clues.I first interviewed Steve in 2017 when he released his album Foreverywhere (alongside Steven Drozd of The Flaming Lips).From 1996-2002, on camera, Steve Burns was entertaining millions of kids as the happy go-lucky host of Nickelodeon's Blue's Clues, but towards the end of his run, behind-the-scenes Steve was starting to hear multiple rumors of his death which was one of the events that led him to struggle with depression. Now, Steve his bringing his story to the theatrical stage with his solo show debut in Steve Burns Alive.In this NEW interview, Steve is Baring It All with Call Me Adam about:What life was really like behind the camera during his days on Blue's CluesHow he almost missed his opportunity to write the theme song for CBS' Young SheldonWhy he is grateful to be alive todayHow he hopes this interview will help someone who is also struggling with depressionSo much more In Steve Burns Alive, Steve dissects the bizarre phenomenon of being mourned while still breathing. This isn't just his story—it's an excavation of how parasocial relationships shape our reality, how digital mythology replaces truth, and what happens when millions of strangers grieve a version of you that never existed.Steve Burns Alive cuts through the layers of myth and performance to expose the raw mechanics of human connection in the digital age. This is not a children's show. This isn't nostalgia. This is an unflinching forensic examination of what it means to exist in the space between who people think you are and who you actually are, and the stories we tell about the people who shaped our childhoods.Steve Burns Alive will play for 3 performances ONLY, from July 23-25, 2025 at The Club at La Mama in NYC's East Village.Click here to watch this interview in video format!Special Thanks:Emily Owens PublicityTheme Song by Bobby CroninPodcast Logo by Liam O'DonnellEdited by Adam RothenbergUnderscore Music by CutiqueConnect with Me:Website: www.callmeadam.comFacebook: @CallMeAdamNYCInstagram: @CallMeAdamNYCMore on Steve Burns:Steven Burns is best known as the original host of Blue’s Clues, where he spent seven surreal years solving mysteries with a cartoon dog and a talking mailbox. Then he disappeared. On purpose.Since then, Steve has released indie rock albums, toured with The Flaming Lips, wrote the theme song for Young Sheldon, been a host and storyteller for The Moth and gone massively viral by quietly breaking the internet with a heartfelt message to a generation of now-grown-up viewers.

This season on my podcast, Baring It All with Call Me Adam, I am spotlighting My Entertainment Idols.Today I am speaking with musical sensations Bucky Heard & Tim D. Lee, who are part of the iconic musical duo, The Righteous Brothers, alongside original member Bill Medley. Tim has recorded and toured with The Righteous Brothers for over 35 years & is the group's current Music Director & Tour Manager.In 2016, Bucky joined The Righteous Brothers when original founding member Bill Medley reformed the group, choosing Bucky has his new singing partner.In addition to being part of The Righteous Brothers, Bucky & Tim have now teamed up to write the music and lyrics to Mark Corallo & Eileen Nelson’s Off Broadway Musical, Mike & Mindy's Wild Weekend Jam.In this interview, Bucky & Tim are Baring It All with Call Me Adam about:What it was like write the music & lyrics for Mike & Mindy's Wild Weekend JamHow the music & lyrics in this version of the show differ from previous incarnationsWhat is something they both have "Lost That Loving Feeling For"When there has been a time a song has had an "Unchained Melody"So much more Click here to watch this interview in video format!In Mike & Mindy's Wild Weekend Jam, audiences will once again be transported into the spirited world of two dreamers—Mike and Mindy—as they juggle love, life, and a whole lot of family drama in their quest to make it big. Set in early ‘90s Brooklyn, the story follows high school sweethearts Mike and Mindy who, despite working as a plumber and hairdresser, have never let go of their dream of becoming music stars.Their weekly “Wild Weekend Jams” are a chaotic mix of music, dancing, and eccentric relatives. But when word gets out that a top music producer might stop by, tensions rise—especially with Mindy’s old-school Italian father Don, whose disapproval threatens to tear it all apart. Will love, laughter, and music be enough to hold the night—and their future—together?Mike & Mindy's Wild Weekend Jam will play the Mainstage at The Player's Theatre in NYC through July 20, 2025.

This season on my podcast, Baring It All with Call Me Adam, I am spotlighting My Entertainment Idols.Today I am speaking with Emmy Winning Producer Dan Watt, whose Emmy Winning documentary EVERYBODY DANCE is a heartfelt trip inside the everyday challenges and blessings of kids living with neurological disabilities, following 5 kids, their families and dance teacher on a journey through life and toward their dance recital.After 10 years of working for Columbia Pictures and Simon Cowell, at 45-years-old, Dan Watt left his corporate job and jumped into entrepreneurship, starting his own independent production company, DancinDan Productions.In this NEW interview, Dan is Baring It All with Call Me Adam about:How he went from Performer to Independent ProducerWhy he gave up corporate life for the unknown world of entrepreneurshipThe lessons he has learned from being an entrepreneurWhy he wanted EVERYBODY DANCE to be his first documentaryHow he go to be Bea Arthur’s personal assistant (Dorothy from The Golden Girls)So much moreEVERYBODY DANCE won a 2024 Emmy Award in the Independent Programming category at the 76th Annual Emmy Awards.EVERYBODY DANCE is available to watch on Amazon Prime, Apple TV, Google Play, Tubi.Click here to watch this interview in video format!Special Thanks:Theme Song by Bobby CroninPodcast Logo by Liam O'DonnellEdited by Adam RothenbergUnderscore Music by CutiqueConnect with Me:Website: www.callmeadam.comFacebook: @CallMeAdamNYCInstagram: @CallMeAdamNYCMore on Dan Watt:Dan Watt is the 2024 Emmy Award Winning Producer & Director of the documentary EVERYBODY DANCE.Dan worked for 5 years at Columbia Pictures in the film development department on such films as HOUSE BUNNY with Anna Farris and Just Go With It with Jenifer Aniston and Adam Sandler. Dan then went on to work with Simon Cowell for 5 years starting with the documentary film about the band ONE DIRECTION titled THIS IS US. Prior to Dan’s film career he produced Gala Fundraisers with Bea Arthur, Chita Rivera, Dixie Carter, Carol Channing and Melissa Manchester. Dan also produced Tony Nominee, Anika Larsen’s debut cd SING ME TO SLEEP and songs with Ben Vereen. He is currently in production on an “untitled” documentary with Tony and Pulitzer Prizer wining producer Daryl Roth and a documentary with Rosie O’Donnell.

This season on my podcast, Baring It All with Call Me Adam, I am spotlighting My Entertainment Idols.Today I am speaking with Jason ‘Bea’ Schmidt, one of my favorite & arguably the world’s premier Bea Arthur impersonator.Jason is heading off to Provincetown this summer to present his new show Bea Arthur’s Brat Summer: A Drag Pop Broadway Fantasia.In this NEW interview, Jason is Baring It All with Call Me Adam about:How Chappel Roan influenced the creation of Bea Arthur’s Brat SummerWhy audiences will love this new showHow he hopes to win a Tony AwardWhat he wishes he knew as an entrepreneurHow he stays focused on the task at handSo much moreIn Bea Arthur’s Brat Summer, a Tony-Award Wanting star takes on the brattiest pop singers of today and the classics of Broadway.Bea Arthur is having the brattiest summer since … last summer. Inspired by the music of Charli XCX, Kander and Ebb, Chappel Roan, Jerry Herman and so many more - Jason B. Schmidt, arguably the world’s premiere Bea Arthur impersonator brings you the Pop-Broadway-Mashup-Adventure, nobody asked for, but everybody will be talking about for the next 100 years, or seconds. Featuring live-singing, stand-up comedy and a teensy bit of historical fiction, this show tastes like cigarettes, vodka and… BeatriXCX.Bea Arthur’s Brat Summer will play The Arthouse in Provincetown, MA from May 26, 2025-September 9, 2025 at 7pm EST (on Mondays/Tuesdays).Click here to watch this interview in video format!Special Thanks:Theme Song by Bobby CroninPodcast Logo by Liam O'DonnellEdited by Adam RothenbergUnderscore Music by CutiqueConnect with Me:Website: www.callmeadam.comFacebook: @CallMeAdamNYCInstagram: @CallMeAdamNYCMore on Jason B. Schmidt/Bea Arthur:Jason B. Schmidt is the Bea Arthur impersonator, voice-over talent, and member of the hilarious drag troupe, The Golden Gays™! In addition to his extensive off-Broadway, off-off-Broadway, and Regional credits, Jason has also traveled the U.S. starring in numerous high-quality productions.Jason B. Schmidt isn’t your average performer. He is the world’s premier (and only!) Bea Arthur impersonator. He’s perfected his craft to give audiences an unforgettable performance that Ms. Arthur would have definitely approved of in his hit show Beatrice Arthur: Astral Dame.Additionally, his work with The Golden Gays has been seen all throughout the U.S. What began as a flash mob extravaganza at RuPaul’s DragCon has skyrocketed to sold-out engagements, tours, and cruises all over the U.S., in Mexico and in the middle of the ocean. Previously, Jason starred in Dog Opera by Constance Congdon, which he also co-produced at the Little Times Square Theatre opposite his performing and producing partner Darlene Rae Heller. He is proud to have been part of the dynamic ensemble cast of Momentum Rep’s It’s Only Life, the theatrical revue of John Bucchino’s best musical numbers, featuring Mr. Bucchino at the piano. Other favorite credits include the German transvestite assassin Friedrich in Hit Girls: An Ass-Kicking Musical in Heels as well as Dorothea in The Golden Girls Parody, Thank You For Being a Friend: The Musical at The Kraine Theater. He also flaunted his “perfect comic timing” off-Broadway in The Gayest Christmas Pageant Ever!Jason’s voice over talents can be heard in the extremely popular video game Red Dead Redemption by Rockstar Games. His hit show, Beatrice Arthur: Astral Dame, is currently booking out of NYC. Jason has a BFA in Acting from Adelphi University.Whether he’s doing Zoom shows, live performances, or something crazy and new altogether, you can bet you’ll have a great time with Jason B. Schmidt or The Golden Gays!

This season on my podcast, Baring It All with Call Me Adam, I am spotlighting My Entertainment Idols.Today I am speaking with Actor Andrew Keegan whose role as Kevin in the gay romantic comedy, The Broken Hearts Club, was very instrumental in my own coming out journey as I saw myself reflected in him.Now, Andrew is trading in romance for revenge in the new psychological thriller Healing Towers where Andrew plays Detective Joe Coolridge who has to rescue his daughter from a twisted mental institution.In this interview, Andrew is Baring It All with Call Me Adam about:Why he wanted to star in Healing TowersWhat was the scariest part of filming Healing TowersA project he signed onto that turned out not to be what he expectedA role that allowed him to act out one of his fantasiesWhat it was like to kiss Dean Cain & Timothy Olyphant in The Broken Hearts ClubHealing Towers is currently available On Demand and On Digital platforms!In Healing Towers, a detective's search for his missing daughter uncovers a horrifying link to a twisted psychiatrist’s dream therapy treatment, where deranged patients are forced to enact their darkest fantasies on innocent victims.Click here to watch this interview in video format!Special Thanks:One Tree EntertainmentTheme Song by Bobby CroninPodcast Logo by Liam O'DonnellEdited by Adam RothenbergUnderscore Music by CutiqueConnect with Me:Website: www.callmeadam.comFacebook: @CallMeAdamNYCInstagram: @CallMeAdamNYC

This season on my podcast, Baring It All with Call Me Adam, I am spotlighting My Entertainment Idols.Today I am speaking with Tony, Emmy & SAG Nominated Actor Norm Lewis whom I last interviewed in 2019 when he was getting ready to perform at 54 Below.Now, Norm is once again lighting up the New York Stage, in the Off-Broadway production of Ceremonies in Dark Old Men, which has not had a NYC production in almost 40 years.In this interview, Norm is Baring It All with Call Me Adam about:Why now is the right time to revive Ceremonies in Dark Old Men The similarities between the play’s time period (1950’s) and todayHow Norm got his nameSome jobs Norm had prior to making it as an actorWorking with the legendary Vanessa WilliamsSo much moreOriginally scheduled to play through May 18, 2025, Ceremonies in Dark Old Men has been EXTENDED, due to popular demand, through June 29, 2025 at The Theatre at St. Clements in NYC! Click here for tickets!In Ceremonies in Dark Old Men,  it’s New York in the 1950s. Russell Parker, a ne'er-do-well barber and the widowed father of three adult children, spends his days playing checkers and reminiscing about his life in vaudeville as a song and dance man. His two sons, Theo and Bobby, are dreamers of a different sort – a pair of petty criminals looking for a “score" in the form of ill-conceived and dangerous bootlegging and numbers schemes. Russell's daughter, Adele, the only gainfully employed member of the family, refusing to work herself into an early grave like her mother. When Adele's long-simmering resentments boil over and the boys' criminal enterprise falls apart, tragic consequences ensue for the whole family.A Personal Behind-The-Curtain Note….I have loved Norm ever since I saw him in his Broadway debut in the 1994 Original Broadway production of The Who’s Tommy. Since then, I have had the pleasure of seeing Norm in Les Misérables (2006 Broadway revival), Sondheim on Sondheim (Broadway 2010), The Gerhswins’ Porgy and Bess (2012 Broadway), The Phantom of the Opera (Broadway 2014) Once on this Island (Broadway March 2018), Sweeney Todd: The Demon of Fleet Street (Off-Broadway June 2018), and Chicken & Biscuits (Broadway 2021).I have also loved Norm in his many television & film appearances including his recurring role, acting besides Vanessa Williams, on VH-1’s Daytime Divas, his guest starring roles on The Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt and TV Land’s Younger as well as seeing him in the 2nd Sex and the City film.Click here to watch this interview in video format!Special Thanks:Brett Oberman at Keith Sherman & AssociatesTheme Song by Bobby CroninPodcast Logo by Liam O'DonnellEdited by Adam RothenbergUnderscore Music by CutiqueConnect with Me:Website: www.callmeadam.comFacebook: @CallMeAdamNYCInstagram: @CallMeAdamNYCMore on Norm Lewis:Emmy, Tony, and SAG Award nominee, Norm Lewis was recently seen onstage starring in the national tour of the Tony Award-winning production of A Soldier's Play and in Andrew Lloyd Webber's West End Concert of Love Never Dies. He starred in Spike Lee's critically acclaimed, Da 5 Bloods, and in the groundbreaking FX series, Pose. Additionally, Norm can be seen starring opposite Hilary Swank in the feature The Good Mother, Amazon Prime's newest series, Swarm, and Hulu's, Up Here. He was also seen as 'Caiaphas' in the award-winning NBC television special, Jesus Christ Superstar Live in Concert!, alongside John Legend, Sara Bareilles, and Alice Cooper. Norm returned to Broadway in the Fall of 2021, starring in Chicken and Biscuits at the Circle In The Square Theatre. He previously appeared in the Broadway revival of Once on This Island and as Sweeney Todd in the Off-Broadway production of Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street at the Barrow Street Theatre, receiving the AUDELCO Award for his performance. In May of 2014, he made history as The Phantom of the Opera’s first African American Phantom on Broadway. He has been seen on PBS in the Live From Lincoln Center productions of Showboat with Vanessa Williams, Norm Lewis: Who Am I?, New Year’s Eve: A Gershwin Celebration with Diane Reeves, as well as American Voices with Renée Fleming and the PBS Specials First You Dream – The Music of Kander & Ebb and Ella Wishes You A Swingin' Christmas. He had a recurring role in the VH1 series, Daytime Divas, also alongside Vanessa Williams. His additional television credits include TV Land's Younger, Women of The Movement, Law & Order, Dr. Death, Mrs. America, Better Things, The Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, Bull, Chicago Med, Gotham, The Blacklist, and Blue Bloods, as well as in his recurring role as Senator Edison Davis on the hit drama Scandal. Norm is a proud, founding member of Black Theatre United, an organization which stands together to help protect Black people, Black talent and Black lives of all shapes and orientations in theatre and communities across the country. He received Tony, Drama Desk, Drama League, and Outer Critics Circle award nominations for his performance as Porgy in the Broadway production of The Gershwins’ Porgy & Bess. Other Broadway credits include Sondheim on Sondheim, The Little Mermaid, Les Misérables, Chicago, Amour, The Wild Party, Side Show, Miss Saigon, and The Who’s Tommy. In London’s West End he has appeared as Javert in Les Misérables and Les Misérables: The 25th Anniversary Concert, which aired on PBS. Off-Broadway Norm has performed in Dessa Rose (Drama Desk nomination, AUDELCO Award), Shakespeare in the Park’s The Tempest, The Two Gentlemen of Verona (Drama League nomination), Captains Courageous, and A New Brain. His regional credits include Porgy in The Gershwins’ Porgy and Bess (A.R.T.), Ragtime, Dreamgirls (with Jennifer Holliday), First You Dream, Sweeney Todd, and The Fantasticks. His additional film credits include Christmas In Tune (starring opposite Reba McEntire), Magnum Opus, Winter’s Tale, Sex and the City 2, Confidences, and Preaching to the Choir. Norm has released two albums The Norm Lewis Christmas Album & This is The Life.

This season on my podcast, Baring It All with Call Me Adam, I am spotlighting My Entertainment Idols.Today I got to speak with Actress Nancy McKeon whom I grew up watching on the hit TV series The Facts of Life, and also enjoyed watching her on Lifetime TV's The Division and CBS Style & Substance (co-starring Jean Smart). Now, Nancy is making her Off-Broadway debut in the new play Pen Pals  by Michael Griffo. Nancy is heading back into the show for its final week (February 5th-9th, 2025)!I had the best time speaking with Nancy because it felt like I was talking to an old friend!In this interview, Nancy is Baring It All with Call Me Adam about:How Double Dare's Marc Summers helped her get involved with Pen PalsWhat she would write to her younger self, if she sent Pen Pal LetterWhen there was a time the world didn't live up to hear dreamsThe nerdiest thing she does to wind down after a long daySo much moreNancy returns to Pen Pals for the show's final week, February 5th-9th, 2025!Pen Pals is the extraordinary story of two friends that unfolds over decades. With a rotating cast of renowned actors, no two performances will ever be the same. Bernie and Mags live in two different countries, they’ve never met, and yet they’re best friends. Because they’ve been pen pals for over fifty years. Since they were teenagers, they’ve shared every aspect of their lives with each other. The trivial bits, the most intimate details, all the happiness, all the heartache. They’ve told each other things they wouldn’t dare tell another soul. Even though Bernie lives in New Jersey and Mags is from England, the women are closer to each other than anyone else in the world. Come witness the journey of their lifetime. In their own words.Pen Pals is proud to partner with the Susan G. Komen® and will donate 5% of the total ticket sales and 100% of all customer donations collected to Susan G. Komen®, whose mission is to save lives by meeting the most critical needs in our communities and investing in breakthrough research to prevent and cure breast cancer.Click here to watch this interview in video format!Special Thanks:Theme Song by Bobby CroninPodcast Logo by Liam O'DonnellEdited by Adam RothenbergUnderscore Music by CutiqueConnect with Me:Website: www.callmeadam.comFacebook: @CallMeAdamNYCInstagram: @CallMeAdamNYCMore on Nancy McKeon:An actress, director, and producer best known for playing the role of Jo Polniaczek on the beloved long-running 1980s sitcom, The Facts of Life. She starred in and produced the sitcom Can’t Hurry Love and starred with Jean Smart in the sitcom Style & Substance. She portrayed Inspector Jinny Exstead on the Lifetime police drama The Division from 2001 to 2004. She also directed two episodes. Nancy starred in numerous made-for-TV movies in the 1980s and 1990s, some including A Cry for Help: The Tracey Thurman Story, in which she portrayed the title role of Tracey Thurman, and Firefighter portraying the first female firefighter in Los Angeles County. Strange Voices, she portrayed a woman with schizophrenia. Love, Honor and Obey; The Last Mafia Marriage, mini series with Eric Roberts.She produced many of these movies through her film company, Forest Hills Entertainment. In 1999, she wrote and directed her own short film, A Wakening. The film won two film festival awards. 

This season on my podcast, Baring It All with Call Me Adam, I am spotlighting My Entertainment Idols.Today, I am going back in time and Behind-The-Curtain to bring you this blast from the past, my 2013 interview with Nicki French, award-winning international recording artist, known for her smash hit dance version of Bonnie Tyler's "Total Eclipse of the Heart."In this interview, Nicki is Baring It All with Call Me Adam about:How she handles her success What she loves about musical theatreHow she decides what songs to recordWhat she loves about the creative process in putting an album togetherSo much moreSpecial Thanks:Theme Song by Bobby CroninPodcast Logo by Liam O'DonnellEdited by Adam RothenbergUnderscore Music by CutiqueConnect with Me:Website: www.callmeadam.comFacebook: @CallMeAdamNYCInstagram: @CallMeAdamNYCMore on Nicki French:Nicki was born in Carlisle, Cumbria to Mum Eileen and Dad Joe. Music was destined to be in the family – dad played the drums when he was younger, and mum the violin. Nicki’s brother, Tim, is very musical too – a guitarist and singer who is a fabulous song-writer. However, her two sisters, Allison and Carolyn, stayed away from music – probably plenty to listen to already in the household!The family moved down to Tenterden in Kent when Nicki was four years old. Always a keen singer, one of her early memories was sitting next to the radio, listening to the new chart rundown and singing along to all the songs, when Auntie Sally, her Godmother, came in and said to mum and dad, "She’ll be a singer when she grows up!"The first ‘gig’ came at the age of seven, when Nicki was chosen to sing a solo - the first verse of "O Little Town of Bethlehem" at the Infants’ School Christmas Concert! From then on there was no turning back! A few years later she won the local talent contest, and within the year had joined her first band, Krisp, run by Tim and his friend Kelvin. They worked the most salubrious places – working mens’ clubs and holiday camps – wooh!From the age of 16, Nicki studied Music and Drama at West Kent College in Tonbridge, Kent, passing her ‘A’ Levels two years later. At the annual college musical, she played the lead role of Laurey in Oklahoma!, earning rave reviews for her performance. She then moved up to London and started auditioning for bands and theatre shows. Not many know that Nicki actually was part of a duo in the early 1980s – name of Whisky and Sofa! They released a song called "Dirty Den," about the Eastenders character! It was played on the Radio One Breakfast Show and that was about it! Amazing though, it was written by an extremely well-known writer, Barry Mason. He wrote "The Last Waltz" for Engelbert Humperdinck and "Delilah" for Tom Jones. Credibility sadly was NOT in existence on "Dirty Den."Nicki started working the pubs and clubs, moving onto gay pubs and clubs a short while later – The Spread Eagle in Shoreditch was her first! However the most exciting show for Nicki was at the Player of the Season annual dinner/dance at Tottenham Hotspur FC – her team! They had just signed a new player and were introducing him to the fans – a player by the name of Paul Gascoigne, and Gazza and all the other players got up on stage with her to perform a couple of songs – a special moment. Nicki had been working on the gay scene for some time, when she made one of her regular visits to perform in a club in Cardiff, which was also the fateful night she met a certain Mr John Springate, who was to have quite an influence on her career from then on! John and Nicki hit it off straight away, and started what was to become a long association with his recording studio. In 1991 Nicki was booked as the leading lady in a series of revue shows on a cruise ship, touring Europe and beyond and covering shows such as Mack and Mabel, Oklahoma!, Paint Your Wagon, Calamity Jane, along with more general tributes to Stage and Screen. Nicki has always loved Musical Theatre, and even now would relish the opportunity to take part in a big production, particularly in the West End. Also in 1991, Nicki met Gavin, a trumpet player – they met on stage at the London Palladium, where they were both working in the band for the Irish songstress Rose-Marie! Eighteen months later they married in Nicki’s parish church in Tenterden, St Mildred’s, where she had been in the Church choir as a teenager, and a teacher at the Sunday School for over two years – she even ran it at one point! Early in 1994 John approached Nicki to be the vocalist on a dance version of "Total Eclipse of the Heart" for his friends Gary and David who were starting up a new record company, Energise. Although at first unsure if it would suit her, she put her vocals down, and the first version was pressed up, and available on 12” vinyl. A few months later Mike Stock took on the track, re-jigged it and made it into the massive worldwide hit it was – the first release, and success, of his new record company, Love This Records. "Total Eclipse of the Heart," produced by Mike Stock and Matt Aitken, became the first big hit of 1995 by a new artist, reaching number five in the UK charts. It went to number two on the Billboard Hot 100, the highest placing in the UK by a UK artist since the 1980s, and spent six months in the chart there. It also reached number one in Australia, Japan, Brazil, Israel, Spain, Holland and Canada. Although she didn’t manage to fit in all the places, Nicki started touring extensively around the world with Gavin, finding that "Total Eclipse of the Heart," and Nicki’s lively stage show, were a huge success wherever they went. The touring has never really stopped either, and Nicki absolutely loves it! To cap a great 1995, Nicki’s success continued at the annual Dance Music Authority Magazine Awards in the USA, where she was honored to win all three awards she was nominated for - Best Female Vocalist, Single of the Year and Most Promising Newcomer. Nicki managed to achieve the often elusive international recording success, and in the summer of 1995 released her debut album, Secrets, which sold over 50,000 copies in its first week of sale in the USA. A second album in 1997, French Revolution, includes tracks co-written by Nicki.In March 1996, Nicki embarked on her first visit to Brazil, totally unaware of the extent of her success in the South American territories, where no less than nine of her songs have been huge hits, particularly "Did You Ever Really Love Me?" (her personal favorite) and "Te Amo." Brazil is still one of Nicki’s favorite places to do shows, where she performs with a live band organized and run by Gino Martini, who has been Nicki’s guitarist over there since the very first tour. In 1997 Nicki was approached by Jim Steinman, the original writer of "Total Eclipse of the Heart," and famous for his work with Meatloaf, Celine Dion, Cher and Barbra Streisand to name but a few. He had heard the French Revolution album, and wanted to work with Nicki. She then recorded a couple of tracks for his new record company, Ravenous. Nicki carried on doing live shows around the world, then in August 1999 had another call from John Springate – the song he had for her this time was entitled "Don’t Play That Song Again," written by John and Gerry Shephard (they were in the Glitter Band together back in the 1970s), and they were planning to enter it for Song for Europe – was she interested? John had never realized that Nicki was a HUGE fan of the Eurovision Song Contest – he does now! They recorded the track in two takes, and the song was put forward for selection. It then went through all the elimination rounds, and after the Radio 2 listeners voted it into the final four, Nicki ended up back in the Top of the Pops studio again, to perform the song live on BBC1. That was February 20, 2000 – a day she will remember forever.Nicki comfortably won the public’s vote – and support – thus fulfilling her childhood dream of representing her country at Eurovision in Stockholm, an experience she classes as ‘the most magical week of my life’. Although it didn’t win, the UK delegation did win one award – for Best Party during the week of rehearsals! Nicki’s popularity in Sweden since then is such that she was one of the headline acts at Stockholm Pride in 2001. In the Summer of 2003 she was invited to return and performed again – this time with her live band and singers. The audience reaction was amazing – even better than 2001, proving that there’s nothing like properly "live" music! In the lead-up to Eurovision 2000, Nicki took part in many television and radio interviews, and a lot of people noticed how natural she was in front of the camera, which has seen her move more into presenting work. In January 2003, Nicki was the only British artist to feature in an all-star line up for an ABC Television special in Los Angeles, The Disco Ball – a 30-Year Celebration, which was filmed at the Shrine Auditorium, home of the Oscars Ceremony, and included Gloria Gaynor, Whoopi Goldberg, KC & the Sunshine Band, Chic, Irene Cara, Usher, Village People…..The show has since been repeated on TV around the world many...

This season on my podcast, Baring It All with Call Me Adam, I am spotlighting My Entertainment Idols.A few weeks ago, I conducted an e-mail interview with Alt/Pop Singer-Songwriter Rachael Sage about her new reimagined album Another Side.Today, I am so excited to dive even deeper into the release of this album.In this interview, Rachael Sage is Baring It All with Call Me Adam about:Running her own record label, MPress RecordsStaying true to herself & beliefsThe power of communityGay Pride MonthSo much moreYou can watch the video edition of this episode here.Special Thanks:Jill Richmond Johnson, Publicity Director MPress RecordsTheme Song by Bobby CroninPodcast Logo by Liam O'DonnellEdited by Adam RothenbergConnect with Me:Website: www.callmeadam.comFacebook: @CallMeAdamNYCInstagram: @CallMeAdamNYCMore on Rachael Sage:Since founding her own label MPress Records two decades ago, NYC-based folk-pop artist Rachael Sage has steadily released a slew of vibrant, dynamic albums described by Goldmine Magazine as "mesmerizing...thoughtful, pensive and flush with an emotional flourish, all carefully and adeptly executed." She has toured with an eclectic list of artists including Rufus Wainwright, Ani DiFranco, Beth Hart, Howard Jones, and Grammy® winners Shawn Colvin and Judy Collins – with whom she also recorded a critically-acclaimed duet of Neil Young's "Helpless."In addition to being a six-time Independent Music Award-winning musician and producer, Rachael is also a John Lennon Contest Grand Prize winner who has performed at the Edinburgh Fringe, SXSW, and toured globally from Japan to Berlin with her band, The Sequins. Rachael is also a visual artist and former ballet dancer who performed with the New York City Ballet.A self-described "cancer thriver", she is additionally a philanthropic advocate who has raised money for a wide range of causes, including Foundation For Women's Cancer, WHY Hunger, American Refugee Committee, and National Network For Youth (NN4Y).Her 2020 album Character yielded the Billboard-charting single "Blue Sky Days", and her side-project Poetica, an adventurous fusion of poetry with jazz, classical and Americana musical elements in the vein of Leonard Cohen and Laurie Anderson debuted in October 2021. Rachael's sparkling cover version of the Yazoo classic "Only You", from her full-length album The Other Side, reached #32 on the Mediabase Top 40 radio chart. Her singles "I Made A Case (feat Howard Jones)" and “Deepest Dark” are also available.Her companion acoustic album Another Side was just released on May 17, 2024. You can stream it everywhere you listen to music & order hard copies from Rachael's website.

This season on my podcast, Baring It All with Call Me Adam, I am spotlighting My Entertainment Idols.Today, I am going back in time and Behind-The-Curtain to bring you this blast from the past, my 2010 interview with Jo Dee Messina, 2-time Grammy Award nominee, and Country Music Superstar.In this interview, Jo Dee is Baring It All with Call Me Adam about:Whom she still wants to work withThe best advice she's given, but not taken for herselfWho she would dream about while sleepingIf she ever thought about quitting musicSo much moreFor the print edition of this interview, and see some photos of Jo Dee with me and my dad, click here!Now, here’s a little Behind-The-Curtain Story….In 2010, Jo Dee was embarking on her most intimate tour to date, the Music Room Series Tour, where she left the big stadiums behind, and came to smaller clubs and venues, like her NYC stop at Michael Feinstein’s cabaret club Feinstein’s at the Regency.I was very fortunate to get a pair of press tickets to see the show, and interview Jo Dee right after. The kindness Jo Dee showed me during and after the interview is something I have never forgotten. She took her time answering my questions, even though there was a crowd of people waiting for her at the VIP after party. She made me feel as if I was the only person she had to talk to that night. After we were done, she let me take a picture with her, and then, asked my dad if he wanted a picture with her, and told him to come up to take one. We truly felt like royalty being with Jo Dee.Here’s an additional Behind-The-Curtain story for you…When I started recording the interview on my phone, Jo Dee asked if this was going to be published as an audio interview or in print format. At that time, I didn’t have a way to share the audio, but now, all these years later, I do, and it’s through this podcast.So, as you listen to this interview, I hope you feel all the excitement, fun, and laughter we had together. Special Thanks:Angela Villanueva, MSO PRTheme Song by Bobby CroninPodcast Logo by Liam O'DonnellEdited by Adam RothenbergUnderscore Blast From The Past Intro Music by CutiqueUnderscore Intro Music by Collin ScudderConnect with Me:Website: www.callmeadam.comFacebook: @CallMeAdamNYCInstagram: @CallMeAdamNYCMore on Jo Dee Messina:Jo Dee Messina is a trailblazing country music artist, known for her powerful vocals and chart-topping hits. With the breakout song “Heads Carolina, Tails California,” she became a household name and went on to achieve nine No. 1 hits and sixteen Top 40 songs. Jo Dee’s success made her the first female in country music history to celebrate three consecutive multi-week, chart-topping songs.In addition to her studio accomplishments, Jo Dee’s passionate and high-energy performances have captivated audiences across the country. She shares her hit tunes, emotionally-driven songs, and personal testimony, connecting with fans and inspiring them with her authenticity.As an independent artist, Jo Dee embraced her strong, empowered persona and founded Dreambound Records. Jo Dee’s dedication to presenting her story with honesty has allowed people to see beyond the surface and connect with her music on a deeper level.With a decorated past and an unwavering drive for the future, Jo Dee continues to pour her heart and soul into her music and everyone she encounters. Her latest single, “Just To Be Loved,” adds to her legacy as a timeless name in the music industry.

This season on my podcast, Baring It All with Call Me Adam, I am spotlighting My Entertainment Idols.Today, I am going back in time and Behind-The-Curtain to bring you this blast from the past, my 2010 interview with then 3-time Tony nominated Broadway Actress Kelli O'Hara.Now, here’s a little Behind-The-Curtain Story….In 2010, I got to attend the opening night of Kelli O’Hara’s one-woman show Beyond The Ingenue at Michael Feinstein’s cabaret club, Feinstein’s at the Regency on the Upper East Side in NYC.In addition to seeing the concert, I got to interview Kelli live, at the VIP after party. When you listen to this episode, I hope you feel all the excitement that I felt, and was swirling around me, while talking to Kelli at that opening night party.When this interview took place, I did not have a podcast, so I had to transcribe the interview into print format. Now I do have a podcast, and I am so excited to share this interview with you.In this interview, Kelli is Baring It All with Call Me Adam about:Who inspired her to become a performerThe Best Advice she has receivedA Strange or Unusual Talent she hasFavorite way to stay in shapeSo much moreTo read the interview, and see a photo of me & Kelli, click here!Special Thanks:Dan Fortune, Fortune CreativeTheme Song by Bobby CroninPodcast Logo by Liam O'DonnellEdited by Adam RothenbergUnderscore Intro Music by CutiqueConnect with Me:Website: www.callmeadam.comFacebook: @CallMeAdamNYCInstagram: @CallMeAdamNYCMore on Kelli O'Hara:Kelli O'Hara has unequivocally established herself as one of Broadway's great leading ladies. She recently starred in the Tony Award-winning revival of South Pacific at Lincoln Center, enrapturing audiences and critics alike with her soulful and complex interpretation of Nellie Forbush, and garnering a third Tony nomination.A native of Oklahoma, Kelli received a degree in opera, and, after winning the State Metropolitan Opera Competition, moved to New York and enrolled in the Lee Strasberg Institute.She made her Broadway debut in Jekyll & Hyde and followed it with Sondheim's Follies, Sweet Smell of Success opposite John Lithgow, and Dracula. In 2003 Kelli committed to a production of The Light in the Piazza at Seattle's Intiman Theatre. The show landed on Broadway in 2005 and earned Kelli her first Tony and Drama Desk Award nominations. She moved from one huge critical and commercial success to another when she joined Harry Connick on Broadway in the 2006 Tony award-winning production of The Pajama Game, for which Kelli received Tony, Drama Desk, and Outer Critics Award nominations. Kelli has worked regionally and Off Broadway in Sunday in the Park with George at Reprise, My Life With Albertine at Playwright's Horizons, and Beauty at the La Jolla Playhouse.In addition to her critically acclaimed performance as Eliza Doolittle in the New York Philharmonic production of My Fair Lady, Kelli has performed a solo concert at Carnegie Hall with the New York Pops conducted by Rob Fisher. She has sung at Carnegie Hall with Barbara Cook and with the New York Pops under Steven Reineke, at the Kennedy Center with Marvin Hamlisch and the National Symphony Orchestra, with the New York Philharmonic also under Hamlisch, the Boston Pops under Keith Lockhart, Lincoln Center, Town Hall, Cooper Union, Joe's Pub, the Philly Pops conducted by Peter Nero, OCPAC, Broad Stage, and a sold-out run at Café Carlyle. She performed at the 2009 Kennedy Center Honors as part of the Barbra Streisand tribute and sang "God Bless America" at Yankee Stadium at Game 6 of the World Series. She recently performed on PBS's Memorial Day Concert Live from Wash- ington, D.C. Upcoming engagements take her to the Ravinia Festival, Kennedy Center and Tilles Center.Among her film and television credits are Sex & The City 2, Martin Scorsese's short The Key to Reserva opposite Simon Baker; The Dying Gaul starring Patricia Clarkson and Campbell Scott; Blue Blood (NBC pilot), All Rise (NBC pilot), Alexander Hamilton (Maria Reynolds) starring Brian F. O'Byrne (PBS), NUMB3RS (CBS), All My Children, the upcoming animated series Car Talk, and numerous live performances on national television shows.Kelli's recordings include South Pacific (Sony), The Light in the Piazza (Nonesuch records; Grammy nomination), The Pajama Game (Sony; Grammy nomination), The Sweet Smell of Success (Sony), My Life with Albertine (PS Classics), Dream True (PS Classics), Jule Styne Goes Hollywood (PS Classics), and her solo album Wonder in the World on Ghostlight Records.

This season on my podcast, Baring It All with Call Me Adam, I am spotlighting My Entertainment Idols.Today, I am going back in time and Behind-The-Curtain to bring you this blast from the past, my 2019 interview with Olivia Newton-John, 4-time Grammy award winner and Sandy from the mega hit movie musical Grease.This was my third, and what turned out to be my final time interviewing Olivia. I was given 10 minutes to conduct a telephone interview with her. Now, here’s a little Behind-The-Curtain Story….When this interview took place, I did not have a podcast, so I had to transcribe the interview into print format. Now I do have a podcast, and I am so excited to share with you my original phone conversation with the one, the only Olivia Newton-John.At the time of this interview, Olivia's autobiography, Don't Stop Believin' was recently released, which is what brought us back together.In this interview, Olivia is Baring It All with Call Me Adam about:How she keeps her positive outlookWhat she learned about herself from writing her autobiographyHow she has adapted to the changes in the music industryWhat she still hopes to achieveSo much moreIf you want to read the interview, and see some photos of Olivia, you can do that here!Special Thanks:Michael Caprio, Caprio Media DesignTheme Song by Bobby CroninPodcast Logo by Liam O'DonnellEdited by Adam RothenbergUnderscore Intro Music by CueTique Connect with Me:Website: www.callmeadam.comFacebook: @CallMeAdamNYCInstagram: @CallMeAdamNYCMore on Olivia Newton-John:Olivia Newton-John’s appeal seems to be timeless. With a career spanning more than five decades she is still a vibrant, creative individual adored by fans around the globe. Born in Cambridge, England in 1948, the youngest child of Professor Brin Newton-John and Irene, daughter of Nobel Prize winning physicist, Max Born, Olivia moved to Melbourne, Australia with her family when she was five. Her first big break was winning a talent contest on the popular TV show, Sing, Sing, Sing, which earned Olivia a trip to London. By the age of fifteen she had formed an all-girl group called Sol 4 and, in 1963, Olivia was appearing on local daytime TV shows and weekly pop music programs in Australia. When she eventually took her prize-winning trip to London, she teamed up with her friend from Melbourne, Pat Carroll (now Pat Farrar), to create a double act, “Pat & Olivia,” and the duo toured army bases and clubs throughout the UK and Europe. Olivia cut her first single for Decca Records in 1966, a version of Jackie DeShannon’s "Till You Say You’ll Be Mine,” and in 1971, she recorded a cover of Bob Dylan’s "If Not For You," co-produced by Bruce Welch and fellow Aussie and friend, John Farrar, whom she continues to collaborate with today.Olivia’s U.S. album debut, Let Me Be There, produced her first top ten single of the same name, with Olivia being honored by the Academy Of Country Music as “Most Promising Female Vocalist” and a Grammy Award as “Best Country Vocalist.” This proved to be only the beginning of a very exciting career. With more than 100 million albums sold, Olivia’s successes include four Grammy Awards, numerous Country Music, American Music and Peoples Choice Awards, ten #1 hits including “Physical,” (which topped the charts for ten consecutive weeks making it the #1 single of the ‘80s), and over 15 top 10 singles. In November 2015, Billboard Magazine listed “Physical” at #8 on their “Top 100 Songs Of All Time” list and in 2010 listed it as “The Sexiest Song of All Time.” In addition, in 2015 Olivia was ranked #20 on Billboard’s “Greatest of All Time Hot 100 Artists” and most recently was ranked #7 on Billboard’s “Greatest Of All Time Hot 100 Women Artists.”In 1978, her co-starring role with John Travolta in Grease catapulted Olivia into super-stardom. This film’s best-selling soundtrack featured the duets "You’re The One That I Want" and "Summer Nights," with Travolta, as well as her mega-hit, "Hopelessly Devoted To You." To date Grease remains the most successful movie musical in history. Her other feature film credits include Funny Things Happen Down Under, Toomorrow, Xanadu, Two Of A Kind, It’s My Party, Sordid Lives, Score: A Hockey Musical, and A Few Best Men.Her charmed life has not been without its share of upset. In the early 90’s, Olivia successfully overcame her first journey with breast cancer, which inspired her self-penned and produced album, Gaia, her most personal album reflecting upon her experiences with cancer. As a breast cancer “thriver,” Olivia has become increasingly well known and respected for talking openly about her personal journey with breast cancer and for promoting public awareness of the importance of early detection for more than 25 years.This led her to announce her partnership with Austin Health and the creation of the Olivia Newton-John Cancer and Wellness Centre (ONJCWC) on the Austin Campus in her hometown of Melbourne, Australia. In April 2008, Olivia led a team of fellow cancer survivors, celebrities and Olympians on a trek along the Great Wall of China and raised more than $2 million to find a new way to treat cancer and build the ONJCWC. After continuing the fundraising efforts and helping to raise nearly $200 million, the ONJCWC, opened in June 2012, and provides a comprehensive range of services and facilities for cancer treatment, education, training and research including a wellness center for the mind, body and spirit (ONJCancerCentre.org). In 2014, Olivia was thrilled when the Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute opened on the grounds of the ONJCWC. The strategic co-location of research laboratories and research-training within a clinical environment enables clinicians and researchers to work together to integrate clinical medicine with basic and translational cancer research for the ultimate benefit of cancer patients.In 2006, Olivia received the AO (Officer of the Order of Australia) in the Queen's Birthday Honours List for her services to the entertainment industry as a singer and actor, and to the community through organizations supporting breast cancer treatment, education, training and research, and the environment. In 2010 Governor General Quentin Bryce invested Ms. Olivia Newton-John AO OBE as an Officer of the Order of Australia at a ceremony in Canberra. That year she also received the “Lifetime Achievement Award,” presented by friend John Travolta at the G’Day L.A. Gala.In 2008, Olivia married “Amazon John” Easterling and, together they are spreading the word about the importance of preserving the Rainforest and the health values found in the botanicals of the Amazon. They currently serve on the Board of the ACEER Organization (Amazon Center for Environmental Education and Research) to help the indigenous people of the Amazon gain ownership and title to their land. In September 2009, they also joined forces with Prince Charles’ The Prince’s Rainforest Project to further stress the global importance of preserving the Rainforest.In April 2014, Olivia began her residency at the Flamingo Las Vegas with Summer Nights, a musical journey through her career in movies and music. To coincide with the show, she released Hotel Sessions an EP collection of songs recorded in hotel rooms in Melbourne over a ten-year period with her nephew Brett Goldsmith. The CD is dedicated to her late sister Rona Newton-John, who was always supportive of Olivia and Brett working together. Due to the popularity of the Las Vegas show, a 2-CD set, Summer Nights – Live in Las Vegas was released. The show, original scheduled for one year turned into a hit three-year concert residency that received acclaim from both critics and fans. Olivia was thrilled that a portion of every ticket sold to her Flamingo shows benefited the Wellness Programs at the ONJCWRC.In 2017 Olivia revealed the very personal news that her breast cancer had returned and metastasized to her sacrum. The outpouring of love and support from around the world prompted the following statement from Olivia: “I am really grateful for and touched by the worldwide outpouring of love and concern. Thank you. I am feeling good and enjoying total support from my family and friends, along with a team of wellness and medical practitioners both here in the US and at my Olivia Newton-John Cancer Wellness and Research Centre in Melbourne, Australia. I’m totally confident that my new journey will have a positive success story to inspire others!”2018 proved to be a big year for Olivia. In addition to focusing on her health and recovery, Olivia joined John Travolta for a special Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences Grease 40th...

This season on Baring It All with Call Me Adam I am spotlighting My Entertainment Idols.Today, I am going back in time and Behind-The-Curtain to bring you this blast from the past, my 2017 interview with then Grammy nominated singer/songwriter Lisa Loeb.At that time, Lisa was getting ready to release her new family album Lullaby Girl, and celebrating the 23rd Anniversary of her platinum-selling hit song "Stay (I Missed You)." In this interview, Lisa is Baring It All with Call Me Adam about:The creative process behind Lullaby GirlWhen there was a time that Lisa felt like saying "Reality Bites"What is something she didn't want to see "The Way It Really Is"?A quirk her friends made fun of her forSo much moreThis interview was recorded over the telephone and I am sharing our original phone conversation with you, the listener. This interview has been edited down from it's original version. If you want to read the full interview, you can do that here!Special Thanks:Gina Tolentino, Missing Pieces GroupTheme Song by Bobby CroninPodcast Logo by Liam O'DonnellEdited by Adam RothenbergUnderscore Intro Music by CueTique Connect with Me:Website: www.callmeadam.comFacebook: @CallMeAdamNYCInstagram: @CallMeAdamNYCMore on Lisa Loeb:Grammy nominated Lisa Loeb is a singer-songwriter, producer, touring artist, author and philanthropist who started her career with the platinum-selling Number 1 hit song "Stay (I Missed You)" from the film Reality Bites. A trailblazing independent artist, Lisa was the first pop musician to have a Number 1 single while not signed to a recording contract. She followed that remarkable feat with the hit singles "Do You Sleep," "I Do," and "Let's Forget about It" and the albums Cake and Pie and No Fairy Tale, among others.Lisa continues to craft irresistible pop songs for the 21st century, while designing Lisa Loeb Eyewear, writing children's books, and supporting non-profit causes. The Los Angeles based mother of two is well-known to parents and kids for her albums Catch the Moon (with Elizabeth Mitchell) and Amazon Music exclusives, Nursery Rhyme Parade! and Feel What U Feel (featuring Craig Robinson and Ed Helms). She has also published two picture book-CDs for Sterling Children’s Books: Lisa Loeb’s Songs for Movin’ and Shakin' and Lisa Loeb’s Silly Sing Along.In addition to these family albums, Lisa's Camp Lisa raises funds for The Camp Lisa Foundation to allow kids, who wouldn't normally have the opportunity, to go to summer camp, and in 2015, the American Camp Association, New England named Lisa Loeb as their Camp Champions Honoree.Lisa's recent film and television appearances include Netflix’s Sandy Wexler, TV Land’s Teachers, Amazon’s Creative Galaxy, @Midnight with Chris Hardwick, Last week Tonight with John Oliver, About a Boy, and Hot Tub Time Machine 2. Lisa is currently touring around the United States and Canada, releasing new styles of her signature eyewear through Lisa Loeb Eyewear, and will soon be releasing music videos to coincide with her Amazon Music family record, Feel What U Feel.

This season on Baring It All with Call Me Adam I am spotlighting My Entertainment Idols. Today, I am going back In time and Behind-The-Curtain to bring you this blast from the past, my 2016 interview with Mel B, who you know as Scary Spice from the Spice Girls.In 2016, Mel B was getting ready to star in Chicago the Musical on Broadway in the role of Roxie Hart. I had the opportunity to speak with Mel B during Chicago the Musical's Press Day.In this interview, Mel B is Baring It All with Call Me Adam about:What she relates to most about Roxie HartHow she balances work and motherhoodHow she likes to Spice Up Her LifeWhat is one thing that she wants, that she really, really wantsSo much moreMel B played the role of Roxie from December 28, 2016-February 19, 2017.If you want to watch the video version of this interview, you can see it here.Special Thanks:Heath Schwartz, Boneau/Bryan-BrownPhoto of Me & Mel B - Joseph MarzulloTheme Song by Bobby CroninEdited by Peter PavlakisPodcast by Liam O'DonnellUnderscore Intro Music by CueTique Connect with Me:Website: www.callmeadam.comFacebook: @CallMeAdamNYCInstagram: @CallMeAdamNYC

After seeing Marc Summers' new Off-Broadway show, The Life and Slimes of Marc Summers, I am so honored to have been granted the opportunity to speak with him for My Entertainment Idols, a special series on my podcast Baring It All with Call Me Adam.In this interview, Marc is Baring It All with Call Me Adam about:What he learned about himself from performing The Life and Slimes of Marc SummersHow Marc allows himself to get messy without reverting back to old habitsWhat is something Marc has done post cancer that he wouldn't have done prior to his diagnosisWho are some of Marc's Entertainment IdolsWe bring Double Dare into 2024So much moreI grew up watching Marc as the host of Nickelodeon's Double Dare, and have been a fan ever since. I always wanted to be on Double Dare & I finally got to live out that childhood dream, when I got to go up on stage at Marc's one man show, during the game show segment.Wait until you hear the Behind-The-Curtain story I tell Marc during this interview about that moment in his show!The Life and Slimes of Marc Summers plays at New World Stages in NYC through June 2, 2024.Special Thanks:Joe Trentacosta, JT Public RelationsTheme Song by Bobby CroninPodcast Logo by Liam O'DonnellEdited by Adam RothenbergConnect with Me:Website: www.callmeadam.comFacebook: @CallMeAdamNYCInstagram: @CallMeAdamNYCMore on Marc Summers:With one of the most diverse and eclectic careers in the entertainment industry, Marc is probably best known for putting Nickelodeon on the map as the host of Double Dare. He also hosted What Would You Do? as well as the first live special on Nickelodeon launching the Nickelodeon Studios in Orlando, Florida.Marc has hosted two talk shows on Lifetime, History IQ on The History Channel, as well as Unwrapped, one of the longest-running shows on Food Network. He was the original host of Next Food Network Star when Guy Fieri won, and he has also covered many news stories while appearing as a regular on ABC’s Home Show.Marc was the Executive Producer of both Dinner Impossible and Restaurant Impossible, as well as a shark special on Discovery. He is also a frequent guest on Guy’s Grocery Games and has been in several episodes of Diners, Drive-Ins, And Dives.Marc has appeared on OPRAH three times, with Howard Stern twice, and in a classic episode of The Tonight Show with guest Burt Reynolds. Google it – It is all spontaneous!

So excited to begin Season 5 of my podcast, Baring It All with Call Me Adam!This season I am spotlighting My Entertainment Idols.I am thrilled to kick off this season with Singer, Songwriter & Actor Brentley Gore, who you know from NBC's '90s television series California Dreams.Last year, I got to interview Brentley who played Matt Garrison on California Dreams, along with Jennie Kwan who played Samantha 'Sam' Woo when they came to NYC for the California Dreams Reunion Concert.NOW, Brentley has released his newest solo album, At The Ready, and I am so proud to say I am a fan of it.In this NEW interview, Brentley is Baring It All with Call Me Adam about:The meaning behind his new album, At The ReadyHis creative process for writing an albumWhen he had to put on a brave face, but was really struggling insideHow Brentley would portray Matt Garrison on California Dreams todayWho are some of Brentley's Entertainment IdolsSo much moreAt The Ready is available to stream on all digital music platforms.Special Thanks:Scott Appel, Scott Appel MediaTheme Song by Bobby CroninPodcast Logo by Liam O'DonnellEdited by Adam RothenbergConnect with Me:Website: www.callmeadam.comFacebook: @CallMeAdamNYCInstagram: @CallMeAdamNYCMore on Brentley Gore:Brentley Gore is a multi-talented performer and creative professional with over 20 years of experience in the entertainment industry. He is best known for his role as Matt Garrison on the hit television show California Dreams, which aired in over 48 countries and established him as a teen star. In addition to his acting career, Brentley is a talented singer-songwriter and musician. He has released several albums as a solo artist, including Up Until Now, which includes a mix of songs recorded with his previous band King Straggler, as well as solo recordings. Many of the songs on the album were recorded with the late producer Don "Redcloud" Smith, who had credits on albums by artists such as Tom Petty, Keith Richards and the Rolling Stones. Brentley is also a gifted stage actor, winning the Ovation Award for his performance in the off-Broadway musical The Fantasticks.In addition to his performing career, Brentley has also worked behind the scenes in the entertainment industry. He has served as a professor of performance and song craft at the prestigious American Musical and Dramatic Academy. Brentley was also the founder of the Los Angeles Performing Arts Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to supporting the performing arts. In the fall of 2022, he had a starring role in the rock opera, Staring Into Nothing in Los Angeles.

What a great way to end the 4th Season of my podcast, Baring It All with Call Me Adam!I have been fortunate to interview Del Shores (Sordid Lives Creator) multiple times throughout the years.After working in the entertainment industry for more than three decades as a Director, Producer, and Writer, Del is finally making his NYC theatrical directorial debut with Jiggs Burgess' play Wounded.I am so excited to catch up with Del because I always have great conversations with him. In this NEW interview, Del is Baring It All with Call Me Adam about:Making his NYC theatrical directorial debutOne thing he hasn't done because something or someone got in the wayOne path his life took that he would like to put on full displayWorking with Whoopi Goldberg & Caroline RheaAn update on the Sordid Lives FranchiseSo much moreWounded, by Jiggs Burgess, is about a repressed nobody who thinks of himself as somebody. An addict. Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? played out between hummingbirds. And a pussy eating dog. This is Wounded. Carrol could’ve been somebody, after all his book, The Crimson Valise, was made into a movie. Yet somehow Carrol’s unhealed past, and an aging mother, got in the way. On the other hand, Carrol’s classmate, Robert, was smart and driven. Went to one of the best private universities in the country on scholarship. But his damage led him down the path of addiction and eventually prison. In this darkest of comedies, the bleak paths our lives can lead us down are on full display. ***Warning: Recommended for adult audiences. Contains language of a sexual and violent nature.***Wounded  plays at the Soho Playhouse as part of the International Fringe Encore Series from January 24-February 11, 2024.More on Del Shores:Del Shores is the writer/director/producer of the films Sordid Lives, Blues for Willadean, Southern Baptist Sissies and A Very Sordid Wedding. He wrote and executive produced the MGM feature Daddy's Dyin'...Who's Got The Will? His plays Cheatin’, Daddy’s Dyin’ (Who’s Got The Will?), Daughters of the Lone Star State, Sordid Lives, Southern Baptist Sissies, The Trials and Tribulations of a Trailer Trash Housewife, Yellow, This Side of Crazy and A Very Sordid Wedding are all published by Concord/Samuel French.In television, Del Shores wrote, directed, executive produced and created the LOGO series, Sordid Lives: The Series. He also wrote and executive produced Showtime's Queer As Folk for the last three seasons, wrote and produced for Dharma & Greg and Ned & Stacey. He has directed Academy Award winners Octavia Spencer and Whoopi Goldberg; Grammy Award winner Olivia Newton-John; Emmy winners/nominees Beau Bridges, Delta Burke, Leslie Jordan, Bonnie Bedelia, Bobbie Eakes, Patrika Darbo and Rue McClanahan; Spirit Award winner Dale Dickey; Screen Actors Guild Award-winner Beth Grant; as well as Caroline Rhea, Debby Holiday and David Steen.Special Thanks:Brian Geldin, Brian Geldin PRTheme Song by Bobby CroninPodcast Logo by Liam O'DonnellEdited by Adam RothenbergConnect with Me:Website: www.callmeadam.comFacebook: @CallMeAdamNYCInstagram: @CallMeAdamNYCMentioned in this episode:GME (Good Morning Entrepreneurs) CommericalI want to tell you a personal behind the curtain story that I may not have fully shared here. For the past two years, I have been part of an amazing community built for and by entrepreneurs called My Sexy Business. We have a wonderful weekly live streaming show called GME (Good Morning Entrepreneurs). As an Associate Producer and Roving Reporter, I can easily say this show is for you, the entrepreneur who is in search of community and getting your questions answered. Our Co-Hosts and Roving Reporters share life experiences that will hopefully make you feel less alone on your entrepreneurial journey. We'd love for you to join us every Friday at 8 a. m. Eastern Standard Time at https://www.mysexybusiness.com/gme

I am so excited to catch up with actress Marilu Henner, whom I had the distinct pleasure of interviewing in 2021.When I heard she was returning to the New York stage, in Sandra Tsing Loh's Madwomen of the West, I wasted no time in trying to get a new interview. I am so grateful she agreed to talk with me a second time.Marilu is known for starring in the classic TV sitcoms Taxi & Evening Shade as well as over 76 films (including 28 Hallmark movies), 7 Broadway shows, 5 Golden Globe nominations, and being the author of 10 New York Times Best Selling Books.This time around, Marilu is Baring It All with Call Me Adam about:How she got involved with Madwomen of the WestA time when her opinion was deemed outrageousThe craziest thing she's done for at auditionWhat she still wants to accomplishPutting her superhero memory to the testSo much moreMadwomen of the West takes place at Jules' stunning Brentwood mansion, where hangry (she's sugar-cleansing). Marilyn is throwing a surprise birthday brunch for Claudia, who hates birthdays. Champagne corks pop — and tempers flare — when their long-estranged celebrity friend Zoey crashes the party, fresh from her TED Talks. Expect hilarity, outrageous opinions, and unexpected wisdom about what it means to be a woman (no matter what pronouns you use) in the 21st century.Madwomen of the West plays at The Actor's Temple in NYC through January 1, 2024. **This audio version has been shortened from the original print format. Click here for the FULL interview**More on Marilu Henner:Marilu Henner has the energy of a teenager, the wisdom of a sage, and the memory of a superhero. She has done it all: 76 films (including 28 Hallmark), 7 Broadway shows, 2 classic sitcoms (Taxi and Evening Shade), 5 Golden Globe nominations, and the New York Times Best Selling author of ten books on health, parenting, memory, and lifestyle improvement.Marilu hosted and executive produced two talk shows (Marilu and Shape Up Your Life) and the nationally syndicated radio show, The Marilu Henner Show. She competed on Celebrity Apprentice (2008), Celebrity Apprentice All-Stars (2013), and Dancing with the Stars (2016).Marilu is one of twelve people documented with Highly Superior Autobiographical Memory and was the subject of a five-part special on 60 Minutes and on 60 Minutes Australia and served as the consultant on the CBS series Unforgettable. Marilu has spoken before Congress eleven times (Alzheimer’s, dietary supplements, women’s cardiovascular disease, The Child Nutrition Reauthorization Act, deadbeat parents), and she contributed to the 2005 and 2015 Dietary Guidelines for Americans.Marilu is a keynote speaker for professional organizations, universities, government agencies, interest groups, and corporations on topics including memory, diet and fitness, women’s health issues, cardiovascular disease, cancer survival, child rearing, lifestyle, entertainment, and business organization strategies.Marilu can be seen in Disney’s Haunted Mansion, indy film Rock & Doris Try to Write a Movie, the Aurora Teagarden prequel, and she can be heard as the English dub in 16 Netflix International projects. She tours the country in Music & Memories with Marilu Henner!Special Thanks:Candi AdamsTheme Song by Bobby CroninPodcast Logo by Liam O'DonnellEdited by Adam RothenbergConnect with Me:Website: www.callmeadam.comFacebook: @CallMeAdamNYCInstagram: @CallMeAdamNYCMentioned in this episode:GME (Good Morning Entrepreneurs) CommericalI want to tell you a personal behind the curtain story that I may not have fully shared here. For the past two years, I have been part of an amazing community built for and by entrepreneurs called My Sexy Business. We have a wonderful weekly live streaming show called GME (Good Morning Entrepreneurs). As an Associate Producer and Roving Reporter, I can easily say this show is for you, the entrepreneur who is in search of community and getting your questions answered. Our Co-Hosts and Roving Reporters share life experiences that will hopefully make you feel less alone on your entrepreneurial journey. We'd love for you to join us every Friday at 8 a. m. Eastern Standard Time at https://www.mysexybusiness.com/gme

Romeo is one of literature's most famous characters and now he is being embodied by Ben Jackson Walker who is making his Broadway debut in the new hit musical & Juliet.After seeing the show a few weeks ago, I was so excited to have the opportunity to speak with him.In this interview Ben is Baring It All with Call Me Adam about:Making his Broadway debut in & JulietThe challenges of performing on BroadwayStage MishapsSecond ChancesHow someone takes time off in a Broadway showSo much moreAbout & Juliet:Created by the Emmy-winning writer of Schitt's Creek, this hilarious new musical flips the script on the greatest love story ever told. & Juliet asks: what would happen next if Juliet didn’t end it all over Romeo? Get whisked away on a fabulous journey as she ditches her famous ending for a fresh beginning and a second chance at life and love—her way.Juliet’s new story bursts to life through a playlist of pop anthems as iconic as her name, including "Since U Been Gone‚" "Roar," "Baby One More Time," "Larger Than Life‚" "That’s The Way It Is,“ and "Can't Stop the Feeling!"—all from the genius songwriter/producer behind more #1 hits than any other artist this century. Break free of the balcony scene and get into this romantic comedy that proves there’s life after Romeo. The only thing tragic would be missing it.& Juliet plays at the Stephen Sondheim Theatre in NYC (124 West 43rd Street)More on Ben Jackson Walker:Ben Jackson Walker is making his Broadway debut alongside this unbelievable cast and crew. TV/Film: Honor Society (Paramount+), Orange is the New Black, Evil. Theater: Connecticut Repertory Theater, Pittsburgh CLO, and workshops directed by Liesl Tommy and Michael Greif. He is a graduate of the musical theater program at the University of Michigan.Special Thanks:Molly Barnett, Chelsea Nachman, Amanda Marie Miller, Grapevine PRTheme Song by Bobby CroninPodcast Logo by Liam O'DonnellEdited by Adam RothenbergConnect with Me:Website: www.callmeadam.comFacebook: @CallMeAdamNYCInstagram: @CallMeAdamNYCMentioned in this episode:GME (Good Morning Entrepreneurs) CommericalI want to tell you a personal behind the curtain story that I may not have fully shared here. For the past two years, I have been part of an amazing community built for and by entrepreneurs called My Sexy Business. We have a wonderful weekly live streaming show called GME (Good Morning Entrepreneurs). As an Associate Producer and Roving Reporter, I can easily say this show is for you, the entrepreneur who is in search of community and getting your questions answered. Our Co-Hosts and Roving Reporters share life experiences that will hopefully make you feel less alone on your entrepreneurial journey. We'd love for you to join us every Friday at 8 a. m. Eastern Standard Time at https://www.mysexybusiness.com/gme

Ann Harada is a brilliant actress who knows how to get the laugh by using the inflection of both her speaking & singing voice. Ann's comedic timing is on point each and every time. She brings new depth to such familiar characters as Madame Thénardier in Les Misérables & sets the bar for the roles she creates such as Pile of Poo in Emojiland.Now Ann is bringing her comedy chops to the recently released studio recording of Drew Larimore & J. Oconer Navarro's The New Peggy.In this interview, Ann is Baring It All with Call Me Adam about:Why audiences will relate to The New PeggyA time when her world got turned upside downWhat it was like to work with the legendary Dolly PartonWhat she still hopes to accomplish And so much moreAccording to press notes, Ann plays Peggy, "a very ordinary secretary who has been stuck at her desk for the past 25 years, pining after her very ordinary boss. Then a manila envelope arrives at work on a Monday morning to disastrous news that turns her world upside down."I have a been a fan of Ann Harada's since seeing her in the Off-Broadway production of Avenue Q back in 2003. After Avenue Q, I enjoyed seeing her light up the Broadway stage in such shows as Les Misérables (2007 revival), Dolly Parton's 9 to 5, Rodgers & Hammerstein's Cinderella & Off-Broadway in Emojiland. The New Peggy is available in digital & streaming formats.Special Thanks:Dan Fortune, Fortune CreativeTheme Song by Bobby CroninPodcast Logo by Liam O'DonnellEdited by Adam RothenbergConnect with Me:Website: www.callmeadam.comFacebook: @CallMeAdamNYCInstagram: @CallMeAdamNYCMentioned in this episode:GME (Good Morning Entrepreneurs) CommericalI want to tell you a personal behind the curtain story that I may not have fully shared here. For the past two years, I have been part of an amazing community built for and by entrepreneurs called My Sexy Business. We have a wonderful weekly live streaming show called GME (Good Morning Entrepreneurs). As an Associate Producer and Roving Reporter, I can easily say this show is for you, the entrepreneur who is in search of community and getting your questions answered. Our Co-Hosts and Roving Reporters share life experiences that will hopefully make you feel less alone on your entrepreneurial journey. We'd love for you to join us every Friday at 8 a. m. Eastern Standard Time at https://www.mysexybusiness.com/gme

Andrew Keenan-Bolger is an actor, author, director & producer who is known for his starring roles on Broadway in Disney's Newsies, Mary Poppins & Tuck Everlasting. After a little bit of time away, Andrew is back on the New York stage sinking his teeth into the Off-Broadway comedy, Dracula A Comedy Of Terrors.In this interview, Andrew is Baring It All with Call Me Adam about:Auditioning for Dracula A Comedy Of TerrorsStage MishapsWhat he still wants to take a bite out of in lifeSucking bloodHaving his "Sandy" moment from the movie GreaseSo much moreMore on Andrew Keenan-Bolger:Broadway: Jesse Tuck in Tuck Everlasting (Drama League Award nominee), Crutchie in Newsies (Outer Critics Circle nominee), Mary Poppins, Seussical, Beauty and the Beast, A Christmas Carol. 1st Nat'l Tours: Spelling Bee, How The Grinch Stole Christmas. Off-Broadway: Seven Deadly Sins. TV: The Undoing, The Blacklist, The Other Two, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, Nurse Jackie, Looking. Film: The Rewrite, Marci X, Upcoming: On Swift Horses, V13. Co-creator of the series Submissions Only. Co-author of the book series Jack & Louisa (Penguin Random House).Special Thanks:Brett Oberman, Keith Sherman and AssociatesTheme Song by Bobby CroninPodcast Logo by Liam O'DonnellEdited by Adam RothenbergConnect with Me:Website: www.callmeadam.comFacebook: @CallMeAdamNYCInstagram: @CallMeAdamNYCMentioned in this episode:GME (Good Morning Entrepreneurs) CommericalI want to tell you a personal behind the curtain story that I may not have fully shared here. For the past two years, I have been part of an amazing community built for and by entrepreneurs called My Sexy Business. We have a wonderful weekly live streaming show called GME (Good Morning Entrepreneurs). As an Associate Producer and Roving Reporter, I can easily say this show is for you, the entrepreneur who is in search of community and getting your questions answered. Our Co-Hosts and Roving Reporters share life experiences that will hopefully make you feel less alone on your entrepreneurial journey. We'd love for you to join us every Friday at 8 a. m. Eastern Standard Time at https://www.mysexybusiness.com/gme

Tony Award Winner Marissa Jaret Winokur, who won the coveted award for her starring turn in Broadway's Hairspray is Baring It All with Call Me Adam.Marissa is coming back to NYC as a guest star in HRS Productions and Orgasmico Theatre's production of Michael Shaw's Exorcistic: The Rock Musical, an unauthorized parody of The Exorcist.In this interview, Marissa is baring it all about:What made her want to be a guest star in the showHer Halloween TraditionsWorking with two-time Tony Award Winner Sutton FosterHairspray MemoriesSo much moreSpecial Thanks:Elizabeth Skollar and Izabelle Dessi, Skollar PRTheme Song by Bobby CroninPodcast Logo by Liam O'DonnellEdited by Adam RothenbergConnect with Me:Website: www.callmeadam.comFacebook: @CallMeAdamNYCInstagram: @CallMeAdamNYCMentioned in this episode:GME (Good Morning Entrepreneurs) CommericalI want to tell you a personal behind the curtain story that I may not have fully shared here. For the past two years, I have been part of an amazing community built for and by entrepreneurs called My Sexy Business. We have a wonderful weekly live streaming show called GME (Good Morning Entrepreneurs). As an Associate Producer and Roving Reporter, I can easily say this show is for you, the entrepreneur who is in search of community and getting your questions answered. Our Co-Hosts and Roving Reporters share life experiences that will hopefully make you feel less alone on your entrepreneurial journey. We'd love for you to join us every Friday at 8 a. m. Eastern Standard Time at https://www.mysexybusiness.com/gme

Payson Lewis is an indie-pop singer/songwriter who is once again Baring It All with Call Me Adam. After conducting about half a dozen interviews with him, it's great to catch up with him on the heels of his new single "Blurrier" being released.In this interview, Payson is baring it all about:Making MusicHis new single BlurrierHis writing processSelf-CareWhat he would tell is younger selfSomething he has not previously sharedSo Much MoreMore on Payson Lewis:"Not for ourselves alone, but for the whole world are we born." These words that inspired a young Paul McCartney, now live on as the motivation behind Payson and his music. Armed with overflowing positive energy and a live-for-the-moment mentality, Payson is bringing his brand of Indie-Pop spirit not for himself alone, but for the whole world to enjoy.A Philly kid born and raised, Payson taught himself to sing and play piano by poring over his big brothers' CDs and learning by ear. Eventually, he moved west to continue his evolution as a musician and songwriter at USC and find his place as an artist in LA.Payson's soaring vocals and natural knack for dynamic performance landed him instant success and led to a Top-4 finish on NBC's "The Sing-Off." Since then, he has used his diverse musical skill set in performances all over the world; lending his voice to symphony orchestras in Taiwan and Korea, starring in theatrical performances in Chicago and Las Vegas, and singing on multiple major motion picture soundtracks. He's even scored roles acting on TV shows including Jane the Virgin, The People vs. OJ Simpson, and How I Met Your Mother.All the while Payson has been continuing to grow as a musician and artist. His first releases, a series of cover songs, generated an impressive buzz and thousands of subscribers through his YouTube channel. His covers of Taylor Swift's "Out of the Woods", Adele's "Hello," and a mashup of Zayn Malik's "Pillowtalk" and Rihanna's "Work" enjoyed viral success as well as a wide variety of press coverage including features from Perez Hilton.Last year, he released his debut record, “Take Me Apart” to universal acclaim. The record has amassed over half a million streams on Spotify, and has been featured in nearly 100 different music publications and curated music blog posts, and inspired 3 music videos with their own following; racking up well over 100k views.While Payson Lewis has enjoyed a jack of many trades career thus far, it's his music that gives him purpose. Drawing on the influences of his youth and in an attempt to inspire positivity, Payson continues to refine his band-centric indie-pop sound to deliver an energetic blend of throwback nostalgia and modern edge for the benefit of the world at large.Special Thanks:Taylor Funari & Chase Greene, TREND PRTheme Song by Bobby CroninPodcast Logo by Liam O'DonnellEdited by Adam RothenbergConnect with Me:Website: www.callmeadam.comFacebook: @CallMeAdamNYCInstagram: @CallMeAdamNYCMentioned in this episode:GME (Good Morning Entrepreneurs) CommericalI want to tell you a personal behind the curtain story that I may not have fully shared here. For the past two years, I have been part of an amazing community built for and by entrepreneurs called My Sexy Business. We have a wonderful weekly live streaming show called GME (Good Morning Entrepreneurs). As an Associate Producer and Roving Reporter, I can easily say this show is for you, the entrepreneur who is in search of community and getting your questions answered. Our Co-Hosts and Roving Reporters share life experiences that will hopefully make you feel less alone on your entrepreneurial journey. We'd love for you to join us every Friday at 8 a. m. Eastern Standard Time at https://www.mysexybusiness.com/gme

Toronto based Film, TV, and Theatre actor, George Krissa is Baring It All with Call Me Adam. He most recently starred in Hallmark's The Holiday Sitter alongside Jonathan Bennett, making history as the network's first ever LGBTQ+ lead romcom.Now George is coming to New York City to make his cabaret debut at Chelsea Table & Stage on September 23, 2023.In this interview, George is baring it all about:Creating his upcoming cabaret showSinging showtunes with Jonathan BennettHis love for potato chipsCountry MusicLife on the Prairie So much moreMore on George Krissa:George Krissa is a Toronto based film, TV, and theatre actor. Most recently starring as Jason Devito in Hallmarks The Holiday Sitter alongside Jonathan Bennett, making history as the network's first ever LGBTQ+ lead romcom.​As a musician, theatre artist, and actor, George has had the pleasure of performing for audiences across Canada and in the United States. Notable credits also include starring as Rocky in The Stratford Festival's record breaking production of The Rocky Horror Show, Tommy Albright in The Shaw Festival's production of Brigadoon and was the recipient of The Musical Stage Co.'s Banks Prize award for theatre artists.George has appeared on screen in Hallmark's Roadtrip Romance, Lifetime's Trapped with my Husband, CBC's Coroner and Murdoch Mysteries, and Breakthrough Ent.'s The Dwelling.Special Thanks:Dan Fortune, Fortune CreativeTheme Song by Bobby CroninPodcast Logo by Liam O'DonnellEdited by Adam RothenbergConnect with Me:Website: www.callmeadam.comFacebook: @CallMeAdamNYCInstagram: @CallMeAdamNYCMentioned in this episode:GME (Good Morning Entrepreneurs) CommericalI want to tell you a personal behind the curtain story that I may not have fully shared here. For the past two years, I have been part of an amazing community built for and by entrepreneurs called My Sexy Business. We have a wonderful weekly live streaming show called GME (Good Morning Entrepreneurs). As an Associate Producer and Roving Reporter, I can easily say this show is for you, the entrepreneur who is in search of community and getting your questions answered. Our Co-Hosts and Roving Reporters share life experiences that will hopefully make you feel less alone on your entrepreneurial journey. We'd love for you to join us every Friday at 8 a. m. Eastern Standard Time at https://www.mysexybusiness.com/gme

Esta TerBlanche is a South African actress best known for her role on ABC's All My Children, playing Gillian Andrassy, the love interest to Ryan Lavery (played by Cameron Mathison).In this interview, Esta is Baring It All with Call Me Adam to reveal:Inadvertently helping the writers on All My Children write some of her linesWorking with Cameron Mathison on All My ChildrenLife Lessons from Michael J. Fox on ABC's Spin CityBest advice for future actressesFavorite LifesaverSuper Power she would like to haveAnd moreMore on Esta TerBlanche:Actress Esta TerBlanche is best known for her contract role of Gillian Andrassy on the ABC Daytime soap opera All My Children. Her credits also include Spin City and hosting the South African youth program K-T.V.She became a household name on the first Prime time Daily Soap ever in South Africa as Bienkie in Egoli - Place of Gold. Esta has hosted numerous TV shows including Soap Opera Digest Awards, Carte Blanche, Math No Problem, K-TV, Supermodel, Wish You Were Here, Documentaries by filmmaker Michael Kastenbaum, & Documentaries by Neil Sandilands. She also had the lead role in one of Neil's Pilot's. She has played leading roles in Germination, a short film directed by Neil Sandilands & the film Three Thieves and a Wedding.Esta has appeared on various Talk Shows/Entertainment Shows including Entertainment Tonight (ET), Good Morning America, Extra, Gayle King Talk Show, Pasella, Kwêla.She was voted one of the 50 most beautiful women on Television, one of the 25 most Beautiful Women on Daytime Television, Part of 2 of the 5 most Legendary Story lines in the History of American Daytime TelevisionEsta won an Emmy Award for Best Show, the South African Prestigious Award Rapport & Sunday Times Woman of the Year (previously won by Charlize Theron)She also appeared in an ad for Jockey on a Billboard in Times Square with Kelly Ripa (All My Children, Live with Kelly & Mark).Special Thanks:Lisa Rodrigo, All My PromotionsTheme Song by Bobby CroninPodcast Logo by Liam O'DonnellEdited by Adam RothenbergConnect with Me:Website: www.callmeadam.comFacebook: @CallMeAdamNYCInstagram: @CallMeAdamNYCMentioned in this episode:GME (Good Morning Entrepreneurs) CommericalI want to tell you a personal behind the curtain story that I may not have fully shared here. For the past two years, I have been part of an amazing community built for and by entrepreneurs called My Sexy Business. We have a wonderful weekly live streaming show called GME (Good Morning Entrepreneurs). As an Associate Producer and Roving Reporter, I can easily say this show is for you, the entrepreneur who is in search of community and getting your questions answered. Our Co-Hosts and Roving Reporters share life experiences that will hopefully make you feel less alone on your entrepreneurial journey. We'd love for you to join us every Friday at 8 a. m. Eastern Standard Time at https://www.mysexybusiness.com/gme

Alakazam! Alakazoo! I get to interview Scorpius Malfoy from Harry Potter and the Cursed Child woo hoo! Erik Christopher Peterson is currently starring on Broadway in the Tony Award winning play Harry Potter and the Cursed Child as Scorpius Malfoy (the son of Harry Potter's fiercest rival, Draco Malfoy).In this interview Erik is Baring It All About:Magic SpellsBeing on BroadwayStage MishapsHow he guards his energy/timeSo much moreHarry Potter and the Cursed Child plays at the Lyric Theatre in NYC. More on Erik Christopher Peterson:Erik Christopher Peterson is a NYC based actor/creator with a mission to use storytelling as a catalyst for increasing empathy within his audience, and himself. Currently he can be seen as Scorpius Malfoy in the Broadway Production of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child.​Erik holds a BFA in Acting from Webster Conservatory where he studied contemporary acting for the stage and screen, as well as a wide array of classical styles including his personal favorite: Shakespeare. ​Erik is also a huge baseball fan: Go Rockies! Special Thanks:Rachel Jensen, FINN PartnersTheme Song by Bobby CroninPodcast Logo by Liam O'DonnellEdited by Adam RothenbergConnect with Me:Website: www.callmeadam.comFacebook: @CallMeAdamNYCInstagram: @CallMeAdamNYC

Before Wicked the movie. Before Ariana Grande. I got to interview Broadway actor Ethan Slater, who received a Tony nomination for his starring role in SpongeBob Squarepants: The Broadway Musical.At the time this interview took place, Ethan was getting ready to release Edge of the World, a concept album he wrote with Drama Desk nominee Nick Blaemire (tick, tick...BOOM!, Glory Days). The recording stars Ethan, Nick, Tony winner Norbert Leo Butz (My Fair Lady, Big Fish), and Tony nominee Lilli Cooper (Tootsie, Spring Awakening).In this interview Ethan is Baring It All about:Starring on & Auditioning for BroadwayThe inspiration behind Edge of the WorldChildhood MemoriesFan QuestionsEdge of the World is available on Broadway Records.More on Ethan Slater:Ethan Slater is an actor, writer and musician (mostly) based in New York. He was nominated for a Tony Award, and won the Drama Desk Award for playing SpongeBob in The SpongeBob Musical, which also happened to be his Broadway debut! As a writer, some upcoming projects include the films Intervenors and Silent Mode, both of which he co-wrote and co-stars in. He’s released two EPs of original music, available on Spotify (or wherever you listen to stuff). As an actor, other theater includes: Who’s Your Baghdaddy..., PEMDAS, Camelot (Lincoln Center), and when theater returns this fall (!), he will be playing Lee Harvey Oswald/The Balladeer in Assassins at Classic Stage Company. Some TV/film credits: Fosse/Verdon (FX), Law and Order (NBC), Murphy Brown (CBS), SpongeBob: Live On Stage (Nickelodeon), Evol, Untitled Vanessa Del Rio Biopic (upcoming), Kurt. (upcoming).Special Thanks:Liz Skoller PRTheme Song by Bobby CroninPodcast Logo by Liam O'DonnellEdited by Adam RothenbergConnect with Me:Website: www.callmeadam.comFacebook: @CallMeAdamNYCInstagram: @CallMeAdamNYCMentioned in this episode:GME (Good Morning Entrepreneurs) CommericalI want to tell you a personal behind the curtain story that I may not have fully shared here. For the past two years, I have been part of an amazing community built for and by entrepreneurs called My Sexy Business. We have a wonderful weekly live streaming show called GME (Good Morning Entrepreneurs). As an Associate Producer and Roving Reporter, I can easily say this show is for you, the entrepreneur who is in search of community and getting your questions answered. Our Co-Hosts and Roving Reporters share life experiences that will hopefully make you feel less alone on your entrepreneurial journey. We'd love for you to join us every Friday at 8 a. m. Eastern Standard Time at https://www.mysexybusiness.com/gme

GREAT NEWS....Season 4 of my podcast Baring It All with Call Me Adam begins Thursday, August 3!I can't wait for YOU to join me for this exciting new season!

Live from The Gospel According To Heather press event, I interviewed my friend, Actress & Singer, Lauren Elder.In this interview, Lauren pulled back the curtain to reveal:What made her want to be part of The Gospel According To HeatherWhat she related to most about the show & her character Grace KrebsOne rule she lives byVisit my website, Call Me Adam dot com, for behind-the-curtain story you won't hear in the interview!In The Gospel According To Heather, Heather Krebs just wants a boyfriend. But how can she even navigate her way through high school if she might be the New Messiah? A small town in Ohio grapples with politics, religion and teenage romance in this eclectic pop musical.The Gospel According To Heather plays at Theater 555 in NYC through the newly extended date of July 16, 2023.*At The Gospel According To Heather press event, members of the media were given a sneak peak of this new Off-Broadway Musical.More on Lauren Elder:Lauren Elder is an actress, singer-songwriter, and world champion whistler living in New York City. Most recently, Lauren played Mary in the world premiere production of Mary and Max, A New Musical, by Bobby Cronin and Crystal Skillman, at Theatre Calgary, directed by Stafford Arima. She was nominated for a Betty Mitchell Award for Outstanding Performance By An Actress for her portrayal of Mary.Lauren has been seen on Broadway in Side Show and Hair and in the West End in Hair.Other NYC Theater: Hair (Shakespeare in the Park/NY Public Theater), The Village of Vale (Lincoln Center), Orange Star Smasharoo;Regional: Side Show (Kennedy Center, La Jolla Playhouse), Kingsmen Shakespeare Festival.TV: Law & Order SVU, Louie, Boardwalk Empire, The Tonight Show, The 83rd Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, The 63rd Annual Tony Awards.Lauren is also a children's performer, director, internationally respected performance coach, and on faculty at NY Film Academy and A Class Act NY.She performs regularly in nightclubs around NYC, including 54 Below, Joe's Pub, Birdland, and Club Cumming. Her debut album can be found on iTunes and Spotify!Special Thanks:Richard Hillman PRTheme Song by Bobby CroninPodcast Logo by Liam O'DonnellEdited by Adam RothenbergMore Call Me Adam:Website: www.callmeadam.comFacebook: @CallMeAdamNYCInstagram: @CallMeAdamNYCMentioned in this episode:Book PromoDo you remember watching your favorite celebrity being interviewed, but you could tell there was more to that interview than what was being shown? My name is Adam Rothenberg and in the past 16 years I have interviewed over 2,200 artists & celebrities and I am here to tell you that YES, there is definitely more to the interviews you have watched, read or listened to. In my debut book, Behind The Curtain: The Mistakes, Lessons Learned & Triumphs of Interviewing Celebrities, I take you behind the scenes of what really happens during an interview, sharing the joys, the pitfalls & the OMG moments. You can get your copy on Amazon or through my entertainment platform, https://callmeadam.com/books, you can get your very own personalized autographed copy!

Live from The Gospel According To Heather press event, I interviewed Director & Choreographer, Rachel Klein.In this interview, Rachel pulled back the curtain to reveal:How The Gospel According To Heather found its way to herWhat she related to most about the showOne rule she lives byVisit my website, Call Me Adam dot com, for behind-the-curtain story you won't hear in the interview!In The Gospel According To Heather, Heather Krebs just wants a boyfriend. But how can she even navigate her way through high school if she might be the New Messiah? A small town in Ohio grapples with politics, religion and teenage romance in this eclectic pop musical.The Gospel According To Heather plays at Theater 555 in NYC through the newly extended date of July 16, 2023.*At The Gospel According To Heather press event, members of the media were given a sneak peak of this new Off-Broadway Musical.More on Rachel Klein:Rachel Klein is a NYC based director, coined "Endlessly Clever," (The New York Post), "Nothing short of brilliant," (Broadway World) and of whose work The New York Times has stated: "What makes this show pop is the bracing vision of its director, Rachel Klein."Rachel's direction and choreography have been seen all over New York City including at the House of Yes, (le) Poisson Rouge, the Highline Ballroom, the National Arts Club, La MaMa, Night of 1000 Stevies, the Hiro Ballroom, Dumbo Dance Festival, the Kitchen, and the Slipper Room. Some of Rachel's credits include: Red Roses, Green Gold, Coming: A Rock Musical of Biblical Proportions, The Anthem, Around the World in 80 Days, Gay Bride of Frankenstein, & Symphony of Shadows.Rachel holds a degree in Theatrical Direction from Columbia College, is a member of the SDC, a member of Musical Theatre Factory, and attended The Actor's Gymnasium School of Circus Arts, as well as The International Directors Symposium in Spoleto, Italy.Special Thanks:Richard Hillman PRTheme Song by Bobby CroninPodcast Logo by Liam O'DonnellEdited by Adam RothenbergMore Call Me Adam:Website: www.callmeadam.comFacebook: @CallMeAdamNYCInstagram: @CallMeAdamNYCMentioned in this episode:Book PromoDo you remember watching your favorite celebrity being interviewed, but you could tell there was more to that interview than what was being shown? My name is Adam Rothenberg and in the past 16 years I have interviewed over 2,200 artists & celebrities and I am here to tell you that YES, there is definitely more to the interviews you have watched, read or listened to. In my debut book, Behind The Curtain: The Mistakes, Lessons Learned & Triumphs of Interviewing Celebrities, I take you behind the scenes of what really happens during an interview, sharing the joys, the pitfalls & the OMG moments. You can get your copy on Amazon or through my entertainment platform, https://callmeadam.com/books, you can get your very own personalized autographed copy!

Live from the The Gospel According To Heather press event, where members of the media were given a sneak peak of this new Off-Broadway Musical, I interviewed Heather herself, Brittany Nicole Williams.In this interview, Brittany revealed:Why she wanted to audition for The Gospel According To HeatherWhat she related to most about her character, HeatherOne characteristic of Heather's, Brittany is glad, she herself, does not possessStage mishaps and broken fingersOne rule she lives byVisit my website, Call Me Adam dot com, for behind-the-curtain story you won't hear in the interview!In The Gospel According To Heather, Heather Krebs just wants a boyfriend. But how can she even navigate her way through high school if she might be the New Messiah? A small town in Ohio grapples with politics, religion and teenage romance in this eclectic pop musical.The Gospel According To Heather plays at Theater 555 in NYC through the newly extended date of July 16, 2023.*At The Gospel According To Heather press event, members of the media were given a sneak peak of this new Off-Broadway Musical.More on Brittany Nicole Williams:Hip Hip Cinderella (Cinderella) at New Victory Theater, Aladdin on Broadway, 1st National Tours of The Prom (Shelby, Emma & Alyssa U/s), SUMMER: The Donna Summer Musical (Ensemble, Disco Donna U/s),and A Bronx Tale (Swing); and the Pre-Broadway Engagement of Kiss My Aztec at Hartford Stages in Connecticut. She is an alumnus of The Ailey School & AMDA.Special Thanks:Richard Hillman PRTheme Song by Bobby CroninPodcast Logo by Liam O'DonnellEdited by Adam RothenbergMore Call Me Adam:Website: www.callmeadam.comFacebook: @CallMeAdamNYCInstagram: @CallMeAdamNYCMentioned in this episode:Book PromoDo you remember watching your favorite celebrity being interviewed, but you could tell there was more to that interview than what was being shown? My name is Adam Rothenberg and in the past 16 years I have interviewed over 2,200 artists & celebrities and I am here to tell you that YES, there is definitely more to the interviews you have watched, read or listened to. In my debut book, Behind The Curtain: The Mistakes, Lessons Learned & Triumphs of Interviewing Celebrities, I take you behind the scenes of what really happens during an interview, sharing the joys, the pitfalls & the OMG moments. You can get your copy on Amazon or through my entertainment platform, https://callmeadam.com/books, you can get your very own personalized autographed copy!

Television star Katey Sagal (Married with Children, Futurama, Sons of Anarchy) & writer Paul Gordon (2001 Tony Nominated Composer for Jane Eyre) pull back the curtain to talk about the new Off-Broadway Musical, The Gospel According To Heather.In this interview, they reveal:What they relate to most about the showTheir creative processesStage/Theatrical mishapsBest Advice they receivedOne rule they each live byIn The Gospel According To Heather, Heather Krebs just wants a boyfriend. But how can she even navigate her way through high school if she might be the New Messiah? A small town in Ohio grapples with politics, religion and teenage romance in this eclectic pop musical.The Gospel According To Heather plays at Theater 555 in NYC through the newly extended date of July 16, 2023.*This interview took place live at The Gospel According To Heather press event, where members of the media were given a sneak peak of this new Off-Broadway Musical.More on Katey Sagal:TV: The Connors, Rebel, Sons of Anarchy (Golden Globe Award), Superior Donuts, 8 Simple Rules, Futurama and Married with Children.FILM: Bleed For This, Pitch Perfect 2 and The Good Mother.Music: CDs Well..., Room, Covered and performs with her band The Reluctant Apostles.Books: Her first book, Grace Notes: My Recollections, was published in 2017 by Simon and Schuster.More on Paul Gordon:2001 Tony Award nominated composer for his musical Jane Eyre. Other works include Sense and Sensibility (winner of the 2015 Jeff Award for Best New Work), Daddy Long Legs (2009 Ovation Award, 2 Drama Desk Award nominations, Off-Broadway Alliance Award nomination and 3 Outer Critic Circle award nominations). He is the co-founder of StreamingMusicals.com, where his musicals Pride and Prejudice, Emma, Estella Scrooge, Being Earnest and No One Called Ahead can currently be streamed. Knight’s Tale, written with John Caird, has had multiple productions in Japan. His other shows include: Stellar Atmospheres, Little Dorrit, Schwab’s, Analog and Vinyl, The Front, Juliet and Romeo, Sleepy Hollow, First Night, The Circle, Ribbit, Greetings From Venice Beach and The Sportswriter. In his former life, Paul was a pop songwriter, writing several number one hits.Special Thanks:Richard Hillman PRTheme Song by Bobby CroninPodcast Logo by Liam O'DonnellEdited by Adam RothenbergMore Call Me Adam:Website: www.callmeadam.comFacebook: @CallMeAdamNYCInstagram: @CallMeAdamNYCMentioned in this episode:Book PromoDo you remember watching your favorite celebrity being interviewed, but you could tell there was more to that interview than what was being shown? My name is Adam Rothenberg and in the past 16 years I have interviewed over 2,200 artists & celebrities and I am here to tell you that YES, there is definitely more to the interviews you have watched, read or listened to. In my debut book, Behind The Curtain: The Mistakes, Lessons Learned & Triumphs of Interviewing Celebrities, I take you behind the scenes of what really happens during an interview, sharing the joys, the pitfalls & the OMG moments. You can get your copy on Amazon or through my entertainment platform, https://callmeadam.com/books, you can get your very own personalized autographed copy!

With the 2023 Tony Award Season upon us, I thought I would take you back to my interview with Tony Award Winner Cady Huffman live from BroadwayCon 2020.Cady & I discussed backstage stories from her Tony Award winning role in Mel Brooks' The Producers + so much more!LIVE from BroadwayCon 2020, I am recording a very special episode of Baring It All with Call Me Adam with Tony Award Winner and Emmy Nominee Cady Huffman. We discuss her award winning turn in Mel Brooks' The Producers as well as play a game entitled "Cady Did," inspired by her new digital TV series of the same name.Cady is best known for winning the 2001 Tony Award for Best Performance by a "Featured Actress in a Musical" for playing Ulla in Mel Brooks' The Producers, which starred Matthew Broderick & Nathan Lane. Cady also received a 2019 Emmy Nomination for "Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Daytime Digital Drama Series" for her portrayal of Lisa in Amazon Prime's After Forever. She just launched her own digital TV series call Cady Did, which is available on YouTube.More on Cady Huffman:Cady has been seen on Hulu’s Difficult People, Netflix’s Master of None and on the web series After Forever (for which she received a 2019 Emmy Nomination) and He's With Me, for which she won the 2016 Indie Series Award for Best Guest Appearance in a Comedy.Cady recently returned to the Broadway stage in a limited engagement as “Mama Morton” in the Broadway production of Chicago. Previous Broadway credits include the Tony Award winning play The Nance opposite Nathan Lane, for which she received an Outer Critics Circle Award nomination, but she is best known for her Tony, Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle Award winning performance as "Ulla" in The Producers on Broadway opposite Nathan Lane and Matthew Broderick. This led to her unforgettable recurring role on HBO's Curb Your Enthusiasm where she almost became Larry David's 10th anniversary present. This success also brought her to the Food Network's kitchen stadium where she judged for 10 consecutive seasons on Iron Chef America.Cady's other Broadway credits are her Tony-nominated performance as Ziegfeld’s Favorite in The Will Rogers Follies, the original production of La Cage Aux Folles, Steel Pier, Dame Edna: The Royal Tour, and Bob Fosse’s last original musical Big Deal. She has had several guest starring appearances on television, including recurring roles on The Good Wife and Blue Bloods, Madam Secretary, Law & Order: SVU, Law & Order: CI, Law & Order: Trial By Jury, Frasier and Mad About You. She even showed up on Daytime's One Life To Live as the 2nd Dr. Paige Miller.Cady’s big screen appearances include The Company Men opposite Ben Affleck and Chris Cooper, John Turturro’s star studded musical film Romance & Cigarettes, Hero (with Dustin Hoffman, Geena Davis and Andy Garcia), The Nanny Diaries opposite Scarlett Johansson and the wonderful Christmas movie Love The Coopers. She also has starring roles in the indy films Dare, $20 Drinks, Billy's Dad Is A Fudgepacker, Space Marines and Throw the Hoolihan. She also produced and stars in film festival favorite Sunday on the Rocks, which won 2nd Place Feature at the New Haven Film Festival.Connect with Me:Website: www.callmeadam.comFacebook: @CallMeAdamNYCInstagram: @CallMeAdamNYCSpecial Thanks:Theme Song by Bobby CroninPodcast Logo by Liam O'Donnell Edited by Drew KaufmanOutro Music Underscore by CueTique

In Celebration of Star Wars Day, I wanted to re-share my interview from 2020 with A Musical About Star Wars' cast & creative team.May The 4th Be With You!On this episode of Baring It All with Call Me Adam, I am chatting with the cast & creative team of the fun hit Off-Broadway show A Musical About Star Wars: Tom D'Angora (Concept/Co-Book Writer), Taylor Crousore (Co-Book Writer, Cast, plays "Taylor") and Scott Richard Foster (Co-Book Writer, Cast, plays "Scott").A long time ago, in a galaxy far far away…A Staten Island Blockbuster Video to be exact…Two stars wars fanatics, Scott and Taylor, write the most epic Star Wars musical ever! On their endless quest to perform it at Comic Con - a certain restraining order, that we won’t mention, stands in their way - they have opted to perform it on the glamorous Off-Broadway stages instead! However, dark forces are looming over their production, and her name is Emily.More on Tom:Tom D'Angora is the producer of two of the longest running Off-Broadway shows in history - NEWSical and Naked Boys Singing. NEWSical won the Off-Broadway Alliance Award and received multiple senate, city, and state proclamations. Other theatre producing credits includeThe Marvelous Wonderettes and Addy & Uno. He is currently the show runner on the new TV show Mélange starring Morgan Fairchild.More on Taylor:Taylor Crousore plays himself (Taylor) in the new Off-Broadway musical comedy A Musical About Star Wars, which he co-wrote the book for and recently did the original cast recording of. (Note, this is purely an informational bio and not in any way an advertisement for the cast album of A Musical About Star Wars, which is available for purchase on Broadway Records, Amazon or Apple iTunes).Other Off-Broadway credits include NEWSical The Musical, Forbidden Broadway, and the revival of When Pigs Fly. Regional credits include TheatreWorks Silicon Valley, Pride and Prejudice (Wickham), North Shore Music Theatre, Beauty and the Beast (Gaston), Rocky Mountain Repertory Theatre, Peter Pan (Captain Hook), and Indiana Festival Theatre, The Music Man (Harold Hill). Taylor was awarded National Best Comedy at the CMF film festival for the comedy short he wrote and starred in SheetWOW, which was screened at the Cannes Film Festival. He earned his BFA from Indiana University and is currently sitting at home with his dogs in self quarantine while you read this.More on Scott Richard Foster:Most recently seen in Clint Black's Looking For Christmas at Jabba's Palace at the Old Globe in San Diego, Scott is glad to be back working in the temperate climate of Coruscant. Broadway credits include Gettin' The Band Back Together, and Brooklyn The Musical. Off-Broadway Credits include NEWSical, Forbidden Broadway (2 editions), Power Ballads and Scott was set to star opposite TK-421 in True West but he never showed up on opening night. Scott made the Kessel Run in 13 parsecs. Not bad right?! TV credits include Shades of Blue, Blue Bloods, Turn, and the instructional film, So You've Been Hired By The Death Star. Thanks to Tom for getting this done, and for all my buds for being silly with me every night!Connect with Me:Website: www.callmeadam.comFacebook: @CallMeAdamNYCInstagram: @CallMeAdamNYCSpecial Thanks:Theme Song by Bobby CroninPodcast Logo by Liam O'Donnell Edited by Drew KaufmanOutro Music Underscore by CueTique

This episode is a celebration of Leslie Jordan, whose birthday is this Saturday (April 29).Known for his Emmy Award winning role of Beverley Leslie on NBC's Will & Grace, Leslie was delighting audiences on FOX's hit comedy Call Me Kat before his untimely death in October 2022.In March 2022, I got to interview one of Leslie's best friends, Del Shores, creator of the Sordid Lives franchise, live on Instagram.Leslie Jordan originated the role of Brother Boy in Sordid Lives the play, then reprised his role in the various Sordid Lives films & TV series.At the time this interview took place, Del was releasing his new book, The Sordid Lives Saga: Before The Trip, in which Leslie Jordan wrote the forward.Throughout this interview, Del talked about his friendship with Leslie along with some fun, never-before-told stories about him.Happy Birthday Leslie Jordan! Wherever you may be on this day, I know you are making those around laugh!More on Del Shores:Del Shores has written, directed, and produced successfully across studio and independent film, network and cable television, and regional and national touring theatre. Del Shores is the writer/director/producer of the films Sordid Lives, Blues for Willadean, Southern Baptist Sissies and A Very Sordid Wedding. He wrote and executive produced the MGM feature Daddy's Dyin'...Who's Got The Will? His plays Cheatin’, Daddy’s Dyin’ (Who’s Got The Will?), Daughters of the Lone Star State, Sordid Lives, Southern Baptist Sissies, The Trials and Tribulations of a Trailer Trash Housewife, Yellow, This Side of Crazy and A Very Sordid Wedding are all published by Concord/Samuel French.In television, Del Shores wrote, directed, executive produced and created the LOGO series, Sordid Lives: The Series. He also wrote and executive produced Showtime's groundbreaking Queer As Folk for the last three seasons, wrote and produced for Dharma & Greg and Ned & Stacey. He has directed Academy Award winners Octavia Spencer and Whoopi Goldberg, Grammy Award winner Olivia Newton-John; Emmy winners/nominees Beau Bridges, Delta Burke, Leslie Jordan, Bonnie Bedelia, Bobbie Eakes, Patrika Darbo and Rue McClanahan; Spirit Award winner Dale Dickey; Screen Actor's Guild Award-winner Beth Grant; as well as Caroline Rhea, Debby Holiday and David Steen.As a performer, Shores has performed in hundreds of standup gigs and in 2018 completed a national tour of his critically acclaimed award-winning one-man play Six Characters In Search Of A Play directed by Emerson Collins. The play was filmed and is now streaming worldwide.His tenth play A Very Sordid Wedding (based on his 2017 film) had its world premiere in September 2021, playing to sold out houses at Kalita Humphries Theatre in Dallas for Uptown Players. Shores directed. In November 2021, he directed his eleventh play, the world premiere of In Memoriam of Lena, at Theatre West on the campus of Northwestern State University, Louisiana with an all student cast and crew. Connect with Me:Website: www.callmeadam.comFacebook: @CallMeAdamNYCInstagram: @CallMeAdamNYCSpecial Thanks:Theme Song by Bobby CroninPodcast Logo by Liam O'Donnell Edited by Adam RothenbergOutro Music Underscore by CueTique

Alex Wyse is an actor, writer, director & producer who is currently starring on Broadway alongside Emmy Award winner Sean Hayes in the new play Good Night, Oscar.In this exclusive interview, Alex & I discuss:What it is like to work with Sean HayesBelieving in YourselfMental HealthStage MishapsCollaborationWorking with Broadway's Wesley TaylorWorking with Ted DansonPre-Show RitualsPost-Show DecompressionGood Night, Oscar is currently playing on Broadway in NYC at the Belasco Theatre.More on Alex Wyse:Alex Wyse has appeared on Broadway in Waitress, Deaf West’s Spring Awakening, and Lysistrata Jones, on tour in Wicked, and off-Broadway in Ride the Cyclone, Bare, and Triassic Parq. Regionally he has worked at Hartford Stage, The Wallis Annenberg, Paper Mill Playhouse, Cleveland Play House, Maltz Jupiter, Huntington, Lyric Stage Company of Boston, and more. TV credits include "The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel," "The Other Two," “Iron Fist,” “Masters of Sex,” “NCIS: LA,” “The Bold and the Beautiful,” “Switched at Birth,” “Modern Family,” “Agent X,” “A to Z,” “Bad Judge,” and “Bored to Death.” As a creator, he was co-writer/star of off-Broadway’s A Commercial Jingle For Regina Comet, co-creator/star of the Emmy-nominated “Indoor Boys,” and co-director/writer of the upcoming feature film, Summoning Sylvia. BFA: Boston University.Connect with Me:Website: www.callmeadam.comFacebook: @CallMeAdamNYCInstagram: @CallMeAdamNYCSpecial Thanks:Theme Song by Bobby CroninPodcast Logo by Liam O'Donnell Edited by Adam RothenbergOutro Music Underscore by CueTique

Kristos Andrews, an 11-time Emmy Award winner, is known for playing Pete Garret/Adam Kenway on The Bay, the multi-Emmy Award winning series currently in its 7th Season on Tubi.In this exclusive interview, Kristos & I discuss:Season 7 of The BayPlaying TwinsBeing related to Marilyn MonroeBeing a Guinness World Record HolderAnd so much moreStream all 7 seasons of The Bay on Tubi.More on Kristos Andrews:-Emmy® award-winning Actor Kristos Andrews was also nominated for his role as teen heartthrob Tyler on the POP TV series This Just In. Kristos has also played opposite Bruce Willis in Survive The Game, as well as the lead in a new holiday classic The Magic on Amazon Prime. Additional TV series regular credits include bad-boy Liam Buchanan in Popstar Network’s THE AGENCY, along with an upcoming post-apocalyptic sci-fi series Fraxtur. Kristos recently played the lead male in 2nd Chance For Christmas, the antagonist in Lifetime Movie’s The Killer in My Backyard, and a supporting role in the multi-awarded Netflix football film The Last Whistle. Kristos is also an X Games Gold Medalist in extreme sports and two-time Guinness World Record holder.Connect with Me:Website: www.callmeadam.comFacebook: @CallMeAdamNYCInstagram: @CallMeAdamNYCSpecial Thanks:Theme Song by Bobby CroninPodcast Logo by Liam O'Donnell Edited by Adam RothenbergOutro Music Underscore by CueTique