This transcript was automatically generated and might contain errors.

[0:02] Samantha Tuozzolo: Hello everyone.

[0:04] Jason A. Coombs: Welcome to Survival Jobs: A Podcast, a part of the Broadway Podcast Network and Broadway World.

[0:11] Samantha Tuozzolo: My name is Samantha Tuozzolo.

[0:14] Jason A. Coombs: And this is my amazing co-host, Jason A. Coombs.

[0:18] Samantha Tuozzolo: Jason, it has been so long since we've been in this space recording like this. How are you?

[0:24] Jason A. Coombs: I know, I know. Happy New Year, survivors.

[0:26] Samantha Tuozzolo: Can you keep saying happy new year at the end of January?

[0:30] Jason A. Coombs: Yes.

[0:31] Samantha Tuozzolo: I don't know if I just said it. So happy new year.

[0:33] Jason A. Coombs: You can. It's I think you can through February.

[0:37] Samantha Tuozzolo: That's my rule.

[0:38] Jason A. Coombs: Okay. We'll go with your rule.

[0:40] Samantha Tuozzolo: It's all new.

[0:42] Jason A. Coombs: Um, we'll go with your rule. But yeah, we haven't done an episode, a mic check episode in a hot minute.

[0:48] Samantha Tuozzolo: We've been on a little season two in between season two and season three, little hiatus.

[0:54] Jason A. Coombs: Um, while we figured out some stuff, some life stuff, some world stuff, some stuff, right?

[1:04] Samantha Tuozzolo: Some stuff stuff. You know, I do think it's so important, especially as artists who are trying to survive with our own survival jobs, you know, to take the time we need to make sure that what we're doing is still enjoyable, and we're not just like cranking out episodes because we have to, it's because we want to, and I think we both needed just a minute to just regroup, get it together, make sure that we were entering season three in the way that we wanted to.

[1:33] Jason A. Coombs: And so we're entering, we're coming back. I'm so excited. Our lineup, and we'll let you guys know the guests as they become announced.

[1:44] Samantha Tuozzolo: But our lineup so far for season three is dreams iconic. I cannot wait for you guys to hear these episodes and these guests. It's gonna be unbelievable.

[1:54] Jason A. Coombs: And Samantha, we've been so lucky jumping around these carpets, too.

[1:59] Samantha Tuozzolo: So that's been super fun.

[2:02] Jason A. Coombs: Yeah, it totally has been. And I feel like just jumping off on what we were saying earlier, because I was I was talking to we were talking to Alan. Shout out to Alan from BPN about just podcasting and being consistent.

[2:15] Samantha Tuozzolo: And you know, a lot of people in 2020 when they started launching their podcast, they had all the time in the world to make stuff, right? Because we were all sitting at home, all chilling, all trying to figure out what the next step was.

[2:25] Jason A. Coombs: And then lots of people went back to work, lots of people went back to just life, and a lot of podcasts don't exist anymore, like they just kind of fell off, right? People became inconsistent with them and they disappeared.

[2:33] Samantha Tuozzolo: And we didn't want that. We wanted to be able to take a breather, take a break, get our energy back, get our lives together, and then come back fresh.

[2:45] Jason A. Coombs: And that's what we're doing. And we have, like you said, we have such a great lineup coming. We have some exciting plans. We've been doing these carpets, it's about to be Broadway opening season, Samantha Tuozzolo.

[2:58] Samantha Tuozzolo: How incredible it is, is that you know it's so incredible, and I've just been feeling so grateful for what we've made and where we are.

[3:07] Jason A. Coombs: Um so you guys are about to hear the audio from the Days of Wine and Roses opening night carpet that Jason and I just got to do on Jason's birthday, by the way, which like what a fun way to spend your birthday.

[3:23] Samantha Tuozzolo: Um yeah, I was very hesitant at first. I think I told you, um, I'm not sure. And then I sat on it and I was like, I'm very I'm a very like non, I'm a I'm a low-key person. I never really do big things for my birthday, right? I always try to keep it low key, but I was like, Yeah, I'll give this a shot. You know, it's gonna be work, but it's gonna be fun work.

[3:44] Jason A. Coombs: And it ended up being one of the best birthdays I've ever had.

[3:48] Samantha Tuozzolo: So I literally posted on the Survival Jobs Instagram, like for Jason's birthday. Like, he just wants, you know, may you interview Vanessa Williams this year again. And then she was on the carpet and Jason interviewed her. So we're manifesting already, and the manifestations are coming.

[4:08] Jason A. Coombs: Um, that I have been feeling so grateful for the opportunities that we have and the opportunities to come. And I always go back to like the way we started the show, was just out of boredom in the pandemic and like wanting to create and having the urge to connect, and for what the show is turning into, it's just so cool, and I'm so grateful for you.

[4:31] Samantha Tuozzolo: And I love being on this journey with you.

[4:34] Jason A. Coombs: Same Z Boo, same Z. What was it? What was your favorite part about the carpet that we're about to play?

[4:42] Samantha Tuozzolo: I know. Um, first of all, that carpet was insane in all the best ways. It was just really, really hectic.

[4:46] Jason A. Coombs: Uh, like I guess most carpets are, but that one was because the area was very small, and it was a lot of media, a lot of press, of course, because it's a big show that's opening, but uh, it was a little overwhelming for me.

[4:59] Samantha Tuozzolo: And I remember saying to you, like, I'm okay just chilling back here for now. Like, I'm a very like I I'm a very like energy person, I'm very like in tune with energies, so I was okay, just like, you know what, for this moment, I'm gonna stay in the back, I'm gonna get my energy together because it was a lot happening.

[5:16] Jason A. Coombs: It was tight, yeah.

[5:17] Samantha Tuozzolo: Very tight, very a little slot, but then I feel like we we were able to switch in the right place.

[5:23] Jason A. Coombs: We did, and then I got to talk to uh Vanessa Williams, and I don't know if I've ever talked about how much I love Vanessa Williams because last time we we did a red carpet with her we didn't do uh a mic check before right um but she's just always been someone that I've always just loved um I remember just being a little kid I had to be like five years old and I remember like I loved Whitney Houston and loved Vanessa Williams I think because they're both like these beautiful black women that were just so stunning and so talented and I love their voices right a little baby gay Jason and I just like was just so in love with both with both of them and uh of course Whitney Houston's no longer with us but the opportunity to speak to Vanessa Williams and get to tell her how awesome she is and what she means to me and I feel like just the black community in general as a as a groundbreaking woman you know the first black Miss America who overcame so much shit she was put through for that for you know stuff that we don't got it into right but like she really overcame so much stuff and she's one of the most iconic divas right of Broadway you know she's an absolute legend and she's so kind and she's so stunningly beautiful and she just has a great energy and so I guess that's like always a highlight is be able to talk to her because she just means so much to me.

[6:39] Jason A. Coombs: Um but also Bernadette Peters y'all uh yikes when I listen to the audio back and you're like hi this is a podcast so can you introduce yourself and she's like in her Bernadette Peters voice that I'm not even gonna try to do because we will butcher it she's like yes I am Bernadette Peters and I just started laughing because I was like, how iconic that we're asking Bernadette Peters to introduce herself, but we have you know that's yeah, we're like standing for her.

[7:09] Samantha Tuozzolo: It is uh it was honestly.

[7:11] Jason A. Coombs: I was laughing, crying. I was like, This is so amazing. That was an amazing carpet, and I I personally loved speaking to Kelly and Brian, the stars of the show.

[7:22] Samantha Tuozzolo: Yeah, you did.

[7:23] Jason A. Coombs: Um they were just so nice and like happy to chat with us.

[7:29] Samantha Tuozzolo: And Brian d'Arcy James was staring into my eyes the whole time, and I was like, Are we in love? Just kidding, you guys, but not really.

[7:37] Jason A. Coombs: Um, but yeah, it was awesome, and everyone should go see the show.

[7:42] Samantha Tuozzolo: Oh, can I say one more thing before yes, of course.

[7:45] Jason A. Coombs: Amber Ruffin was there who is this amazing comedian and writer, and she was a talk show host for a bit, and she was there.

[7:53] Samantha Tuozzolo: And I remember like I was sitting in the back, remember, I was like chilling in the back. It was very overwhelming, and she ended up coming up to me and she like greeting me like she knew me. I was like, Why is Amber Ruffin like talking to little old me?

[8:04] Jason A. Coombs: And then she was like, Where did this red carpet start?

[8:07] Samantha Tuozzolo: I told her like where it started, because like I said, it was so chaotic, and unfortunately, because it was so chaotic, we didn't get to talk to her, but just like having that little moment with her, just seeing someone so chill and so real, and someone who's like again so iconic, working on The Wiz. Like, come on, y'all. That's that's gonna be so incredible.

[8:23] Jason A. Coombs: Uh, it was also like a really cool chill moment that I'm really gonna take with me because she's human.

[8:28] Samantha Tuozzolo: I'm dead. I did not know that was happening.

[8:31] Jason A. Coombs: That's so good.

[8:32] Samantha Tuozzolo: There was a lot happening today. Like so much happening.

[8:36] Jason A. Coombs: Yeah, and so before we uh play this audio for you guys, we just wanted to announce that season three will be coming back with a new episode the week of March 4th.

[8:47] Samantha Tuozzolo: We're having our launch, yeah.

[8:50] Jason A. Coombs: We're having our big launch party on March 3rd, and then we're gonna be back into it.

[8:55] Samantha Tuozzolo: And so DM us if there's someone from the upcoming Broadway season that you want us to try to get on.

[9:01] Jason A. Coombs: We definitely can give us some feedback.

[9:03] Samantha Tuozzolo: Let us know what you want to see for season three.

[9:06] Jason A. Coombs: Here for season three.

[9:07] Samantha Tuozzolo: Excuse me, what you want us to do for season three. We're here for you guys.

[9:11] Jason A. Coombs: And we're so appreciative of all of our listeners and everyone who supports us.

[9:15] Samantha Tuozzolo: So hit us up.

[9:17] Jason A. Coombs: Our email is survivaljobspod at gmail.com.

[9:22] Samantha Tuozzolo: And our Instagram handle is survivaljobspod.

[9:25] Jason A. Coombs: So definitely hit us up. Let us know.

[9:27] Samantha Tuozzolo: And can I ask y'all a quick favor if y'all wouldn't mind to just maybe just leave us a little review, a little a little five-star review on wherever you listen to this, whether it's Spotify, whether it's Apple Podcasts, or wherever you're listening, just give us a little review because that really helps us.

[9:41] Jason A. Coombs: And like we said, we're trying to start season three with a bang.

[9:44] Samantha Tuozzolo: And just giving like the show is great.

[9:48] Jason A. Coombs: Really will help us.

[9:49] Samantha Tuozzolo: I don't know what else to say.

[9:51] Jason A. Coombs: It's a cheesy kind of ask, but everyone asks, right?

[9:53] Samantha Tuozzolo: We have a podcast, everyone asks you to support them in that way.

[9:57] Jason A. Coombs: So thank you.

[9:59] Samantha Tuozzolo: And sometimes to get what you want in life, all you have to do is ask.

[10:04] Jason A. Coombs: Bam.

[10:05] Samantha Tuozzolo: Boom. Enjoy this audio from the Days of Wine and Roses opening night red carpet.

[10:11] Jason A. Coombs: And go see it.

[10:12] Samantha Tuozzolo: And go see it and see you in season three.

[10:15] Jason A. Coombs: Woohoo.

[10:17] Samantha Tuozzolo: Bye.

[10:19] Jason A. Coombs: Peace.

[10:19] Samantha Tuozzolo: Hello.

[10:20] Jason A. Coombs: My name is Samantha Tuozzolo.

[10:22] Samantha Tuozzolo: And my name is Jason A. Coombs.

[10:24] Jason A. Coombs: And we're here for the Broadway Podcast Network at Days of Wine and Roses, the opening night red carpet.

[10:30] Samantha Tuozzolo: We're so excited to chat with everyone.

[10:32] Jason A. Coombs: Come on. Congratulations. Happy opening.

[10:35] Kelli O'Hara: Thank you very much.

[10:36] Jason A. Coombs: Since we're a podcast network, most of our listeners are only listening. So can you please introduce yourself?

[10:39] Kelli O'Hara: Yes. My name is Kelli O'Hara.

[10:41] Jason A. Coombs: Happy opening night. How are you feeling tonight?

[10:45] Kelli O'Hara: I feel calm and excited and happy and grateful.

[10:49] Jason A. Coombs: So this was dreamt up years ago when you and Brian were in Sweet Small Success. So, how does it feel to finally see it come to life and you're on your Broadway opening after 20 plus years of dreaming it?

[11:02] Kelli O'Hara: Well, it just teaches me a lesson to um be patient, uh, but also dream big and voice those dreams and believe that they might come true because this one has.

[11:13] Jason A. Coombs: It sure has. So our show on the network is called Survival Jobs. And we talk about jobs you had on your way to your success. Do you have a survival job that's most memorable from your journey to your success?

[11:26] Kelli O'Hara: Well, look, I um I I'm lucky enough to have been working for the larger part of my adult life. But I um as a kid, I I chopped cotton on my farm. Um I worked in at the Macaroni Grill, uh, waiting tables and singing Italian opera.

[11:41] Jason A. Coombs: Singing still, perfect.

[11:42] Kelli O'Hara: Yeah, so I was that was the best job. It's like the Ellen Stardust.

[11:45] Jason A. Coombs: That's right.

[11:45] Kelli O'Hara: That was during college and um I worked at Hobbies Hoagies.

[11:50] Jason A. Coombs: Um it was a Hoagie uh Philadelphia cheesesteak shop when I was in high school.

[11:55] Kelli O'Hara: Um but really when I moved to New York, I started singing, I started working, and I've never looked back.

[12:01] Jason A. Coombs: Amazing.

[12:01] Kelli O'Hara: Yes.

[12:02] Jason A. Coombs: Um, real quick, so the show is called Days of Wine and Roses. I'm sure you already had this question. Um, what are two things that fill your day?

[12:09] Kelli O'Hara: Um Work and family.

[12:11] Jason A. Coombs: Perfect.

[12:12] Samantha Tuozzolo: Well, happy opening. Thanks for chatting with us.

[12:15] Kelli O'Hara: Thank you.

[12:15] Jason A. Coombs: Congrats.

[12:16] Samantha Tuozzolo: We're just a podcast network, not just, but a lot of the people are only listening. So can you please introduce yourselves?

[12:20] Tabitha Lawing: I'm Tabitha Lawing.

[12:24] Addie Manthey: I'm Addie Manthey.

[12:25] Jason A. Coombs: Amazing, and congratulations, happy opening.

[12:28] Samantha Tuozzolo: You both are making your Broadway debut. How do you feel?

[12:30] Tabitha Lawing: I feel amazing. Just so excited to work with everybody in this cast.

[12:36] Addie Manthey: And Kelly and Brian are incredible.

[12:38] Jason A. Coombs: So I love it.

[12:39] Tabitha Lawing: Same with me, but just a little nervous.

[12:43] Jason A. Coombs: Nervous?

[12:43] Addie Manthey: Well, that's normal.

[12:44] Jason A. Coombs: And nerves are not always a negative thing.

[12:47] Samantha Tuozzolo: So the show is called The Days of Wine and Roses, as you know. What are two things that make your day happy and filled?

[12:55] Tabitha Lawing: Um, I love trampoline parks.

[12:58] Addie Manthey: All the trampolines everywhere.

[13:00] Tabitha Lawing: It's just so fun.

[13:01] Addie Manthey: My niece loves those too, and I've gone. They are super fun, I agree.

[13:05] Tabitha Lawing: Also eating all the ice cream.

[13:08] Addie Manthey: Incredible.

[13:09] Tabitha Lawing: I love candy because of the awesome taste it has to it.

[13:14] Addie Manthey: And I also like watching TV because of all the shows that are on it.

[13:18] Jason A. Coombs: What's your favorite show that you're watching right now?

[13:20] Tabitha Lawing: Probably Gravity Falls.

[13:22] Jason A. Coombs: Amazing. I'll definitely have to check it out.

[13:23] Samantha Tuozzolo: Well, thanks for chatting with us and have a great opening.

[13:27] Tabitha Lawing: Thank you.

[13:28] Jason A. Coombs: Awesome.

[13:28] Samantha Tuozzolo: Welcome, Olivia.

[13:30] Olivia Hernandez: Thank you.

[13:30] Jason A. Coombs: So we're a podcast, so most of our listeners are listeners. We might introduce yourself to the next slide.

[13:34] Olivia Hernandez: Hi, yeah, I'm Olivia Hernandez.

[13:37] Jason A. Coombs: Yes, and this is opening night. How do you feel?

[13:40] Olivia Hernandez: I could not be more excited. I feel like this is just a dream come true, truly. And I am just so happy to celebrate this show that I believe in so deeply, and I love being in every single day.

[13:53] Jason A. Coombs: Do you have a favorite memory from the rehearsal process?

[13:58] Olivia Hernandez: Yes. The first time that we were rehearsing off Broadway, the first time that we ran the show in its entirety, and I got to see what Kelli and Brian were doing, and it just broke my heart. Every single rehearsal, it broke my heart, and even the runs now for Broadway when we were rehearsing again, it's like I just sat there sobbing. Adam said to me, well, I guess if Olivia cries every day, then we've got it. If Olivia can cry at this show every single day, then we're doing something right.

[14:31] Jason A. Coombs: What is that Nicole Kidman ad in like the AMC theaters?

[14:34] Olivia Hernandez: Heartbreak feels good.

[14:35] Jason A. Coombs: Heartbreak feels good in a place like this.

[14:37] Olivia Hernandez: It sure does.

[14:39] Jason A. Coombs: Okay, last question. The show is called Days of Wine and Roses. Are there two things that always bring you happiness or joy in your days, especially in a time like this?

[14:48] Olivia Hernandez: Truly, it's coming to this theater every day. One of my favorite things about doing this work is the people that we get to work with every day. Many of those people you don't see—our dressers, the stitchers, our hair people. Yeah, the glue. They're also props, stage management, all these people are some of the most fun and dynamic people, and they make my day every single day. I just love what we get to do, and it makes me so happy to do it.

[15:19] Jason A. Coombs: Thank you so much.

[15:20] Olivia Hernandez: Thank you.

[15:21] Jason A. Coombs: Kill it tonight.

[15:21] Olivia Hernandez: Thank you so much.

[15:23] Jason A. Coombs: Hi, happy opening night.

[15:24] David Jennings: Thank you very much.

[15:25] Jason A. Coombs: Excited?

[15:26] David Jennings: Yeah, so we're the Broadway Podcast Network. A lot of people are just listening. So can you please introduce yourself?

[15:30] David Jennings: I'm David Jennings, and I play the role of Jim Hungerford, who is the AA sponsor.

[15:35] Jason A. Coombs: Amazing. You have a ton of Broadway credits under your belt.

[15:40] David Jennings: Most recently, Tina.

[15:42] Jason A. Coombs: Tina. So this is a little bit different from Tina, a little bit darker. So, how is that transition going from something that's like a little bit more upbeat to something a little bit darker?

[15:51] David Jennings: Such a challenge and a welcome challenge, actually, because as an actor, that's what you want. You don't want to get complacent, and you want something that's gonna challenge you and make you work harder. This is one of those pieces that makes you really dig in deep.

[16:04] Jason A. Coombs: Well, congratulations.

[16:05] David Jennings: Thank you.

[16:06] Jason A. Coombs: Our show on the network is called Survival Jobs. We talk about the jobs people have had and the success that they're in now. Do you have a memorable survival job that you could share?

[16:16] David Jennings: Wow. You know what? When I first moved to New York, I worked for a limo company. I would take the orders and send out the cars, and that's actually how I learned to get around. I learned like what street comes after what. I was like, oh, now I know how to get around.

[16:29] Jason A. Coombs: That's awesome. I've lived in New York for 12 years and I still walk the wrong way. So I should get that job.

[16:38] David Jennings: So the show is called Days of Wine and Roses, obviously. Do you have two things in your life that make you happy or bring you joy?

[16:47] David Jennings: I think my family brings me happiness and joy. And the ability to get to do this. I've done several Broadway shows, and this just never gets old, you know? Opening night and all the celebratory things.

[17:01] Jason A. Coombs: So that means you're right where you belong. And last thing for social, if you don't mind. Since it is dark, but it is still centered around love, let's see what couple you are. What famous couple you are.

[17:15] David Jennings: It does take a while.

[17:16] Jason A. Coombs: All right, but we'll see where we're gonna land.

[17:18] David Jennings: All right, boom, boom, boom. I have no idea who that is.

[17:21] Jason A. Coombs: So that's oh, that's Timothy Chalamet and so what's her name?

[17:26] David Jennings: Short Sir, yes. I can't say it.

[17:28] Jason A. Coombs: Well, thank you. So fierce. Okay. Fun. Happy opening.

[17:32] David Jennings: Thank you for chatting with us.

[17:35] Jason A. Coombs: All right, so thank you for being here. Congratulations on opening night.

[17:38] Sharon Catherine Brown: Thank you so much.

[17:40] Jason A. Coombs: Yeah, you're so welcome, and we are a podcast network. So would you mind introducing yourself to our listeners?

[17:44] Sharon Catherine Brown: Yes, I'm Sharon Catherine Brown.

[17:47] Jason A. Coombs: So, Sharon, I did some research with my co-host Samantha, and we heard that you were the first black Lucy.

[17:54] Sharon Catherine Brown: Yes, in Jekyll and Hyde.

[17:55] Jason A. Coombs: Yes.

[17:56] Sharon Catherine Brown: As a matter of fact, it was many years ago. Kelli O'Hara was in the ensemble but then became my Emma. So she was my Emma when I was Lucy. Yeah, it was pretty incredible.

[18:11] Jason A. Coombs: Oh, that cast.

[18:13] Sharon Catherine Brown: When we did Jekyll and Hyde, Jerry Mitchell was our choreographer.

[18:17] Jason A. Coombs: Oh my gosh.

[18:18] Sharon Catherine Brown: And Ken Davenport, who's one of the biggest producers on Broadway, was our company manager. I love that. And David Warren was our director who directed all the Desperate Housewives and Gossip Girls. We just had this team, you know.

[18:34] Jason A. Coombs: It just becomes a family, right?

[18:36] Sharon Catherine Brown: Yes, of course. Do you have a favorite memory from the rehearsal process?

[18:39] Jason A. Coombs: Of Jekyll and Hyde or this show?

[18:41] Sharon Catherine Brown: Oh, this show.

[18:42] Jason A. Coombs: Yes.

[18:44] Sharon Catherine Brown: My favorite, I'll tell you my favorite memory or my favorite thing is not just from rehearsals. Our director, Michael Greif, always comes to our dressing rooms to say, have a good show, and at the end of the show, he goes, that was a good show, and knocks on every door. I have to say, he does that with all his actors; it's very loving. It's my favorite thing. We have a lot of incredible things that happen during rehearsal, like laughter. But the thing that I'm always thinking about is how well loved we are as actors, and you don't always get that. We always get that. We need that.

[19:26] Jason A. Coombs: Yeah, I mean, sometimes, you know, it's a thing of, I'll tell you the difference. You can always tell when someone is tolerating you as opposed to loving you.

[19:32] Sharon Catherine Brown: Yeah.

[19:38] Jason A. Coombs: And that's what I mean is we feel loved, not tolerated.

[19:41] Sharon Catherine Brown: Yeah, I love that. That's great for an actor. Can I ask you one more question?

[19:45] Jason A. Coombs: Oh, please.

[19:46] Sharon Catherine Brown: Which I'm sure you're getting a lot tonight. But if you could fill your days with two things, right? Besides wine and roses, what would those two things be?

[19:53] Sharon Catherine Brown: I don't want to give the same answer. I'm kind of cheating because I'm thinking of all these other things that I really in 2022 and it's still very, very fresh. I'm sorry to hear that. And you know, my dad is on television. I think I would just fill my days with that. Just more time when I really think of it, I'm like, oh, if you really gave me what was in my head, it would be my dad and cold brew coffee.

[20:27] Jason A. Coombs: Yes. Cold brew coffee.

[20:28] Sharon Catherine Brown: Those two things. Cold brew coffee is always in there because I'm obsessed with it. And yes, and everybody knows that about me. So yeah, that's what it'd be like.

[20:38] Jason A. Coombs: That's amazing. Can we do a quick social media check? Quick TikTok?

[20:43] Sharon Catherine Brown: Please.

[20:43] Jason A. Coombs: I know the show. I'm on TikTok. Yeah, what is your TikTok? You just want to shout it out?

[20:46] Sharon Catherine Brown: I'm on TikTok.

[20:48] Jason A. Coombs: Okay.

[20:51] Sharon Catherine Brown: Hi.

[20:52] Jason A. Coombs: Oh no, we're gonna do your favorite or celebrity couple that you wouldn't. Is this gonna stop?

[20:56] Sharon Catherine Brown: Yeah, it's gonna tell you about a famous celebrity couple.

[20:59] Jason A. Coombs: Oh, Euphoria. Do you watch Euphoria?

[21:02] Sharon Catherine Brown: Yes. Are you kidding me? Jacob Lordy.

[21:05] Jason A. Coombs: Yeah. I mean, I wish. I wish I was asked.

[21:09] Sharon Catherine Brown: We got a good one.

[21:10] Jason A. Coombs: I know, we're just doing it again. Don't do zombies. We got it again. It's meant to be.

[21:16] Sharon Catherine Brown: It's meant to be.

[21:18] Jason A. Coombs: We can't help it.

[21:19] Sharon Catherine Brown: We can't help it if we got it like that.

[21:22] Jason A. Coombs: Thank you so much.

[21:23] Sharon Catherine Brown: Thank you.

[21:25] Jason A. Coombs: I love it.

[21:26] Sharon Catherine Brown: Thank you so much.

[21:28] Jason A. Coombs: You're welcome. Thank you.

[21:29] Brian d'Arcy James: Hi, happy opening.

[21:30] Jason A. Coombs: Thank you very much.

[21:31] Brian d'Arcy James: Of course.

[21:31] Jason A. Coombs: So we're the Broadway Podcast Network. A lot of people are just listening. So can you introduce yourself?

[21:36] Brian d'Arcy James: Yes, hi. I'm Brian d'Arcy James, and I am playing Joe Clay in the Broadway opening of Days of Wine and Roses.

[21:43] Jason A. Coombs: Congratulations. What a production this is, and it really, really is so moving. So I know that you and Kelli chatted about doing this years ago when you were in another production together, 20 plus years ago. So how does it feel to be on opening night and see what you dreamed of coming to life?

[22:01] Brian d'Arcy James: It is a remarkable thing. Because when you put it in that light, it does make you realize how miraculous any Broadway show is coming to life. But the fact that this one is actually happening is just that. It's miraculous. And it really did start with Kelly's idea and planting the seed, offering the idea to Adam Guettel and him kind of taking that and running with it. And here we are. And that's me for the viewers at home. I'm standing in front of a poster of me kind of nuzzling Kelli O'Hara's neck.

[22:30] Jason A. Coombs: You sure are nuzzling the neck.

[22:33] Brian d'Arcy James: So, you know, this is not the most upbeat show. How have you navigated your work and your real life? Because it is a little bit heavier.

[22:42] Brian d'Arcy James: Well, it is heavy, but it's also very exhilarating too, because as an actor you hope to do things that ask a lot of you, and this certainly does. So it requires all hands on deck and all the attention that I can give it with my craft and what I can bring to it emotionally, physically, mentally. So in that way, it is kind of the most rewarding and exhilarating experience for me. And hopefully there are moments of great joy in the storytelling that allow the audience to feel hopeful and drawn to the characters and their desire to love each other and want to connect with each other despite their addictions and the hardship that they encounter because of it. All of those things go into it for me to kind of make it a balancing act of joy and sorrow and hope and despair, which is real life.

[23:39] Jason A. Coombs: So our show on the network is called Survival Jobs. We talked to people about the jobs that they had on the way to their journey for success. Do you have a memorable survival job you could share?

[23:48] Brian d'Arcy James: I was a doorman once very, very early on.

[23:52] Jason A. Coombs: Amazing.

[23:52] Brian d'Arcy James: At a men's store in my hometown, Saginaw, Michigan. You'll probably had to put on your best acting chops for that. You get a bunch of different types of people walking in there.

[24:04] Brian d'Arcy James: Yeah, maybe some confidence. It wasn't a very hard job. You just basically have to use your arm. So if you're really good. It was prior to my kind of entree into the world of pursuing acting, so I don't know if I consider it a survival job. But I suppose while in the midst of pursuing acting, I did a lot of industrials, which are basically selling your soul to sing about cigarettes.

[24:30] Jason A. Coombs: Well, hey, you gotta start somewhere.

[24:33] Brian d'Arcy James: It's true.

[24:34] Jason A. Coombs: Just two more questions.

[24:34] Brian d'Arcy James: Or end up somewhere.

[24:35] Jason A. Coombs: Hey.

[24:35] Brian d'Arcy James: Start and end up.

[24:37] Jason A. Coombs: Just two questions left for our social. So Days of Wine and Roses, do you have two things that are filling your days with happiness that you could share?

[24:45] Brian d'Arcy James: Sleep.

[24:46] Jason A. Coombs: Love it.

[24:46] Brian d'Arcy James: And if I can get a run in, some running.

[24:50] Jason A. Coombs: Not today. It's raining really hard today.

[24:53] Brian d'Arcy James: As you know, although a dark show, it is centered around love. So we just want to see what celebrity, famous, fictional couple you would be. Ready?

[25:03] Brian d'Arcy James: It does take a long time.

[25:06] Jason A. Coombs: Okay, there you go.

[25:12] Brian d'Arcy James: This is Timothy Chalamet again.

[25:15] Jason A. Coombs: Thank you for the pronunciation of the names. Profound.

[25:18] Brian d'Arcy James: I love it.

[25:20] Jason A. Coombs: That's me, both of those people?

[25:22] Brian d'Arcy James: Yes.

[25:26] Jason A. Coombs: I had no idea I had that in me.

[25:25] Brian d'Arcy James: That's Willy Wonka.

[25:28] Jason A. Coombs: I mean, going from opening doors to Willy Wonka.

[25:30] Brian d'Arcy James: To Willy Wonka.

[25:35] Jason A. Coombs: And Lady Bird.

[25:35] Brian d'Arcy James: And Lady Bird.

[25:37] Jason A. Coombs: Do not forget Lady Bird.

[25:39] Brian d'Arcy James: Do not forget Lady Bird.

[25:40] Jason A. Coombs: Well, happy opening. Thanks so much for chatting with us.

[25:41] Brian d'Arcy James: Thank you.

[25:41] Jason A. Coombs: So my name is Jason. I'm the co-host of Survival Jobs: A Podcast on Broadway Podcast Network. We are a podcast network. Do you mind introducing yourselves to our listeners who can only hear us?

[25:51] David Manis: I'm David Manis. I played Delaney and a couple of other small roles in the show.

[25:56] Jason A. Coombs: That's amazing. So it's opening night. How are you feeling?

[25:59] David Manis: Pretty good.

[26:00] Jason A. Coombs: Do you get nervous too?

[26:01] David Manis: Oh, sure. There's always some, you're aware. No matter how well you think the show is, no matter how small your thing is, you have an awareness that okay, there's a lot of folks, you know.

[26:11] Jason A. Coombs: Yeah. It's built up in that way, and that's good. A little excitement is good.

[26:14] David Manis: Yeah.

[26:16] Jason A. Coombs: Do you have a favorite moment in the rehearsal process?

[26:19] David Manis: Oh. I'm also an understudy, so I came in late. A lot of these folks have done the show in the summer at the event. And I, you know, I wasn't here then. I had not heard the score ever. There was a time that I had to step in and rehearsal for a part that I'm understudying, and somebody stepped up and sang a song right into my face that I had never heard before, and I'm just trying to go. I'm seeing, I'm reacting, I'm thinking, good, I have no idea where this is going. Does she kill me at the end of the song? I don't even know.

[26:40] Jason A. Coombs: That's a challenge.

[26:49] David Manis: It was fun, though. And understudies, you guys held it down during the pandemic, right? So Bravo, thank you for what you do. I could never do that. I would be crying before every show.

[27:00] David Manis: So our show is called Survival Jobs. Do you have a favorite survival job before you got to Broadway?

[27:05] David Manis: I used to write industrials.

[27:08] Jason A. Coombs: Oh wow, that go to commercials?

[27:10] David Manis: Not commercials for like pharmaceutical companies, but like trade shows and things like that.

[27:17] Jason A. Coombs: Yes. And not in the days that Brian and I were talking about this once, not in the—there was a time that people would sing very seriously about, you know, I the Johnson's floor mop makes me feel alive and like a woman or whatever it was.

[27:30] Kelli O'Hara: And when I was doing it, it was sort of the David Letterman era where we were making fun of that idea. We were making fun of can you believe I'm singing a song about diabetes meat? Exactly, yeah, yeah, yeah. So that was kind of fun. I love that. And last question. The show is called Days of Wine and Roses. Are there two things that you want to fill your days with? I see. Uh that would be, let's see, uh various forms, slight gradations of flavors of chocolate ice cream. Oh, and I'm with you. And uh what else? Let me think. I don't know. Hmm. It may just be that. It's just a double order of that. Double. Double scoops. You know, yeah. I love that for you. Sure, it's simple. Yeah, it's a philosophy, and I'm living by it. That's amazing. Okay. Have a great opening night. Congratulations. I do. Thank you for being part of the show. Sure. Good to see you. Thank you.

[28:15] Craig Lucas: Can you please introduce yourself and let everybody know your role in the show? I'm Craig Lucas and I play the princess. Oh no, I wrote the script. Thank you, Craig. Um, how do you feel to be here at Opening Night? I know this was years in the works, and you're here at opening night, you made it. Yeah, you know, I'm tired. And the weather is not helping the tired factory. I'm ready to go back to my little house in the woods and uh play with my dogs. Amazing. So the subject matter is a bit dark, the script's a bit heavy. How did you keep yourself light and happy during the writing process? I don't find it dark. I think it's about love, and I think love always contains the possibility of joy and hope.

And so I don't find the show dark. I think things sad things happen in it, but the people in it are aiming for the light, and they're hoping for the very best. That's really beautiful, and that's life. You have the love and the dark, and this and it's just the roller coaster. So the d the show is called Day of Wine and Roses. Do you have two things that bring you joy in life that you want to fill your days with? Oh, yeah, my husband and my dogs. Boom. Thanks so much for chatting with us. Happy opening, congratulations. It's a beautiful, beautiful piece. Thank you.

[29:48] Joshua Henry: Hey y'all, my name is Joshua Henry. Can't wait to see Days of Wine and Roses tonight. Hey, boom. So you're not a stranger to opening nights. You've had your fair share of them on Broadway. What's your favorite part about an opening night? I think just that feeling of anticipation. Um, like on a night like tonight, I'm I'm expecting like a masterclass. Um, I'm expecting incredible music. Adam Guettel is one of my favorite composers. Um, and Brian and Kelli, they I've just had such huge respect for them. They've been so, especially Brian, his voice for me, um, and having experience working with him in Into the Woods is so kind, so phenomenal, so honest with his work. Um, so this feeling is like, oh my gosh, you get to see your favorite, your favorite everything.

Yeah, in one night. I recently thank you for sharing that. I just uh showed Tick Tick Boom to one of my friends who had never seen it. You were amazing in that. Do you have a favorite memory from that production? Probably me, Vanessa Hudgens, and Andrew Garfield performing uh um louder than words. Like that that number was like the biggest, and especially when we we did it in 2020. Um that was just really special filming that. Thank you so much. So the show is Days of Wine and Roses. Do you have two things in your life that you like to fill your days with that bring you happiness? Uh I like to fill my days these days with um family and art. So that's that's really all that that that's that's my happiness right now. Thanks so much for chatting. Happy opening. Enjoy, nice meeting you.

[31:26] George Takei: Hi, so this is a podcast network. Most of the folks are just listening. So, can you introduce yourself to everyone just listening? I'm George Takei, and I am excited about the show. Uh, and I have been long before most of the people here were born. Have you heard of Playhouse 90 on television? I have to be honest, I have not. Most you young people don't know that this was a landmark program. 60 minutes of live television, live, like theater, not rehearsed, not filmed. Some of the most promising young playwrights, unknown, with some of the most promising young unknown actors, and JP Miller's uh drama titled Days of Wine and Roses, uh, was on that show. I my father and I saw that back in 1950s, and we were moved and swept away.

And then there's that movie, as you know, with Jeff. You you were born by then, yes. And that was wonderful. But tonight it's got the music of uh Adam Guettel, and uh we saw him and uh heard heard him and saw Kelli O'Hara at Lincoln Center in uh in the light of the piazza. So I know we have a wonderful show, and I'm keeping my fingers crossed that people here have taste and will make sure ensure that the show becomes a great hit. You will not be disappointed. So the day uh it's called days I'm gonna be disappointed at all. I'm confident. You know what? I love that. The show's called Days of Wine and Roses. Are there two things in your life that you want to fill your days with that bring you happiness?

There are two things, what? That you want to fill your fill your days with. Fill my days with? Like wine and roses. Could be chocolate and plenty of roses. Yeah. But this will teach you to be moderate and intelligent with the wine part. You know. And that's that. Thank you so much for chatting with us. Happy opening night. Thanks for chatting. Bye.

[31:28] Carolie Carmelo: A lot of people are just listening. So can you introduce yourself to the listener? Hi, this is Carolie Carmelo. Hi, Broadway Podcast Network. Yeah, so you're not a stranger to opening nights. You've had your fair share of Broadway openings. What's your favorite part about opening night? Oh, I guess just the support from the community. You know, you get so many people from the business who come and and everyone loves Kelli and Brian and everyone sort of gathers around and supports them. And Victoria Clark comes along. Victoria Clark. It looks so incredible. Hi. I've no. Come on, join in. It's the Broadway Podcast Network. Tony Award winner, Victoria Clark. I love this redhead so much. Same. We did like Miss together 33 years ago, something like that.

Something like that. She looks exactly the same. You look exactly the same. Oh stominable. So we have a show on the network called Survival Jobs, where we talk to folks about survival jobs they've had along their journey. Do you guys have a memorable one you could share quickly? I used to be one of those fragrance models at Macy's and Bloomingdale's when I first moved to the city. Yeah. Julie White has that survival job as well, just so you know. It's a good one. It was very flexible and $10 an hour, which at that time was great. Yeah. Nice. I sold, I sold retail, like in little little shops on Columbus Avenue. Told told women they looked fabulous and everything. In everything they put on. And I taught the acting cable.

And then I taught children, you know, like in child uh musical theater camp. Amazing. Last question. So the show is called Days of Wine and Roses. Do you guys have something that can fill your day with happiness? That you want to share? Two things. My children. Oh, it's a good answer. Yeah, my children. They're grown and out of the house now, but whenever they're around, they fill me with happiness. I I'm gonna copy that answer. That's absolutely true. I only have one child. But he's fabulous. One child. Well, thank you so much, Archada. Hey! I like this. A double interview.

[35:57] Montego Glover: Yeah. So for the people who are just listening, can you please introduce yourself? Yes, my name is Montego Glover. Hello, and you are not a stranger to opening night. So what's your favorite part about opening night? Uh an opening night on Broadway is an enormously special thing. I mean, there's something about being in the district and with other actors in the community and having a moment to just be together. We're all working all the time and we're never quite on the same schedule. So this feels like a moment to really, really come together. Also, I'm a huge fan of Brian and uh Kelli's, so this is this is a big night for me. I mean, they are superstars. Um, so on the network, we have a show called Survival Jobs.

Do you have a survival job that you could share that was memorable on your journey to be where you are now? Oh my gosh, what did I have or so? Yes! I feel like at some point I had a survival job, and I was like a receptionist for an advertising firm. I had like I was the pinch hitter, like that was their mid morning gal, just right. And I don't even remember when that was, but I remember doing that and really liking it actually. Yeah, and you know, that's tough work. Receptionist jobs are thankless jobs sometimes, so congratulations. Okay, so lastly, the show is called Days of Wine and Roses. Do you have two things in your life that fill your days with happiness, joy, whatever it may be? A beautiful scented candle and a long bath.

Girl, I love a good scented candle. Trader Joe's has this candle right now. It's $10. It crackles, it's like lemon and like freshness. It's amazing. Go get it. 55 hours of burning. Yes, yes. You just made a fan. Thank you. Trader Joe's, can you sponsor the podcast? Thank you so much. Happy opening. Thanks for chatting.

[37:36] Jessica Vosk: Hi. Hey girl. Well, well, well, well, well, well. Hi, welcome to the Broadway Podcast Network. I love the Broadway Podcast Network. Can you introduce yourself to the people who are just listening? Yes, of course. I'm Jessica Vosk. I'm on the red carpet of Days of Wine and Roses. A treat, a dream, crying, laughing, throwing up. You know what? And by the way, you're like traveling the world, performing everywhere, and you're still making its opening night. I came back last night from LA for this. I love everybody involved. I wouldn't miss it. Uh, what's your favorite part about opening night? I love well, listen, I love opening nights because for all of us in the theater community who don't get to see each other normally, we all run into each other and we do the thing and we give the kisses and we talk about it.

But it's the energy, it's just the energy. I love the fact that we get to celebrate people and be here, you know, in honor of a really beautiful piece of work. So beautiful. You're in for a treat. So we have a show on the network called Survival Jobs. Do you have a survival job that's memorable that you were on on your journey to stardom? Well, you know what? I not only I started in finance, which was a survival job by itself, but that wasn't while I was auditioning. When I quit finance and I was auditioning for my life, I babysat everyone's child. So now these days, if you hand me a crying baby, it stops crying. That's it. It stops crying. You know, we don't need to talk about anything else but it.

It lastly, the show's called Days of Wine and Roses. Do you have two things in your life that you like to fill your days with that maybe bring you joy? Maybe Fred. That's it. I love to fill my day with my dog. His name is Fred. He can do no wrong until he does, but I still am okay with it. And then I also love to fill my days with cooking. When I can. When I can. And I love seeing you. Oh my god, I know how fun. This is our first interview. It was bounded. One of many.

[39:31] Jordan Tyson: My name is Jason. I'm the co-host of Survival Jobs the Podcast on Broadway Podcast Network. Nice to meet you too. Would you mind introducing yourself or our listeners? Sure. My name is Jordan Tyson. I use she, her pronouns, and I'm in the notebook. Awesome. We can't wait for that. That's such a classic. How do you feel taking on like sort of big show like that? It's on a huge property. It feels so exciting. I think partially because it's so even though there have been different iterations, the musical is very much its own thing. So I'm very excited. That's amazing. So we have a podcast called Survival Jobs a podcast. Do you have a favorite pod uh a favorite survival job you've had over the years before you made it to Broadway?

Absolutely. With no hesitation, I get off at the same subway stop as the spin studio I used to work at. It was called Psych Fitness. Rest in peace. It had to um, you know, the business closed down in COVID, but for years I worked there right on 44th and 8th, and I would I would be like Broadway, I'm going to Broadway, and like I'm gonna be fit, I'm gonna be ready, and I love it. Here you are. Manifestation. Okay, so the show's called Days of Wine and Roses. Are there two things that bring happiness to your days every day? Coffee. Ooh, yes. And singing.

[40:58] Jason A. Coombs: And singing. Congratulations. We can't wait to see you on your opening night for The Notebook in a couple of months. Yeah, have fun tonight. Thank you. Thank you.

[41:06] Jason A. Coombs: So my name is Jason. I'm the co-host of Survival Jobs: A Podcast. Would you mind saying your name just so our listeners can know who you are?

[41:14] Joy Woods: Hey y'all, this is Joy Woods.

[41:16] Jason A. Coombs: Yes. And how do you feel being here on this big opening night? All this excitement, a new show's opening. How do you feel?

[41:23] Joy Woods: Oh my goodness, there are so many people here. I feel like I'm getting whiplashed. Just there's so many beautiful people here getting whiplashed trying to see everybody. But the energy is good. It's filling me. I'm ready to watch the show with a bunch of people that love theater.

[41:38] Jason A. Coombs: I love that. So the show is called Days of Wine and Roses. Are there two things that continue to bring you happiness in your days?

[41:45] Joy Woods: Yes, I think so. I have a few things, I think. Yeah, sure with us. Um I love listening to music. I love napping. I love dancing, I love eating. Creativity. Yes, and I love laughing. I love being around people. Lots of things.

[42:03] Jason A. Coombs: That's so great. Thank you for being on the show. Have fun tonight. Get lots of laughs if you can. I heard there's a little drama in there though. Ready for it?

[42:11] Joy Woods: You're ready for it. Thank you so much.

[42:18] Jason A. Coombs: Host of Survival Jobs: A Podcast on Broadway Podcast Network. Would you mind just saying your name for our listeners who can't see your beautiful face?

[42:24] LaChanze: Hi, yes, LaChanze.

[42:27] Jason A. Coombs: So how exciting is an opening night? I know it's not yours, but like you've been to so many. How does it feel to be at another one?

[42:32] LaChanze: Well, you know, this is one of the blessings of being in the Broadway community that we get to be a part of opening nights, these historic nights on Broadway. And here's a show that has so much that's so beloved, and it's having this amazing revival with two brilliant stars. So the room, there's a vibe in here is electric right now. It's nice.

[42:52] Jason A. Coombs: Okay, it is. Yes. So our podcast is called Survival Jobs: A Podcast. Do you have a favorite survival job you had before you became a Broadway superstar?

[42:59] LaChanze: What are you saying, Survivor?

[43:00] Jason A. Coombs: Survival Jobs: A Podcast.

[43:02] LaChanze: Like a survival job before. Oh my god, yes. Oh my god, I have the best. I worked at I sold cemetery plots as a telemarketer.

[43:10] Jason A. Coombs: Really?

[43:12] LaChanze: I mean telemarketer. And you know what the slogan was? We're the last ones to let you down.

[43:18] Jason A. Coombs: Perfect. Mic drop.

[43:21] LaChanze: Oh my god. It's a great slogan. That's what we did. Thank you for being on the show. Have a good time tonight.

[43:25] Jason A. Coombs: You're welcome. My name is Jason. I'm the co-host of Survival Jobs: A Podcast on Broadway Podcast Network. Would you mind just saying your name for the listeners who can't see your beautiful face?

[43:36] Celia Keenan-Bolger: Of course, I'm Celia Keenan-Bolger.

[43:38] Jason A. Coombs: Yes. So thank you for being on the show. How does it feel to be at another opening night? All the excitement in the air. Are you excited for the show? Is there a certain person you're excited to see?

[43:48] Celia Keenan-Bolger: Um, I'm really excited to see Kelli O'Hara. I am so happy that this show is on Broadway. I think it's a stacked season of musicals, and I think this musical occupies a very special and specific place.

[44:03] Jason A. Coombs: So the show is called Days of Wine and Roses. Is there two things that bring you happiness every single day?

[44:09] Celia Keenan-Bolger: Oh, how about my kid and my friends?

[44:14] Jason A. Coombs: Family, community, I love that. Well, thank you for being here. Have a great time tonight. Enjoy the show.

[44:17] Celia Keenan-Bolger: Thank you.

[44:21] Jason A. Coombs: My name is Jason. I'm the co-host of Survival Jobs: A Podcast on Broadway Podcast Network. Would you mind just saying your name for our listeners who can't see your beautiful face?

[44:29] Christine Dwyer: Sure, Christine Dwyer.

[44:31] Jason A. Coombs: Yes, and it's opening night. How do you feel seeing another opening night of a Broadway show?

[44:35] Christine Dwyer: Oh my god, I'm so excited. This is only my second time ever seeing Kelli O'Hara live, so I am so pumped. I can't wait to most likely cry.

[44:44] Jason A. Coombs: Yeah, yeah. I'm sure there'll be lots of tears. You have some tissues in your bag or anything?

[44:48] Christine Dwyer: Yeah, hopefully.

[44:49] Jason A. Coombs: So the show is called Days of Wine and Roses. Are there two things that continuously bring you joy or happiness in your days?

[44:56] Christine Dwyer: Oh, yes. Um, my husband Matt and my dog Chowda.

[44:59] Jason A. Coombs: Matt, and your dog's name is Chowda, like the soup, but with a Boston accent. Matt and Chowda, shout out. Thank you so much. Thanks for being here. Have a good time tonight.

[45:07] Christine Dwyer: Thank you.

[45:13] Jason A. Coombs: My name is Jason. I'm the co-host of Survival Jobs: A Podcast on Broadway Podcast Network. Would you mind just saying your name for our listeners who can't see your beautiful face?

[45:21] Shelly Williams: Yes, my name is Shelly Williams.

[45:23] Jason A. Coombs: Yes, and you're directing two huge shows this year. Is there any pressure? So the ways in The Notebook. Is there any pressure? Because those are two iconic, very different, iconic IPs. How do you feel? Is there any pressure? Or do you think you got it? Because you're a strong black woman.

[45:35] Shelly Williams: No pressure whatsoever.

[45:40] Shelly Williams: Yeah, of course there's pressure. Are you kidding me? I haven't slept in two years. No, no, I'm I mean it's a huge privilege. I'm you know honored to have this huge, awesome responsibility, and I take that very seriously. And it is the greatest thing in the world. You know, this is the thing that you pray for, and when you get your blessing, you just sit in a place of grace, and you pray that you know all these years of preparation have led to this moment.

[46:07] Jason A. Coombs: I love that. So, do you have any advice for any directors out there who may be looking for just a little bit of a nugget of a little advice or a little tip for anybody?

[46:15] Shelly Williams: Yeah, I always had sought stories that were really true to my soul. You know, I didn't go for things that I thought would be commercial. Yeah, I always went for stories that I deeply connected with, which you know, it this is my 20th year directing, and I just now have a Broadway show, but I am hugely proud of all the stories that I wanted to tell that no one else wanted to tell. Because I thought that there was value in that. And now that this moment has come, I feel like I've always been true to my own artistic vision. So I that would be the recommendation that I would give to anyone. It's straight true to your voice. And trust that even if it takes longer, your journey will be more joyful and more authentic to who you are as an artist.

[47:01] Jason A. Coombs: I love that. One more question. The show is called Days of Wine and Roses. Are there two things that always bring you joy in your days when you're not getting any sleep?

[47:10] Shelly Williams: My daughters.

[47:12] Jason A. Coombs: Yeah. Really?

[47:12] Shelly Williams: And my family. You know, my husband, my daughters, like that's what matters to me.

[47:18] Jason A. Coombs: Yeah. You want to shout them out?

[47:19] Shelly Williams: Yeah, Sayla and Sasha, my two beautiful girls, and my husband Scott.

[47:24] Jason A. Coombs: Yeah. Amazing. Well, congratulations. Can't wait for your opening night. Which one's first? You know?

[47:29] Shelly Williams: No, book us first.

[47:29] Jason A. Coombs: No, who is first? We'll see you there. Thank you. Have fun tonight.

[47:36] Jason A. Coombs: So my name is Jason. I'm at Survival Jobs: A co-host right here on Broadway Podcast Network. Do you have a memorable survival job before you you know became the icon that you are?

[47:46] Unknown speaker: Survival job done tons of. I mean, I babysat at age 11. But probably the grittiest job was like catering.

[47:57] Unknown speaker: Catering.

[47:58] Unknown speaker: Yeah, because it ain't gritty behind the scenes. You're setting up your big old Tupperwares of dirty dishes.

[48:04] Jason A. Coombs: How many dishes did you drop?

[48:06] Unknown speaker: I didn't drop any dishes.

[48:07] Jason A. Coombs: Oh, okay.

[48:08] Unknown speaker: But I had to lug a lot and set up. Break it on down. So it's a lot easier when you're singing for the guests as opposed to setting up at the gas.

[48:15] Jason A. Coombs: Yes. Can I actually one more question? The show is called Days of Wine and Roses. Are there two things that continue to bring you joy every day?

[48:22] Unknown speaker: Ooh, grandchildren and laughter.

[48:26] Jason A. Coombs: Grandchildren and laughter, family and laughter. You brought me so much joy. It's my birthday today, and I only came here because I wanted to be part of the Broadway community. So thank you for being you.

[48:36] Unknown speaker: Yes.

[48:44] Jason A. Coombs: Okay, my name is Jason Coombs. I'm the co-host of Survival Jobs: A Podcast. Would you mind just saying your name because we can't see your beautiful face on our podcast?

[48:51] Bernadette Peters: Oh, okay. Bernadette Peters.

[48:53] Jason A. Coombs: Yes, the icon, the legend. Shorter than you.

[48:56] Bernadette Peters: Yeah, you are. Can't see it, but I come up here with waist.

[49:02] Jason A. Coombs: It's true. So you've had plenty of opening nights. What is your favorite thing about being here supporting a new show on Broadway?

[49:09] Bernadette Peters: Well, that's what's important. It's just the enthusiasm that I feel for these two performers and this show. And for Broadway. There's nothing like live theater.

[49:20] Jason A. Coombs: It's very true. It's community.

[49:23] Bernadette Peters: Yeah.

[49:23] Jason A. Coombs: So the show's called Days of Wine and Roses. Are there two things that continue to bring you joy on your days?

[49:29] Bernadette Peters: My dogs.

[49:30] Jason A. Coombs: Yeah.

[49:31] Bernadette Peters: My fella.

[49:32] Jason A. Coombs: Yeah, waking up and just making a list of everything I'm grateful for.

[49:37] Bernadette Peters: I love that. You have to in these days, right?

[49:39] Jason A. Coombs: So the last question I have for you is our podcast is called Survival Jobs: A Podcast. We interview artists about their passions before they became the celebrities and the icons that they are. Do you have a survival job from your past that was so memorable?

[49:51] Bernadette Peters: You know, I was so lucky. I guess my survival jobs were all the paying your dues jobs. I was lucky enough I didn't have to I lived at home because I lived in New York.

[50:03] Jason A. Coombs: Oh so you oh yeah, no rent.

[50:04] Bernadette Peters: Yeah, so I didn't have to work as a waitress or anything like that. But I did do summer stock, I did play the mountains, I did do you know, the jobs that teach you a lot, but in the business, but you learn a lot from them.

[50:20] Jason A. Coombs: Yeah. I love that.

[50:20] Bernadette Peters: Yeah.

[50:21] Jason A. Coombs: So on a personal note, before you go, I'm from Bridgeport, Connecticut. It's a very small inner city, and seeing Cinderella as a sixth grader is why I'm here today. So thank you for that. I had no access to theater or like musical theater in that way. So that production opened up doors for me, so thank you.

[50:40] Bernadette Peters: Of course, yeah, have a wonderful day. Enjoy the show.

[50:43] Jason A. Coombs: So we are a podcast network. A lot of folks are just listening, so can you introduce yourself to the people who are listening?

[50:44] Jen Kallella: Of course, hi Broadway Podcast Network. I'm Jen Kallella. How are you?

[50:51] Jason A. Coombs: Jen, congratulations on SUFTS. What a huge show that's gonna be. How are you feeling about it?

[50:56] Jen Kallella: I'm very excited. I can't wait to tell the story. I can't wait to tell the story with these extraordinary women during an election year.

[51:04] Jason A. Coombs: A hundred percent. So you are not a stranger to opening nights. What's your favorite part about an opening night on Broadway?

[51:10] Jen Kallella: It's the excitement. It's this. It's being right here with you. It's feeling the electricity, and everybody really thrilled to celebrate these actors, celebrate this new piece, and welcome it to the Great White Way.

[51:20] Jason A. Coombs: Completely. So the show is called Days of Wine and Roses. Do you have two things in your life that fill your days with happiness?

[51:27] Jen Kallella: Wine and roses, one hundred percent. Who doesn't like that?

[51:30] Jason A. Coombs: Staying on the theme. Thanks so much for chatting with us. Enjoy the show.

[51:34] Jason A. Coombs: Can you introduce yourself to the people who are just listening because we are a podcast network?

[51:38] Martina Mayok: I'm Martina Mayok, Playwright.

[51:40] Bobby Conti: I'm Bobby Conti, an actor.

[51:42] Jason A. Coombs: Amazing. So you guys are both not strangers to opening nights. What's your favorite part of an opening night on Broadway?

[51:48] Martina Mayok: Seeing the community.

[51:49] Bobby Conti: Always love our love our people. I always feel so lucky to be a part of it. And so like a, you know, it's a wonderful party gets to reconnect with everybody.

[51:55] Martina Mayok: Absolutely. It feels like a family affair because it's people in the community, it's your family and friends, it's all the people that have galvanized together to make the show and you're and you're celebrating this moment in time.

[52:05] Bobby Conti: And then you then you go to the bar even after the show.

[52:08] Martina Mayok: During and after.

[52:10] Jason A. Coombs: So the show is called Days of Wine and Roses. Do you guys have two things in your life that you like to fill your days with?

[52:17] Bobby Conti: Love I like to fill my days with Martina Mayok.

[52:21] Bobby Conti: And making art. And uh of late watching football.

[52:25] Jason A. Coombs: Amazing. So, real quick before you go, uh we have a show on the network called Survival Jobs. Do you have a survival job that you could quickly share before you run in?

[52:33] Martina Mayok: Oh my god, yes, I did so many survival jobs. Um I think the most memorable was I used to be a caregiver for uh two men with disabilities, which meant like um bathing them, uh preparing them for the day, cooking for them. Uh and uh it was as well, it's partly what I wrote um Cost of Living based on.

[52:48] Bobby Conti: Yeah, I was gonna talk to you about that too.

[52:50] Martina Mayok: And for you.

[52:51] Bobby Conti: Yeah, I can't beat that. I was I was a museum tour guide at the Disney Family Museum.

[52:56] Jason A. Coombs: Hey, that's a great job. Got you ready for your acting, right?

[53:00] Bobby Conti: Well, happy opening enjoy. Thanks for chatting.

[53:03] Jason A. Coombs: Thank you.

[53:04] Jason A. Coombs: So we're a podcast network, so for the folks just listening, can you please introduce yourself?

[53:08] Anna Zavelson: Uh I'm Anna Zavelson.

[53:10] Ruth Inn Miles: And I'm Ruth Inn Miles.

[53:12] Jason A. Coombs: So you're not a stranger to opening night, so what's your favorite part about a Broadway opening?

[53:16] Anna Zavelson: Uh the energy is absolutely my favorite thing. When you're on the stage, you feel all of that acceptance and warmth and buoyant, buoyant energy from the audience.

[53:27] Ruth Inn Miles: And so on the receiving end, it's um it's comforting.

[53:31] Anna Zavelson: And on the giving end, you're you're able to just give all of your, you know, your energy and your love and throw it at them.

[53:37] Ruth Inn Miles: And they feel it, and the audience and the cast have that relationship together, and it's formed right at that moment. And so we get to be the first people to throw it at them.

[53:46] Jason A. Coombs: I love that for you.

[53:47] Anna Zavelson: Well, this is my first opening night that I so I'm just asking you that question next time to see what's your favorite part.

[53:53] Jason A. Coombs: Real quick before you go in, the show is called Days of Wine and Roses. Do you have two things in your life that uh make your days filled?

[54:01] Anna Zavelson: Um, my daughter is the light of my life. Her name is Hope. She fills my life and music. Music in our family is very important and put them together, and that's everything.

[54:11] Ruth Inn Miles: Well, thank you for chatting. Do you have a qu do you have an answer to that?

[54:14] Anna Zavelson: Sure.

[54:15] Ruth Inn Miles: Uh yeah, college and being with all my friends and family.

[54:18] Anna Zavelson: It's wonderful.

[54:19] Ruth Inn Miles: I wish I could go back to college. Happy opening.

[54:22] Anna Zavelson: Thank you for chatting.