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[0:21] Marc Tumminelli: My guest today made her Broadway debut in The Adventures of Tom Sawyer. Her other Broadway credits include the 2002 Broadway revival of Into the Woods, followed by the 2003 Broadway revival of Gypsy, where she played Dainty June opposite Bernadette Peters. She was the star of the jukebox musical Good Vibrations and played the role of Glinda in Wicked in both the Chicago and Broadway Company. And most recently starred on Broadway in Something Rotten and Beautiful. And of course, she's taken the TV world by storm, starring as Miss Jenn in the Disney Plus series High School Musical: The Musical: The Series. Please welcome Kate Reinders.

[0:56] Kate Reinders: Hi, Marc.

[0:57] Marc Tumminelli: Hi, Kate. I'm like such a fan of yours. I'm so happy to chat with you. I saw you in all of those Broadway shows that I mentioned. And so we're gonna dig deep and go back and talk about your start on Broadway and sort of how it led you to this, you know, TV mega Disney startup.

[1:13] Kate Reinders: Oh, yeah, TV mega, you're right.

[1:15] Marc Tumminelli: Yes. No, but thank you. Thank you so much. Um, all right. So tell me what you were doing as a little kid that made your parents be like, oh, this kid's got it.

[1:25] Kate Reinders: Well, I don't know if they knew that, but they were like, this kid's gotta do something because she just won't stop. So I um I sang in the children's choir at church. I took ballet. Um, I talked a lot, you know. I always got my name on the board. Uh, like, you know, when we're most talkative.

[1:46] Kate Reinders: Yeah, no, no, no, no, no. Like in trouble. Like you get your name on the board and then you get checks because in the corner. Yeah, in the corner, and then you can't go to do recess. But of course, it's I'm like, it's winter in Michigan. I don't really care if I don't go outside. Um, but so uh at a certain point my mom said, Do you want to try this this thing? It's a theater day camp for summer, it has singing and dancing and acting and mask making and uh and it was the mask making that really got you. You know me. I'm like arts and crafts. Uh no, but I did, of course. I love that. I mean, all of it. Um, so I did that, and then um the woman who was in charge of that uh helped me get into doing a show doing Gypsy at the at the um Summerstock Theater, Cherry County.

[2:34] Marc Tumminelli: And were you baby June in that tip?

[2:35] Kate Reinders: I was not. We actually had Kristen Tassin, who was the baby June from Tiny Dancer.

[2:41] Marc Tumminelli: Oh, don't worry, I know. I do a podcast about child stars.

[2:44] Kate Reinders: Yes, we had Kristen Tassin and and it was starring Rita Moreno, and uh just to drop a couple names, but no, but then uh, but then Judy Johnson of Muskegon Civic Theater, you know, theater day camp. She put me in as one of the kids, and the next year they did Annie, and the producer of Cherry County Playhouse um made me Annie, and then he did shows every summer for me to be in. He did Secret Garden and Wizard of Oz.

[3:16] Marc Tumminelli: And um so you were like the star of the region.

[3:19] Kate Reinders: Oh, you got to do Annie Warbucks.

[3:20] Marc Tumminelli: I got to do Annie Warbucks.

[3:22] Kate Reinders: Um we love it. It's actually a really good score and kind of a fun campy show. Um, I was talking, I don't remember, I think I was talking to Luke, and I was like, changes or something, and I was like, changes, changes happening. And I was like, what is that song from? But it is then I figured, but I but I was like, that is deep in there.

[3:41] Marc Tumminelli: It is deep in there.

[3:43] Kate Reinders: So you're like a local child star for you know lack of a better term I mean but doesn't that imply that like people are fans well it implies that like everyone knows that you have the thing if you're the star every year in the local theater I guess yes but I mean I don't know I I went to a really small Christian school we didn't even have a theater program so I really just did like all the community theater and the Summerstock theater I did all the theater I possibly could and your high school theater is very like well documented because you're on this TV show high school musical which we'll get to but uh in 10th grade you're in Anything Goes 11th and you were Reno which is you know normally what a 10th grader gets to do.

[4:28] Kate Reinders: The Music Man you were Marion in your 11th grade year and your senior year you were Maria in The Sound of Music and I'm sure every girl in your school just hated you.

[4:28] Kate Reinders: Honestly I don't think anybody else really wanted to do it I mean I'm not kidding I don't I don't think so I think they were busy like having boyfriends.

[4:48] Marc Tumminelli: Okay and you were like I gotta do this thing like being in high school and I was totally like I'm still like not even five feet tall and I have no hormones and I I want to yeah I want to do musical theater I don't care about boys except for them being my best friends.

[5:02] Kate Reinders: Yeah got it and you know who those boys became that's what I'm saying that's good they're very good very good to have in your life now um were those high school shows were they like these informative experiences for you that you feel like you think about a lot or is it just tell me what how that time lives in your brain?

[5:19] Kate Reinders: Oh, it lives in a very, very happy place. Um, no, I think I yeah, I learned different things from all of them, but the the summer stock shows, I just learned so much from. Well, initially, yeah, coming from a tiny Christian school. The first time I was in a Summerstock show, I was like, Oh, I came home and I said, Dad, um, so and so has a boyfriend, but he's a but he's a boy, but he has a boyfriend. And my dad was like, Well, that's what this is, and da-da-da. And I was like, and Neil Rosen, who's the producer, who's like the man who gave Poop, the man who I would not be in theater at all if it were not for him. Uh, the man who gave me everything, he was Jew, or he he was Jewish, right? So I was like, um, so this this man is a homosexual and this man is a Jewish man. And but I was like, but these are my favorite people I've ever met.

[6:14] Marc Tumminelli: Yeah.

[6:15] Kate Reinders: So my world did just like expand and blow. There is something about theater kids, yeah, that get to experience so many people outside of who their family is, which is really the only thing kids know, their, you know, and their friends. And so it's it's just like an amazing window opening into the world.

[6:31] Kate Reinders: Yeah, it really was.

[6:37] Kate Reinders: You just didn't know those people.

[6:38] Marc Tumminelli: You yeah, you just don't meet them. But so yeah, so then I got to meet everybody in all sorts of different personalities and um, you know, loud people and just and Italians, allowed people like such as myself. I love it. And um, yeah, and I was it was like the world is so much bigger and I want to be a part of it. So um so words there like a sense like, oh, I'll go to college for musical theater. What do you think you do after these, you know, sort of three years of starring in the school show and doing Summer stock? What was gonna be your plan? How do we get from your small town to Tom Sawyer?

[7:13] Kate Reinders: Yeah, no, I know. Um, it wasn't a great plan, honestly. Um, I well, and everybody kept telling me my whole childhood, right? If you can do anything else, you should do something else. Don't just do this. Everybody's favorite thing to say.

[7:27] Kate Reinders: No, everybody's favorite thing to say. And um, but so uh what we had a couple, you know, we'd have like young people in the shows, and there were a couple of kids from University of Michigan who were there uh when I was in high school, and they said you should audition for University of Michigan. So I did, and I got in there, and um, and I was sort of like, I don't know. They say if you can do something else, you should do it, but I don't know what that other thing would be. So I'm gonna go to University of Michigan because I love this so much. Um, but then I went and I wasn't sure I fit in. So and everybody kept saying, You're oh my gosh, you're so Kristin Chenoweth. And I was like, I don't really know who that is because it was like pre, I mean it was like email was starting, but it was so I was like, I mean, I haven't seen I I'd been to like a couple Broadway shows, right?

I lived in Michigan. Um so I was like, I don't know what that means. And they all were like singing to the cast albums, and they just all seemed so much more confident and gung ho and and I and but then also Neil Rosen, the producer of Cherry County, he passed away.

[8:39] Marc Tumminelli: Oh, Neil Rosen.

[8:40] Kate Reinders: You change your whole life.

[8:42] Kate Reinders: Yeah, I know. And then he passed away my freshman that fall. And I think I totally was like, oh, I don't know if I can do it without him. And so yeah, see no, but it's amazing. These people come into your life and they literally change it. And it's and they don't even know it. It's it's quite spectacular. These I hope he knew, but um, but so then I actually was like, you know what? I'm gonna take a leave of absence and I'm just gonna go. Uh I'm gonna go to New York.

[9:13] Kate Reinders: And I stayed with one of my mom's college friends at first, which was amazing, and then I sublet my Daddy Warbucks' apartment. My Daddy Warbucks from Annie, um, on the upper west side, and he had also introduced me to his agent. So then, so I was like, I'm going to New York because I don't even know if I like New York. And I don't think I I'm not like I think I could probably do something else. So I'm just gonna go see, and then if not, you know, I'll come back to college for something else. And then I auditioned for um for Babes in Arms, did not get um, and then I auditioned for the Sound of Music tour, which I got.

[9:51] Marc Tumminelli: Okay.

[9:52] Kate Reinders: So then I said, okay, I'm gonna go back to college for like the spring term before the tour starts, and then I I'll go back to college for the summer term after the tour.

[10:03] Marc Tumminelli: Of course.

[10:04] Kate Reinders: So, but during the course of the tour, I realized, oh no, this is what I want to do. This is what I have to do, this is the best thing ever. I love all these people, I love this world. That's what I want to do. And when I was in Michigan doing that summer term after the tour, I auditioned. I flew into New York and I auditioned for The Adventures of Tom Sawyer.

[10:25] Marc Tumminelli: And then we and we book our first priority show. Who was the star of that Sound of Music tour? Was that like the Richard Chamberlain?

[10:32] Kate Reinders: Oh, that one, yeah.

[10:32] Marc Tumminelli: Oh, yes.

[10:33] Kate Reinders: Oh, wow.

[10:34] Marc Tumminelli: How thrilling.

[10:36] Kate Reinders: It was like the revival, it was the revival with um Rebecca Luker.

[10:41] Marc Tumminelli: Rebecca Luker tour, the revival of that.

[10:43] Kate Reinders: Yeah, it was the revival of that version of her.

[10:45] Marc Tumminelli: The tour of that revival.

[10:46] Kate Reinders: Yes, thank you. How cool. Um, were your parents like, okay, she can do this? Did that like a level of confidence to book a big Broadway national tour with the Thornbirds Star?

[10:57] Kate Reinders: Oh, I know the Thornbirds. Uh, my mom was very excited about that. Of course. You know what? I think sometimes I think they're still not sure.

[11:05] Marc Tumminelli: Okay.

[11:06] Kate Reinders: So uh so that is, but I think that's the role of being a parent. I mean, I guess I'm looking forward to that. Just like, are you sure? I mean, this is the right thing. My mom is like, you can still go back to college. I mean, they both still say that to me. And I'm like, TV shows entering the fourth season of a TV show. But sometimes I'm like, you're right, you're right.

[11:25] Kate Reinders: Um, no, actually, when I left, I was very surprised because I thought my mom would say, Go for it. And my dad would say, No, no, no. But it was the opposite. But then looking back, I think it's because my dad thought I would change my mind and go back. And my mom, of course, was like, I don't want my teenage daughter moving to New York City, which I can't believe. I was just like, sure, yeah, I'm gonna do it. What? Oh my god, I know that is terrifying.

[11:51] Marc Tumminelli: It's so wild. So your first Broadway show, you're 20, right? For Adventures of Tom Sawyer, um, which was uh we'll we'll call it a disaster 34 performances, but it was I remember seeing it and being like, Oh, this is like gorgeous. It was like this huge Broadway musical at the Minskoff Theater. Did you think like we're gonna run forever? What was that uh experience?

[12:10] Kate Reinders: I know you were swinging and kind of standing by for Kristen Bell and who was not Kristen Bell yet.

[12:16] Kate Reinders: I was happy to be there, honestly. I and and originally I was hired to be in the ensemble and cover her, and then between the workshop and Broadway, they were like, Oh, we have to like cut some ensemble people. So, so but we're gonna move you off stage. And I was just like, still happy to be here, happy to be here. And then um, and then I had my first boyfriend in that show who was playing in Jin Joe. So politically incorrect. But it sounds so sexy.

[12:43] Kate Reinders: Yep. And no, but I mean I really didn't know. I I was just, I mean, I was uh I was stars in my eyes of the level of of everyone's talent, right? And and I didn't know anything. I just I knew enough that things kept changing and changing and changing to know that they weren't confident about it.

[13:05] Kate Reinders: And I knew enough that like there was all this awesome choreography that we did in the auditions and out of town, but then when we got to the Minne Golf, we had this huge amazing set, but the set was if you remember it was like a huge tree or something, yes, wooden wooden set, but it like had a big slope and then like the thing that became the cave, and so it was like a big slide, and yeah, it was cool.

[13:28] Kate Reinders: The kids would like slide, but there was no room to dance, like it just didn't.

[13:32] Kate Reinders: I think it was one of those things where it was maybe just like nobody was talking to each other, yeah.

[13:37] Kate Reinders: Or who knows? Because it wasn't like for a lack of talent or something.

[13:42] Marc Tumminelli: Did you ever get to actually go on?

[13:44] Kate Reinders: I went on in New Haven for everybody but Kristen.

[13:49] Marc Tumminelli: Okay.

[13:49] Kate Reinders: And like for all the um the ensemble girls, and it was like and on Broadway, you never got to do it.

[13:57] Marc Tumminelli: Nope.

[13:57] Kate Reinders: That's wild.

[13:58] Marc Tumminelli: Was that like quite devastating to for that show to close and be like, oh, I never really got to do this? Or did you already know you were going right over to Into the Woods?

[14:06] Kate Reinders: Oh no, no, no. I didn't know. I didn't know. Um, I think I was still just happy to, I was just still safe, like being okay too. And um, and I think, and I was also like a little sad that my boyfriend was gonna move back to Canada. So it was like sad about lots of things.

[14:22] Kate Reinders: Now, I sometimes think having an experience like that out of the gate is such a gift for an actor because you start to learn that like nothing's really guaranteed. And for you to start your career in a show like a Spring Awakening for lack of a better term, where it's like a huge hit and everyone's obsessed with it, and then your next show is a big flop. That's like a that's a much harder road to hoe. But I feel like if your first Broadway show it doesn't go exactly as planned, it's a good setup.

[14:48] Kate Reinders: Listen, I'm pretty sure that um most things in life, if you approach them with low to no expectations, is probably the better way to go.

[14:56] Marc Tumminelli: Okay, great. So your next Broadway show is Into the Woods. And it's not that long from Tom Sawyer that you booked that. And that must have felt like, all right, this is a Sondheim musical revival. This is gonna run a little bit, and I have to understudy Cinderella, Little Red, Milky White, Rapunzel. It's kind of a daunting experience. What do you remember from that sort of time?

[15:17] Kate Reinders: Uh well, actually, um, yeah, I remember uh I remember well, I remember like starting to understand my strengths. And I was like, oh yeah, yeah, they should get me because I can sing like that and I can sing and I can learn all those different parts and all like the mathematics of swinging. I was like, okay, and and I did think, okay, so maybe that's where I'm gonna fit in. Maybe that's gonna be the thing I do.

[15:42] Kate Reinders: Um, but actually I and when we started, Jen Malenke and I were supposed to be Snow White and Cinderella or Snow White, yes, and Rapunzel. Yeah. Right. And so then we went and uh and then in the meantime, I was also, I was the first Milky White, actually. But um, but I remember like going to Brooklyn when they did this like full lycra like unit hard and they covered it in a Vaseline, and then they did this paper mache model of my body with me like on my like on my hands and knees or like bending over. But even those, and they were puppeteers, but they even said they were like, What are you doing? No, no, it shouldn't be you. This should be like a male gymnast. Like this isn't gonna work on your little body. But I was like, no, it's fine, I'm doing it. I can do it. I can do it.

[16:27] Kate Reinders: So then um, but then we went to the Almondson in LA for out of town, and they were like, Oh, you know, we're not gonna do Snow White and Sleeping Beauty, we're gonna bring them back for Broadway. And even I then was like, no, they won't. Like I just knew. And um, and then, but then I was like, I can't turn my head, I can't like make fists with my hands. And actually, Laura Benanti was like, honey, like I don't know if you should like I think you should maybe not like injure your body forever, like one, you know, one. And then she broke her neck doing the show. It was a break, I mean, that was a show that's just gonna break people, right?

[17:05] Kate Reinders: So um, but anyway, so then I was I told my manager, um, I said, you know what? I ask them if they'll I said we're we're shifting up. I think Chad Chad's gonna now be because like Chad and I, I feel like we decided it because he was off stage and I was like, Do you want to be Milky White and I'll be off stage? Like that's what we should do. And so then when we they were like, that makes sense. Cause um, because you know, in LA I had to go on for Little Red because of their child labor laws.

[17:33] Kate Reinders: Yeah. And so I was like, if you want me to like be able to go on for these other parts, I don't think I can be the cow the rest of the time. Um, and Chad was so good, obviously. But so that's wild. So then when we met when we went to New York, I told my manager, I'm gonna move off stage and I want you to put an out in my contract for going leaving to do Frog and Toad a year with Frog and Toad. She was like, they'll never give that to you. And I said, I think they will, because they will never believe I'll actually do it. But then I did because I just I was young and I had that thing where I would thought I wanted to follow my gut, and my gut loved the people on Frog and Toad and the show and all of it.

[18:18] Kate Reinders: So you didn't get to do Frog and Toad on Broadway because of Gypsy, or yes, because when I was, and this is a good this is a good kid story. I mean young early. So when I was in minute and when I was in Minneapolis doing Frog and Toad, um I I think well, I had, yes, I before I went there or something, I had auditioned for Gypsy. I can't remember exactly how this worked. But um my friend Jeremy Rich was working with Jim Carnahan, and I remember I was like, Oh, I um I hope that they'll let me come in. Like I could cover June, I could be, you know, whatever. And he was like, Jim wants to bring you in for June. And I was like, What? No, I can't. What? Oh, I mean, okay, great, that's amazing. But you know, what whatever, I'll play anything.

[19:05] Kate Reinders: And then um, and so then he said, Yeah, but when you go in, uh be tough because they think that you're too sweet. So I went in trying to be like, whatever, I'm tough. Who cares? I don't care about you guys. Um, and which is hilarious because I like knew the nice. And I was like, hi, but normally I'd be like, hi, but I was like, Yeah, what's up?

[19:27] Kate Reinders: Um, what's up? And so then I had a call back. But they were like, we want to fly you out to London to meet Sam Mendes. And I was in Minneapolis doing a year with Frog and Toad. And we had understudies, but they were sort of like only if we really need them because it's not that long of a run. You know, like they didn't have costumes made, for instance. So, but the wonderful people at the children's theater in Minneapolis, they said, you have to go. This is an amazing opportunity. And they made my understudy costumes. And of course, she was amazing and great. And they like drove me to the airport, and it was the first anniversary of September 11th.

[20:08] Kate Reinders: Oh my.

[20:09] Marc Tumminelli: Oh my god.

[20:09] Kate Reinders: So it was like a weird apocalypse movie. Like no one was in the airport. Of course, no one was in the airport. Who would fly on September 11th? The first anniversary, right? So I was like, And who wants to fly to London? It sounds terrifying. I know. So I, but of course, I'm not terrified. I'm just like, I can't believe this is my life. Like, huh, calm down, like be excited, even if you don't get it. Like, it's okay, it's okay.

[20:35] Kate Reinders: Um, but yeah, so I flew, it was like me in coach and maybe a person or two in first class, but there were more flight attendants than passengers. And I remember it was just like they were like, you can sit anywhere you want. If you'd like to lie down and sleep, you may. Can I bring you any? You know, it was just like anything. And so um, so I flew there, and Sam's assistant picked me up, brought me to the place. I auditioned for him.

[21:07] Kate Reinders: Um, and he, and then he was like, mm-hmm, mm-hmm. Okay, great. And then he said, Okay, I'll drive us back to the Donmar Warehouse offices. So we get in his car, and I'm and so he and the assistant are in the front. I'm in the back seat with a car seat. And I remember looking at it and thinking that is for Kate Winslet's baby. That is Kate Winslet's baby's car seat. Like, whatever happens, I don't care. This is my life right now. He's driving me. I am next to Kate Winslet's baby's car seat.

[21:36] Kate Reinders: So then we got back to the office and he was like, I have to make a couple calls. He did. And then he said, I would love for you to be my June. Oh my god, how thrilling. I would love to be your June. And then um, he's like, Do you want to change or something before you go back on the plane? And I was like, I don't remember. I think I did. I think I was like, yeah. And I, but I you didn't even spend a night there, like you, no.

[21:58] Kate Reinders: So then they drove me back to the airport. I got back on the plane, I flew back to Minneapolis. That time I did sleep on the plane. And um and you continue doing Frog and Toad.

[22:10] Kate Reinders: I'm doing Frog and Toad. No, and then I and I went to go do Frog and Toad. And then and I remember Danielle Furland, like that night. Great Danielle Furland. God, we love her. He was like, we were like putting on our costumes, and she was like, is that tight? And I said, What? She's like, is that kind of tight on you? Like, are you busting out? Are you busting out all over? And I was like, oh June is yes, I got it. We we got it.

[22:38] Kate Reinders: Um June is messing out a liver. So you get to do Frog and Toad there. You're on the cast album of Frog and Toad, which is thrilling. Yes. Um, but you didn't get to do it in an afternoon. We like to go. Oh my god, it's a really good album. It's a really it's a charming show. And like stood in a room in Minneapolis and recorded it. That's amazing.

[22:56] Kate Reinders: So then you have to go back to the woods, I'm assuming, or do you just no, you don't go back?

[23:01] Kate Reinders: No, I'm gone. No, and then we go to uh Frog and Toad goes to the New Victory off Broadway. Okay, so you get to do all of that before Gypsy. You don't get to do Frog and Toad on Broadway, which is okay because you got to do it, and you're gonna start with Bernadette Peters on Broadway.

[23:16] Kate Reinders: I love how you start with Bernadette Peters. I'm not sure it was like me, like Bernadette and Kate Reinders, but I don't mind if that's the billing you want to give it.

[23:25] Marc Tumminelli: That's the billing I'm gonna give it because it's like when you think of Gypsy, you go Gypsy Louise June, like in that to me. And then you go and Cammy Blanchard.

[23:33] Kate Reinders: Oh my god, she was so great in that.

[23:35] Kate Reinders: Oh yeah, and that was the first time Gypsy was done without the original creative team sort of being very involved, which was uh, you know, a challenge, I'm sure, for everybody from everything I've heard.

[23:47] Kate Reinders: Yeah, and I think they were got a little like it was tricky because they wanted to be like they didn't want to be involved, and then they were a little more involved, and then you know, and then it got a little fuzzy, but ultimately I think it was great. It was a beautiful production.

[24:01] Marc Tumminelli: Tell me about working with Bernadette Peters, which has to be every theater kid.

[24:05] Kate Reinders: We're the exact same age, so we have all the same set of references that Lily St. Regis, can't even stand it. Um, she was everything you hope for. She was kind to everyone, knew everyone's name, the sweetest, the hardest working show up to the theater hours before doing her like physical warm up, her vocal warm up, or all her things.

[24:25] Kate Reinders: Um she would give me her, she'd be like, I have these boots that are I think they just I don't want them, you know, they're too smaller. I don't like that. Like, will these fit you? And they're like Prada boots. Oh my god, you're like, Yes, they fit. You like that? Yes, yes, I do. Thank you. And um, and she's like, Are we still dating that guy? Like, what's going on?

[24:44] Kate Reinders: Um, and uh what else can I tell it? Yeah, it was it was the best, she was the best. And I think too, that was the first time. Well, that was my first role. And it was the first time anybody, because Sam Mendes, you know, he when you're rehearsing, it was like a master acting class, especially in the beginning. And I'm lucky because Tim Federle says he remembers this, and that's one of the reasons he knew.

[25:15] Kate Reinders: Um, he said, Kate can do like you know, more drama, like I can do drama, um, because he had so he had us do different exercises. And I know that you know, sometimes they're like speak the words of the song and don't sing the song and like whatever. They're people do that all the time. But he would also do this thing where he would have you be in the scene, but he would have the people you're talking about come be sitting next to you, right?

[25:38] Kate Reinders: So one day he had me and Tammy. We were doing the the mama's married scene. The mama was married, the scene into that. And um, and he was like, Okay, now Bernadette, go and sit right between them. And Kate, I want you to say all your stuff to her. And so I of course was like, okay, yeah, well, I didn't know what I mean. Of course, you know, mama can do one thing, mama can make you believe anything she wants you to believe, and whatever it was, but I was like screaming in her face, and poor Bernadette like starts crying, not terrible, but like tears.

[26:15] Kate Reinders: Yeah, yeah. But it was just like this, and um, and then he's like, Okay, great, let's take a break. And then, and then he came up to me and he said, You're an actress. Oh my god, and I fear that was like the most magical moment of my life. Because I mean, even if I never acted again, even if I never get hired again, I can still say to myself, Sam said I was an actress. An amazing story. Yes, you're an actress. And of course, this is where we meet Tim Federle. You didn't know him before this, right? Yes, nope. Was a uh farm boy in the show and understudy, famously understudied Tulsa. He was. And can you remember this? Was he the farm boy who twirled the rope for um this I can't remember? I do have a supervisor.

Another cow show. Another cow. Um we'll have to ask Tim. He probably doesn't remember. Um he, you know, we love we love the Tim Federle, and I mean it's amazing that you were. I mean, this is what we're saying. This world is so small. It's like these people that you meet who are you're this is your first principal role. You could have had a very different attitude. Oh, whatever random farm boy boy twirl that jump rope for that cow. Yeah. Um, but you know, it's like these things come back, you never know where people are going or what their story is going to be. And it's pretty incredible. And also, you got to work with Brooks for the first time, I'm assuming in that show. And he is the greatest and funniest human on the planet.

Um really is, and the best. And I'm sure so fun to get to revisit working with him in Something Rotten, which we'll get to in a minute. And I know, and I'd be like, okay, dad. Your um next big Broadway show is something I have to touch down on the 2005 musical Good Vibrations, um, which was a Beach Boy musical and had certainly a lot of excitement coming into Broadway, this sort of young cast of people, and now you're the female lead, like you're the star of that show, as far as I'm concerned. That's all that matters as far as um. What do you think went wrong here with this show? I mean, it ran longer than uh The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, but you know, it was it was a tricky show. And I remember thinking that you were so spectacular, like your voice was like it was like the clearest, cleanest vocal I'd ever heard on Broadway.

And you were like so exciting to watch. And I was my dear friend Vasi's Broadway debut, and it was just see her in the box scribbling and and writing out and trying to figure out how to swing the show. But tell me what you sort of remember about uh trying to put this thing together and it sort of not coming uh to Broadway in the way you anticipated. Well, I mean, I uh I might have to plead the fifth a little bit on this. Okay, you may. Um, but I can say, you know, it was another instance of also making a new show is way harder than doing a revival, right? So um, which we can we know from every example, but um I think yeah, I think it and jukebox musicals are tricky when you're trying to make a story around songs that weren't meant to be in a musical, and especially ones that were all for a boy group, and then which ones do you have the girls sing?

And so I yeah, it uh I think you know this. I can help you with this a little bit. Did you know at this point how to advocate for yourself a little bit and say, like, oh, this is working, or this doesn't work for me, or I can wear this and not this. I've talked to so many young performers that have had such a hard time from being a you know a young person in this business to starting to have some you know agency and having no way to express that. Yeah, no, I didn't do that at all. I still don't do that. Um I mean, the fact that I can do that when I go to my fittings now for High School Musical, and they're like, Well, which one do you like? How do you feel about it? And I still say whatever you guys want.

I don't know. I don't, I don't like just but I mean I'm like, I'm from theater. They give me the costume, they put the wig on. I just, you know, I'm in control of what I'm in control of, but I everybody else does their thing. But um, yeah, no, I tried to do as as best I could. Um, and there were, you know, there were a couple times when the writers were would say to David Larson and me, how do you feel about these lines or this? You know, so we could like give our two cents, like, oh, I think I like it better when we do this, but I definitely was not coming to them with a bunch of notes. Could you feel that it um the audience? What could you, you know, the the buzz on Broadway was not great, obviously.

Could you feel that? And then how do you leave that? So you still have to do your show every night, you know. Oh, yeah. Um, you know, I it's one of the, I guess, I I don't know honestly how I did that, but I think I was just trying to focus on doing my job, right? And not worrying about that other stuff, and knowing that it I could, yeah, I could only do as much as I could do. But yes, was I aware that it wasn't good? Yeah, sure. Was I surprised when we got our closing notice? No. Um, but was I but was I sad because I did, yes, I did feel like there was a potential there that we did not meet or take advantage of. Yeah, that was but then that again, the industry in New York sees you be great in a show, whether it's good or not good.

And now you had multiple, you know, you have this opportunity for people to be looking at you in a different way, which I'm sure is what led to you know, booking Wicked at the height of Wicked, you know. I mean, that is always the key too, is that yes, I mean, any it goes same for those kids listening. Same thing for auditions, even if you think, oh, I'm not right for this part or I'm never gonna get it, or something, just use it as an opportunity to practice auditioning, obviously, to figure out more who you are, um, and to show people who you are, because that's how I got Frog and Toad, actually. I auditioned for this like vineyard musical that was about the murderer Susan Smith drowning her kids in their car.

And I was remember, I was like 21 and looked like I was a baby, and um, and but I was like, okay, she's crazy. So I'm gonna sing this carpenter song, and I'm gonna sing it like a crazy stalker. So I sang like, I won't last a day without you, like crazy person. I mean, it was awful. I was never gonna get it. And um, and yeah, and Cindy Tolan though, then she was like, I mean, clearly didn't get it, but then she's like, I'm doing this uh workshop of a year with Frog and Toad. Would you like to play? I mean, I auditioned for the crazy murdering mother, and ended up with Frog and ended up ended up being a little frog and a mouse and a bird. So you never know what can come from things. You never know.

And so Wicked obviously is a huge part of your career and life. You got to you originated the Chicago company with Anna Gasteyer, yeah, and then of course went on to do the role on Broadway. And uh and people love your Glinda, and you know, you have so many fans from being part of those, you know, two kind of huge productions of Wicked. What was your experience sort of uh joining this hot hot show in the first production following the Broadway company? Um I mean, it was a dream come true. I was pinching myself, and also um I sort of had to fight to audition for it, which was during Gypsy. Okay. And um, and so I I did and I got in, and then I got through the point where they just said, okay, well, because it was just for future Glindas, right?

Yeah. But then they were like, we'll keep you in mind for the future. And I didn't know if that was like a don't call us, we'll call you, or what that was. But then sure enough, they called while I was doing Good Vibrations and while it was, you know, coming to a close, and they um and they said we would like you to open the the company with Anna Gasteyer in Chicago. And I was like, what? And um, so yes, it was magical. And what was so great was that we got to make our own company in Chicago. So we did get to all rehearse together as a show. Because then when you go and you plug in and a show that's always running, already running, it's sometimes hard to get those, or it's just takes longer to get the um.

Were you a were you a big fan of Anna Gasteyer from SNL at that point? I mean, yes, shweaty balls. I mean, just like iconic. And I'd also seen her in Kimberly Akimbo. Um, right with Mary Louise, Mary Mary Lise Wilson. Oh no, Kurt, you're right. Yes. Mary Louise Burke who was who was in what's Jack's mom. Jack's mom and Into the Woods, yes. Yeah, yeah. And um, but I remember thinking she was just so good and so fun. And and um, and yeah, and like one of the sm if not one of the smartest people I've ever met. Um, and so she's so great. But yeah, so that was incredible doing it in Chicago. Dream come true. I remember being up in the bubble, waiting for the curtain to go up, you know, when they like lift you up there and you have to wait, and just thinking, well, I don't know, I don't think it gets better than this.

I have the best job ever. I have a great boyfriend, um great friends. Uh like pause, freeze. Like, I don't, you know. Did you want to do it on Broadway? Did it feel important to you to like originate that Chicago cast, but then also have a shot to doing it in New York? Of course I wanted to do it on Broadway. I mean, I wanted to do it anywhere, yeah. Everywhere. You're like, I want to do it tonight. It's I mean, yeah, listen, I might look like old lady Glinda now, but part of me thinks I would be much better now because now I'm so much more settled in who I am and what's funny on me. And I think I would yes, I would just have so much more confidence. I did not have confidence then. And and sort of during this Wicked time, you you know, kind of become a little bit more of like this it girl Broadway, and then I guess film and TV auditions start rolling in, as they tend to do.

Well, actually, not really actually uh I would say it's well, uh I started a comedy duo with my best friend, Sarah Litzinger, who I saw play Belle in Beauty and the Beast was like she's remarkably talented and a more big fan, big fan. Um uh yeah, no, she nobody's better than her. Um, but we started so we met doing Nerds at New York Station film um the summer before Good Vibrations and uh so then she was Belle she was while she was being Belle and I was Glinda uh Jason Egan at Ours Nova asked if we wanted to do a show and we were like well we don't want to do a Broadway night but because they had like a Broadway Monday night or something and I said but Sarah and I have written a couple songs so um we're a band and uh we could do our band like we could do a show and so we our band called Tasty Skank Casey Skank of course and so then yeah so then we so we did that and then we went to the Aspen Comedy Festival that January and we won the breakout award and then we got a development deal with Sony amazing and then uh but then it was the writer's strike and so then we had to wait and wait and wait and it was rough um but so no actually I I did not go to TV.

I went to the land of comedy um and it was it was really tricky and it was bad timing and and the feedback we got was that we were too female because we were too early. It was before Tina Fey and Amy Poehler took over the universe we were before Amy Schumer we were just before we were too early because this was what 2008? Yeah. So yeah so like so um yeah the and uh so HBO was like we have late of the Concord so we don't want that and then um Comedy Central said, we're more male, like you're too female. But does that start getting you like those Ugly Betty jobs and working with Sheri Shepard on Sherri's show? Well, that positioned that got me a different agent, which got me a different manager.

And then that is the manager who I said, I want to, I want to do TV. So I want to come to LA. So will you get me an LA agent? And if I must have felt doing TV, these guest star spots and then series regular, you know, it must have felt like, oh, all right, this is the natural next thing for me to do. Well, and I have to say too, um, I mean, sitcom, which is so hard to find, but that's what Sherri was, and that's what work it was.

[39:15] Kate Reinders: Um those are, I mean, with a live studio audience, it's basically theater.

[39:21] Marc Tumminelli: Yeah.

[39:21] Kate Reinders: And it's also um one of the directors told me once he was like, Oh, you you get sitcom because it's musical, like a scene in a sitcom.

[39:31] Kate Reinders: It has, yeah, and it has like a downbeat and it has a button. And you just, but I also would just watch everybody because when I was on Sherry, it was, I mean, it was like a masterclass in amazing sitcom actors. And um, I mean, Malcolm Jamal Warner.

[39:49] Kate Reinders: Oh my god, what um, yeah, what's Uncle Phil, James Avery, and um Michael Beltman. I mean, it was just like these people who had sitcom in their veins, you know? And so I just tried to learn from them.

[40:04] Kate Reinders: But Broadway does come back for you because obviously you are, you know, obviously you do these TV things, but you come back for Something Rotten and standing by for Amy Schumer in Meteor Shower, and of course, Beautiful, which we'll talk about right now.

[40:19] Marc Tumminelli: But did did you like want to try to mix this world up so that you could be doing TV and doing theater at night? Or what was um, I like to say?

[40:28] Kate Reinders: I would like to say that yeah, I had this big plan, but no, I really was going anywhere anyone would give me a job. And I just really wanted to.

[40:35] Marc Tumminelli: You've got lots of them.

[40:35] Kate Reinders: You know, yes, I know. It's I mean, I yes, and I'm so grateful. But you know, there are always those times in between where um where you don't. Um, but no, but Something Rotten was so amazingly perfect. And I was so lucky because um, because I'm good friends with Josh Marquette, who's married to Casey Nicholaw.

[40:57] Kate Reinders: And he said, Oh, and so he had actually brought Casey with him to like see a taping of Sherry. Uh-huh. You know, and um, so he knew I was funny. Um, or he thinks I'm funny.

[41:09] Kate Reinders: And then he, but so then uh yeah, so then Josh said, I know you're in LA, Casey's doing this new show. Um, they need to audit, like they're looking for this girl. It I'm gonna send you the script, but tell your agents not to just dismiss it because it says it's going to Seattle, which it is, but it doesn't say anything about Broadway.

[41:27] Kate Reinders: Don't let them just dismiss it. I'm gonna like, I'm gonna send it to you. So I told my agents, look out for the script. And they're like, really? Okay. And then I read it and I was like, she's the original Tasty Skank. I must do it.

[41:39] Kate Reinders: And um, so then they were like, Well, do you need to make a tape or what are you doing? But I was currently in Vancouver doing a kids' movie, you know, one of the direct to video movies.

[41:54] Marc Tumminelli: Yeah.

[41:54] Kate Reinders: And so I was doing a kids' movie in Vancouver, and one of my best friends live was living in Seattle at the time. And so I was like, um, what if I when I'm done, I just leave Vancouver, I stop in Seattle, I audition for Something Rotten while they're having the auditions in Seattle, and so then I can be live in the room.

[42:15] Marc Tumminelli: And they were like, yeah, okay.

[42:16] Kate Reinders: And then they were like, here's your like 16 bars over the cut, the audition cut. And I was like, I want to sing the song. So can you send me the whole song?

[42:25] Kate Reinders: And so then they did. Because Portia used to have, it was like the duet was her solo. Okay. Um, but like the way it worked out is much better. But uh, but so yeah, it was like the solo where she's like getting drunk and she's talking about Shakespeare and it's great.

[42:38] Kate Reinders: But so yeah, I like to say I swooped in Seattle.

[42:42] Marc Tumminelli: So you are so brilliant in that show, and that show was such a scream for the audience. And you you seem to, as much as you don't think so, like you're make the smartest decisions about this is what I need, this is what I'm gonna do.

[42:54] Marc Tumminelli: And you it sort of led you to all these like brilliant opportunities. Um, you know, especially I think like standing by for Amy Schumer is like sounds like the coolest, scariest thing in the world.

[43:05] Kate Reinders: It was the scariest thing. You're right. And she told me, I never miss a show, I'm never gonna miss a show. And I was like, good, please don't. And then she got like something like her doctor's like, you cannot go on, and she called me, she's like, I'm sorry.

[43:20] Kate Reinders: And then I totally did walk out on stage being like, sorry, audience. I mean, and then of course you get to my heart with Laura Benanti again, which is a scream because she's the greatest ever.

[43:31] Kate Reinders: No, and just underfitting her again, like 20 years later. Yeah, it's just uh pretty exciting. So you joined the cast of Beautiful, but you were not there very long because High School Musical called, right?

[43:41] Marc Tumminelli: Is that um, which I'm sure was always what happens, yeah, because I loved doing Beautiful. I loved Cynthia Weil because I feel like that was the first woman I really got to play.

[43:54] Kate Reinders: And it and also Beautiful is more, I felt it was more of a play with music.

[43:59] Marc Tumminelli: Yeah.

[44:00] Kate Reinders: And um, so yeah, I loved, I love Beautiful.

[44:03] Marc Tumminelli: I would have said that how did Tim contact you and say, I've written this thing? How did it how did it how do we go from this?

[44:11] Kate Reinders: I know people think that he wrote it for me. I wish I could say that were true. My understanding though, which maybe is wrong, but my understanding is that early on, Josh and Casey maybe like suggested me, and he was like, No, no, like we're going a different way, or we're going, you know, we're going name, or we're going something, whatever.

[44:34] Kate Reinders: So then I'm lucky because Julie Ashton, who is the casting director, I knew her from auditioning for a bunch of her sitcoms and stuff, and actually never getting anything, but like always getting close, and she was always so nice.

[44:48] Kate Reinders: And um, and she she told me later that she got it, and she was like, Well, this is Kate Reinders. But so it was Julie who sent me the normal audition, like a normal person uh with make a self tape.

[45:01] Kate Reinders: And I was in Beautiful at the time. And so I but I remember reading it, but it was like Miss Jenn, ages like 25 to 45, any ethnicity, like could be anyone.

[45:12] Kate Reinders: I know, right? Really? And then it was like, and all this stuff, but this is who she is. And I was like, Well, it's me. I mean, it's it's me, but it might not be me, but it it could, I mean, I know who she is.

[45:23] Kate Reinders: And then um, and then I went to my friend Deborah Abramson's, like on a on a Sunday or or on a Monday. I don't remember, but like, you know, I went to her house and she helped me make the tape.

[45:36] Kate Reinders: And um, and we sent it in. And then Julie Ashton called me and she's like, okay, they love your tape, but this is Disney Plus. And so it they want it to be like edgier.

[45:47] Kate Reinders: And so they want it to be maybe more like indie movie. So just like do it a little more, just like a little more edgy. So but they sent it again. So I was like, okay.

[45:57] Kate Reinders: So then Deborah helped me make another one. Amazing. And then uh and then we sent it in. You heard from Tim at all yet about this?

[46:03] Kate Reinders: No, I haven't heard from Tim. No, no, no. And totally gone about it, totally like normal actor person, no faves favors these. And then um, and then I guess what, oh, and what I heard later was that so Tim started the show with uh partner, Oliver Goldstick, and he apparently was the one who saw my tape and he said, Tim, I like this girl.

[46:29] Kate Reinders: And then Tim said, I've known her for 20 years. So then, so then I did fly, so then they flew me out to test for all the powers that be at Disney.

[46:40] Kate Reinders: And um, and then yeah, and then I did chat with Tim because you know, you meet with them beforehand. Um, but he did say he was like, You do one of your special skills. I know you play all these instruments, I know you do these things, like do one of your special skills.

[46:56] Kate Reinders: And I said, Oh, well, like my violin isn't, I don't need like it's in California. I I don't have a but I but Deborah had a flute, so she's like, you can borrow my flute.

[47:06] Kate Reinders: So I was like, Tim, I'll bring in a flute and I'll figure something. He's like, I trust you, just do it, just do it. So is this too long and boring?

[47:14] Marc Tumminelli: No, I'm like obsessed with this.

[47:16] Kate Reinders: So then I go, and of course, it's like the day before I start rehearsals for for um Beautiful. And of course, they have like 10 days of rehearsal for Beautiful, yeah.

[47:28] Kate Reinders: And but so I fly to LA I so I go in oh and they told me in the prep too they were like do scene one like your first tape do scene two like your second tape and you know like alternate so it's like got it got it and then um so then I had to sing right so I sang these dreams go on want to close my eyes and then oh I had walked in with like a bag right and I put it down in front so I saw it so then when I got to the bridge of these dreams I just launched over to the bag pulled out the flute and I was like there's something out there I can't resist and then I went to with my flute do do do do do to do do do and then I went do do do do do do do do do do do do we're all in this together I'm dying um and that was all I did and I mean if that doesn't get you the part I don't know what would well it just shows them that you're willing to do anything am I right and you are I absolutely am but so then it took them like two months before I actually got it and my agents kept telling me it's not dead yet it's not dead yet I was like guys it's been a month guys then six weeks guys it's fine I'm doing Beautiful and I love it it's great it's fine and then um and then it ended up being me was there a moment that you were like oh this is gonna be a big deal or did you feel that from the start oh well yeah no I felt well I felt from the start that the kids were gonna be big deals yeah whether or not the show was but it was also, it was like Disney Plus was launching, right?

[47:28] Kate Reinders: And as we were starting too, they were like, we want the show to be like PG 13. Way, maybe more PG. Well, maybe more, you know so so they were, because you know, all shows they find it in the beginning. So they were finding it.

[49:16] Kate Reinders: Um, they were finding Disney Plus. Um, and yeah, I mean, I was just again just so excited. Happy to be there.

[49:25] Marc Tumminelli: Happy to be there, loving every moment.

[49:28] Kate Reinders: You are so wonderful on the show, and you manage to be everything the audience wants as like the leader for these kids, you know, like we feel the drama teacher that you, you know, we feel it.

[49:37] Marc Tumminelli: Um, it's like the drama teacher we wanted that we didn't get a lot of us did not get.

[49:42] Kate Reinders: And so there is such like a warmness about her. I mean, it it is like the Maria von Trapp for lack of a better term.

[49:48] Marc Tumminelli: And you I've always wanted to play her.

[49:50] Kate Reinders: Oh my god. But you know what I mean? I mean, senior year. Hello. But um, I I'm sure it feels like it's a big job, you know, to sort of be that adult, you know, sort of uh tent pole, like in the middle of all this craziness of all these teenagers.

[50:04] Marc Tumminelli: And that must just feel like, you know, it's a lot of work to balance.

[50:07] Kate Reinders: You're definitely the right person to do it. But is it is it tricky to be like the adult around all these, especially when you started and they were so young and now you know everyone's kind of doing their own thing and they're all in their own version of super.

[50:20] Kate Reinders: Yeah, they can give me advice. I mean, that I would I don't need because then I'm never gonna be doing what they're doing. Like when you perform for thousands of people in a concert, I'll be like, yeah, what?

[50:30] Kate Reinders: Um, yeah, no, I honestly when I first started, I think at first it was just the thing of like, and for Tim too. We we were like, wait, wait a minute. Just wasn't it just yesterday? We were the young ones, and then we realized if we had had a baby while we were doing Gypsy, it could be Olivia.

[50:50] Kate Reinders: Like we are, we could be supermodel. And no, no, but you know what I mean. But it was the first time I was the older person.

[51:01] Kate Reinders: And Mark St. Cyr is younger than me, but uh five years or something or something.

[51:05] Marc Tumminelli: Shh, no, he's not.

[51:09] Kate Reinders: No, he's not. Ms. Jenn. This John's really good.

[51:10] Marc Tumminelli: But um yeah, so it was so there, there was that, but I think it was great too because I realized, yeah, we are the older ones. And you know what? I love it.

[51:21] Kate Reinders: I love being a person they can come to and tell anything to because I am not in competition with them. I love them no matter what.

[51:30] Kate Reinders: I completely support them. There's no judgment here. Um, you know, I can give them examples of mistakes I've made, but I'm not gonna tell them what to do.

[51:40] Kate Reinders: And um, and honestly, too, like their lives, like we were saying, it's so crazy because it's like, yeah, you're going through a breakup, but like millions of people know about it.

[51:49] Marc Tumminelli: Um, it must be really thrilling to see someone like Julia make her Broadway debut in Into the Woods, a show that you were in and a role you played, like that must be so cool because it's like the parental part of this job of seeing these kids do things, especially things that you've been so successful at on Broadway.

[52:06] Kate Reinders: Oh, on I did honestly, I don't even I know uh I didn't even really think about the the Into the Woods the same the thing that it wasn't my part, right? But yeah, um no, I think more so it's first of all, it's always exciting when you see the cream rise to the top, right?

[52:23] Kate Reinders: When you're like this person, because when I met Julia, I realized instantly, and I told her we went to see an American in Paris at like the Hale Theater, like the here. And um, and I told her, You can like I know I see it. You can sing anything, you can dance anything, and you're an amazing actress. Like, what do you well? I don't know what you want to do, but you can do anything. And so it's so exciting seeing that, seeing the world see that too, you know. Yeah. And and Olivia, and of course, I'm like, am I biased? I don't think so. I think I'm right. Um, all of them. Um, but yeah, and and also I take such pride, like I'm so happy because they haven't changed, like they hadn't become a-holes.

Yeah, good. You would understand if they would. But I think that's, you know, from the from day one too. Tim was like, You want longevity in this business? Like, be a pleasure to work with. And and he is he is such a great leader for that because he works so hard and cares so much about you, but also every kid in that show. It's like they're his kids. No, absolutely his kids. And he and I were like, he's just as concerned with their emotional well-being as with anything, right? I feel like, yeah, he'd be like, uh, okay, what can I do to help? Like, you're having a bad day about this thing. He's not like, do the scene and do it now. He's he's like, how can I help you? And and of course, too, he's worried.

I mean, this world for kids that age is so different than anything that has ever been before. This level of stardom is is so wild. Yeah, like it's still high school, they're still having the same kind of like high school drama that we did, but now the world knows, or they think they know. Yeah, and they all want to say something about it. Um, I know we have to get to quick fire questions and wrap up, but I have two more Miss Jenn things that I want to hit.

[54:17] Marc Tumminelli: Yeah.

[54:18] Kate Reinders: So much about this character is that she was not able to live out her Broadway dream and it didn't work that way for her. And so now she's teaching as like a you know, settling for this other life. You have not had that experience. I mean, you really got to do the Broadway thing and do it in a huge way. So you don't have that same connection. How do you find a woman who quite was not able to make it happen and make us believe that this is the truth? And I believe so much of her. I mean, you have really figured this out when she is singing these songs to like loop them together at a cast read through. I like cry laughing because I know that woman too, but you're not really her. So where does she come from? Because you got to do it.

[54:58] Kate Reinders: Well, listen, I mean, everybody can connect with the feeling of not um reaching their potential or what they dreamed of their potential being, right? So it's not like it's not like all my dreams, my Broadway dreams came true. But at the same time, I think as you get older, you realize that yes, like dreams change or whatever you thought they would be, maybe real life is actually better than that. Um, so I think that's the thing that I can totally um relate to her with is that I never imagined that I would be basically like the mom on a TV show, right? Like that would be like the best role ever, the one where I am where I'm the older person with the kids who are whatever, where it's not about me and it's all about them and like and I love and the thing is that's my favorite thing I've ever done.

And I think Miss Jenn has the same thing where she wanted to be the star, and then now with the kids, she's realizing just guiding them is so much more fulfilling than it than it being about her. And you have a son who's kind of growing up around this. What is it like for him to watch his mom on TV on Disney and for you to be a Disney family, you know, officially?

[56:10] Kate Reinders: Uh well, he definitely doesn't care that I'm on it. He, when we watch it, he'll like watch a little bit and then he'll be like, um, I want Frankie and Joe to come over. Can you text them? I'll be like, yes, yes, I can text them. Or we just said to him the other night, what uh have you thought about like maybe what you want to be when you grow up? And he's like, Well, want to be a construction worker. We're like, great, got it. He's like, and I want to, I want to be a dad and be married to Olivia. And we were like, Yeah, we hope that works out. Um, no, he he doesn't care, but they all love him and they've all, I mean, he we started here when he was 18 months old. I mean, that is a baby. That is a baby with a diaper and a pacifier, and now he's five.

And so I can't, I know. And they didn't see him last season, and they really didn't see him during COVID. So I can't wait for them to see him now and they're Oh my god, how? So you're about to start shooting uh the fourth season. And um, what do you hope happens this season for you? I mean, do you know where we're going or are you waiting for scripts as they come in?

[57:20] Kate Reinders: I never know where we're going. They never tell me, they never tell us. They uh no, they literally we get the scripts like a couple days before the table read. Um, so I've read the first script because we're starting that on Tuesday. Starting it on Tuesday. But it looks like it's gonna be really good.

[57:37] Marc Tumminelli: Oh, it's always really good.

[57:38] Kate Reinders: I mean like even better. I mean better. Yes. I mean, like no, no holds barred or what's the saying? Yeah, we're gonna give for season four, you're going all out. It's yes happening. Um, how has this experience changed you? I mean, uh to be on a show for four years that so many young people watch, and I'm sure you get noticed in, and also you are in Salt Lake, and so you're kind of very famous everywhere you go, I imagine.

[58:05] Kate Reinders: No, I am not famous.

[58:07] Marc Tumminelli: You are famous.

[58:08] Kate Reinders: Listen, no, but I do, I mean, I do have a cul-de-sac of friends, and we have like 11 children that live in this cul-de-sac. No, I am not famous. I am a Utah mom here.

[58:20] Marc Tumminelli: And now you're just a Salt Lake mom.

[58:22] Kate Reinders: Yeah, and who would have like, and who would have thought that I would like it? But I do, I love it. I mean, this is the best thing ever because it's so I think it's so good for Luke to be here. And I get to do my favorite job ever. So I mean What a dream.

[58:36] Marc Tumminelli: I know. Kate, you're you're incredible. Um, all right, we have to do a quick fire questions, and I have to let you go be a mom.

[58:42] Kate Reinders: Okay.

[58:42] Marc Tumminelli: What was your first audition song?

[58:46] Kate Reinders: Oh, um my first audition song was uh the song from Music Man, um Good Night My Someone. Goodbye, someone. Good.

[58:56] Marc Tumminelli: All right. First Broadway show you saw.

[58:59] Kate Reinders: I think it might have been Lame Is.

[59:03] Marc Tumminelli: Yeah. Wait, the tour or on Broadway?

[59:06] Kate Reinders: I mean, I'll take either. You've probably the first show I saw that toured through Grand Rapids, Michigan when I was like 12. That was the Buddy Holly story, which I loved. And then in New York, I saw I came to and I saw like Miss Saigon, Phantom of the Opera, and Lame Miss. I don't remember which was first. What a trip.

[59:21] Marc Tumminelli: What a trip. Um I didn't watch TV for a whole year so I could go on that trip.

[59:27] Kate Reinders: Was that like the deal?

[59:29] Marc Tumminelli: That was the deal with my call your parents as soon as my dad was just like, if you don't watch TV for a year, you can go on a trip anywhere. And my brother went whitewater rafting with him, and I went to New York with my mom.

[59:39] Kate Reinders: That's amazing.

[59:40] Marc Tumminelli: Um, all right. When was the last time you listened to the gypsy cast recording?

[59:44] Kate Reinders: The one that I'm on?

[59:46] Marc Tumminelli: Yeah.

[59:48] Kate Reinders: Uh uh give it a listen today. It's exactly very good. It's very good. I'll play it for Luke and be like, that's funny.

[59:56] Marc Tumminelli: Yes, please do. Um, what was the last Broadway show you saw?

[1:00:01] Kate Reinders: Oh.

[1:00:02] Marc Tumminelli: What did I see last?

[1:00:07] Kate Reinders: It might have been Mean Girls with Christina Alabado being great.

[1:00:10] Marc Tumminelli: Yeah, we love Christina.

[1:00:12] Kate Reinders: Um, okay, I want blank movie to be a musical.

[1:00:16] Marc Tumminelli: Oh, I want, I have a few. I want there's something about Mary. Now I'm too old. I want adventures in babysitting, now also too old. Um that's it for now. There's something else that I can go.

[1:00:31] Marc Tumminelli: Tell us one thing about singing popular on the TV show Jeopardy.

[1:00:35] Kate Reinders: I was terrified. I couldn't, because it started with a bump, bump, bump. And you're like, what? What? What here, Ian? What? What is it? And the lights were on in the audience at Radio City, and I was terrified, shaking, but it was amazing. It's really fun watching on YouTube. Actually, I'll put it on the uh little me Instagram.

[1:00:55] Marc Tumminelli: Um, unless you don't want me to.

[1:00:56] Kate Reinders: Um, but you look so cute and you're having so much fun.

[1:00:58] Marc Tumminelli: Okay.

[1:00:59] Kate Reinders: Um, pancakes or waffles.

[1:01:02] Marc Tumminelli: Pancakes.

[1:01:04] Kate Reinders: Best stage door gift.

[1:01:07] Marc Tumminelli: Always flowers.

[1:01:09] Kate Reinders: Bernadette Peters is blank.

[1:01:12] Marc Tumminelli: The best.

[1:01:14] Kate Reinders: Do you have a secret talent?

[1:01:18] Marc Tumminelli: No.

[1:01:18] Kate Reinders: Well, you play the flute.

[1:01:20] Kate Reinders: I mean, like, no, I guess people don't.

[1:01:22] Marc Tumminelli: Oh, sure.

[1:01:22] Kate Reinders: I don't know.

[1:01:23] Marc Tumminelli: Um, do you do any impressions?

[1:01:26] Kate Reinders: Um, I do, yeah, I do really bad ones of my friends or of my husband that does it's not how he talks at all, but you know, when you're like, and then he said this.

[1:01:36] Marc Tumminelli: Um, who is your favorite Muppet?

[1:01:39] Kate Reinders: Kermit.

[1:01:41] Marc Tumminelli: If you can go back in time.

[1:01:43] Kate Reinders: He's John Kiryani. He's also in my office somewhere.

[1:01:45] Marc Tumminelli: Um, if you go back and see any Broadway show, any year, anytime, what show would it be?

[1:01:52] Kate Reinders: Oh.

[1:01:54] Marc Tumminelli: I think it would be Sunday in the park with George O'Ridge.

[1:02:00] Kate Reinders: Well, luckily you can watch that on DVD, VHS and on YouTube.

[1:02:04] Marc Tumminelli: Right.

[1:02:05] Kate Reinders: So I know, and I've always been meaning to, and I never watched it.

[1:02:08] Marc Tumminelli: Oh.

[1:02:09] Kate Reinders: No.

[1:02:09] Marc Tumminelli: Stop it.

[1:02:10] Kate Reinders: It's gorgeous.

[1:02:11] Marc Tumminelli: It's so well filmed.

[1:02:12] Kate Reinders: I can't.

[1:02:13] Marc Tumminelli: Has Danielle.

[1:02:14] Kate Reinders: I mean, come on.

[1:02:15] Marc Tumminelli: It's so good.

[1:02:17] Kate Reinders: Danielle's not in the video.

[1:02:18] Kate Reinders: She's too old.

[1:02:18] Marc Tumminelli: She was too old by the time they filmed it.

[1:02:20] Kate Reinders: Sorry, but she's in the Into the Woods video.

[1:02:21] Marc Tumminelli: Well, then I need to go back in time and see it for real.

[1:02:23] Kate Reinders: Okay.

[1:02:24] Marc Tumminelli: Um, all right. What is the number one question you get from high school musical fans?

[1:02:29] Kate Reinders: Um, what do you what do you maybe it's like, yeah.

[1:02:37] Marc Tumminelli: Do you have any audition tips or do you have any, yeah, audit like performance tips or something?

[1:02:43] Kate Reinders: Um, what is your favorite song to sing when nobody is home? I'm sure you're never alone, but if you are, what do you say?

[1:02:49] Marc Tumminelli: Um uh I like to sing from Greece and uh I like to sing the Rizzo song.

[1:02:56] Kate Reinders: Great.

[1:02:57] Marc Tumminelli: Um, what show would get you to come back to Broadway?

[1:03:00] Kate Reinders: Uh it really anything, pretty much.

[1:03:04] Marc Tumminelli: We're sending it out to the universe. She's available for anything.

[1:03:05] Kate Reinders: Well, I'm excited.

[1:03:08] Marc Tumminelli: Um, what do you want on your bagel?

[1:03:11] Kate Reinders: Oh, I want cream cheese.

[1:03:15] Marc Tumminelli: But I wanted everything bagel.

[1:03:16] Kate Reinders: And everything bagel.

[1:03:17] Marc Tumminelli: What do you miss about New York?

[1:03:18] Kate Reinders: Probably in everything bagel.

[1:03:20] Marc Tumminelli: No, and I miss my friends.

[1:03:23] Kate Reinders: Um, what movie can you watch over and over again?

[1:03:26] Marc Tumminelli: The Holiday.

[1:03:28] Kate Reinders: Great.

[1:03:29] Marc Tumminelli: Would you ever let your son be a performer if he was interested?

[1:03:33] Kate Reinders: He can do whatever he wants as long as he's not an A-hole.

[1:03:37] Marc Tumminelli: Um, and what is your advice for young performers?

[1:03:41] Kate Reinders: It would be it's the hardest thing to do. But if you can try to figure out who you really are and hold on to that and don't just try to be who everybody who you think everybody wants you to be. Um, that's the best thing to bring yourself to everything you do.

[1:03:59] Marc Tumminelli: Kate Reinders, tell the people where they can follow you to see what's up.

[1:04:03] Kate Reinders: Um you can follow me on Instagram at at KateRinders, and I'm trying to post more, but I'm a mom.

[1:04:11] Marc Tumminelli: And you're busy, and you're busy, and you're a superstar.

[1:04:14] Kate Reinders: I mean, I'm a mom.

[1:04:15] Marc Tumminelli: Oh, I know, but people like to see what's up. Um, you are so wonderful on high school musical. I had a million more questions we didn't get to, but the people love you.

[1:04:23] Kate Reinders: You do like no, it's okay.

[1:04:24] Marc Tumminelli: You had such great stories. You do such a killer job on that show, and we love watching you. And you make like adults like me have the greatest time watching these teenagers live out their dreams because we kind of see it through your eyes, and uh you make it so fun for the parents of the kids that are watching the show. And uh we are so excited for all the things you've done and all the things you will do. And uh thank you so much time for your time for the Little Me Podcast. We know you're busy and uh you're a mom, and it's early in Salt Lake. So thank you.

[1:04:52] Kate Reinders: Thank you for having me.

[1:04:55] Marc Tumminelli: Thank you, listeners. This podcast is produced by Alan Seals, Dory Berenstein, and the Broadway Podcast Network, and edited by Derek Gunther. For more information on the Little Me podcast, go to bpn.fm slash little me. And follow me on Instagram at Marc Tumminelli or on Twitter at thatTuminelli. And for more information on workshops, classes, and everything Broadway Workshop, go to Broadwayworkshop.com. Thank you for listening.