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[0:00] Jason A. Coombs: All right. Hello, Survivors. Welcome to Survival Jobs, a podcast in collaboration with Broadway World and Broadway Podcast Network. I am Jason A. Coombs, one of your co-hosts of the show, and this is my girl, my boo, the iconic, legendary, beautiful, talented, I can say all the superlatives and adjectives for her, Samantha Donsitz. Hello. Hey, Samantha.

[0:29] Samantha Donsitz: Hi, Jason. How are you?

[0:33] Jason A. Coombs: I'm good. How are you?

[0:34] Samantha Donsitz: I'm tired today, but I'm happy. I'm thriving. I'm tired because I saw Tommy the Musical last night. Tommy the Musical, The Who's Tommy.

[0:44] Jason A. Coombs: Oh, yes.

[0:46] Samantha Donsitz: On Broadway.

[0:48] Jason A. Coombs: So, Samantha, I also just wanted to give a quick shout out to our friend, Casey Mikko, who launched the podcast. Brand new. Just came out this week called Flop Fan, and she asked me to be a guest on it. So, we talk about flop musicals, and my musical pick was All Shook Up, a classic. It was a flop, but I think it has been rebranded into an awesome community high school hit. So, check that out. Shout out to Casey. Love her so much.

[1:14] Samantha Donsitz: Check it out. We love Casey. I listen to it, Jason. It's really great. And you know what? That's so special that you're the first guest. As you know, as a podcaster, you never forget your first guest.

[1:25] Jason A. Coombs: I know. That was so sweet. All right. Samantha, I also want to shout out my film festival. I know longtime listeners who've been with us for three seasons know about the Bridgeport Film Fest. But our submissions are open right now until early June. We accept short films. So, I guess a preface for maybe viewers, listeners who don't know about Bridgeport Film Fest. It's a film festival started in my hometown of Bridgeport, Connecticut with the help of lots of lots of people. And I'm an artistic director and co-founder. And I am just happy that we're in our fourth year of the Bridgeport Film Fest, and we accept short films and short screenplays. And we have a whole weekend, which is going to be September 13th to the 15th this year of just films and panel discussions and networking events and Q&As.

And it's just a lot, a lot of fun. So, if you're a filmmaker out there, a storyteller in any way, submit your screenplay, submit your short. We have a discount code I'll put in the show notes. And yeah, we'd love to have you. So, thank you. Thanks for letting me do a little plug.

[2:30] Samantha Donsitz: When is the film festival? Did you say it? In September?

[2:34] Jason A. Coombs: Yeah, September 13th to the 15th this year. It's so much fun, y'all.

[2:38] Samantha Donsitz: So much fun. That's exactly what I was going to say. If you're not submitting, if you don't have a film to submit, when it gets closer, we'll definitely shout it out, how to get tickets, how to go. It is so much fun, you guys. So, keep the Bridgeport Film Festival in the back of your mind.

[2:54] Jason A. Coombs: Samantha, what episode of season three is this? Four?

[2:59] Samantha Donsitz: This is, yeah, episode 84, number four, season three.

[3:02] Jason A. Coombs: Episode 84, number four, season three.

[3:04] Samantha Donsitz: Or maybe it's 85, because we had a bonus. We had a bonus episode this week.

[3:06] Jason A. Coombs: Oh, we do have a bonus episode.

[3:09] Samantha Donsitz: Yeah, look at us.

[3:10] Jason A. Coombs: Oh, gosh.

[3:11] Samantha Donsitz: So, how was that? Did we just really talk really fast? We don't have much time. How was it with our buddy, Rob Peter Paul?

[3:18] Jason A. Coombs: So, it was really awesome. Jason's referring to, listeners, if you don't already know, we released a little bonus episode earlier this week, live from The Notebook, opening night, red carpet. And Jason, unfortunately, was under the weather. So, it was me and Robert Peter Paul from the Art of Kindness podcast, shout out. It was so much fun. It was the first time Rob and I had ever done anything together in a collaborative way. And we had a really great time. He is such a silly little duck. He was doing cartwheels on the carpet. I was like, you guys are so funny. He wanted to pick me up to recreate The Notebook art. And I was like, Rob, you are not picking me up, but I'll pick you up. We had a great time.

And we chatted with some amazing, amazing members of the cast and crew, the amazing arrival. So, definitely check that out, you guys. And definitely go see The Notebook. Go see Tommy, go see The Notebook. And go see Wicked the Musical, which will lead us in to our guest today, Natalie Ortega.

[4:28] Samantha Donsitz: Yeah, Natalie, she is iconic. She's been a friend of the podcast for a very long time. Her boyfriend was on our show very early on in season two, and she was at our season two launch. We'll talk about that a little bit. The awesome boy, Chris Cafero. You got to shout him out.

[4:43] Jason A. Coombs: The awesome boy, Chris Cafero. Can't think of what episode number he is, but guys, that episode, he's so funny. So is she. They're like two amazing comedians. But Chris' episode, I was crying laughing. Natalie's so funny as well. Wait, just wait. We'll talk about it. Definitely listen to her original song, Stepstool, because I'm obsessed. I'm obsessed. But anyway, she's been a friend of the show for a very long time. So to finally have her on was such a treat.

[5:13] Samantha Donsitz: Such a treat. So you guys are really going to enjoy this. Jason, you want to kick off her bio and tell us a little bit about her?

[5:18] Jason A. Coombs: Yeah, I was just looking for it. Because I did not have it up. I was not prepared to do her bio. So I found it. Okay, cool. Thank you for vamping, Samantha.

[5:28] Samantha Donsitz: You know what? I'm a vamper.

[5:34] Jason A. Coombs: Natalie Ortega is currently making her Broadway debut in Wicked as Nessa Rose. Some of her regional credits include In the Heights and Buddy, the Buddy Holly story at the Kimmel Center.

[5:47] Samantha Donsitz: Wow, Jason, thank you for singing In the Heights. That was incredible.

[5:51] Jason A. Coombs: Select film and TV credits include Search Party, Found on Max, and Maybe I Do. You can stream her original song, Stepstool, on Spotify. Guys, I'm obsessed with this. You have to listen to it. And you could watch the full music video. It's out now. Find it on her social media at Natalie Grace Ortega. Enjoy the episode and go see her in Wicked.

[6:20] Samantha Donsitz: Yes. Hi, Natalie. Welcome to Survival Jobs, a podcast. It's been a long time coming. We're so happy to have you.

[6:26] Natalie Ortega: Hi, guys. Thank you for having me. I'm so excited. I've been a fan for a while.

[6:31] Samantha Donsitz: Oh my gosh. Thank you. We love having fans turn into guests. You were at our season two party.

[6:40] Natalie Ortega: I was. That's when we first met you?

[6:48] Samantha Donsitz: I was. Yeah. That's crazy. Look at us now. And I found out I actually met several friends there that I then met in later places. And they're like, I was at that party. I was like, I was at the party. So y'all's party is the place to be.

[6:59] Jason A. Coombs: Yeah, it really is. Season four. You better be there.

[7:05] Natalie Ortega: Yeah. I'm just telling you my experience. I met several people who were like, wait, I was at that party.

[7:11] Samantha Donsitz: I love that. You guys really crushed.

[7:17] Jason A. Coombs: That is so good. Season two party. I can't even remember. It was so long ago at this point.

[7:23] Natalie Ortega: It really was. Crazy. But also, I feel like every year post 2020 has felt like 10 years.

[7:23] Natalie Ortega: Yeah. I was just saying today's my fourth anniversary with Chris, a former Survival Job guest. And we started dating in 2020. And I was like, oh my God, it feels like we've been together for 40 years. And it feels like I've never met you.

[7:28] Samantha Donsitz: Like 10 years, but also 10 minutes. Isn't that weird?

[7:47] Samantha Donsitz: We've never met. That is so funny. Well, oh my gosh, this is Survival Jobs history. It's the first time we've had people who are dating on different episodes. I love that. Congratulations to Natalie and Chris.

[8:00] Jason A. Coombs: That's true, right, Jason? Or did I completely make that up?

[8:05] Jason A. Coombs: I think that's true. I think so as well. Somebody's going to be listening to this and being like, okay, we straight up did that already. If that's the case, then we're in good company.

[8:19] Natalie Ortega: Yeah. We are in good company. Maybe we set up people at the party and we don't even know about it yet. It's a romantic vibe there.

[8:23] Samantha Donsitz: Which would be iconic.

[8:29] Natalie Ortega: Yeah. We have so much to talk about. You just made your Broadway debut. You're literally cranking out comedy on Instagram. It's so good. But first, we love to start off with what we're all here to talk about, and that is Survival Jobs. To kick it off, do you have a memorable Survival Job that was maybe a favorite one that wasn't so terrible to go to?

[8:49] Natalie Ortega: Yeah. Basically, the only real Survival Job I've ever had, I've worked in restaurants for 10 years, which can all kind of be the same. You know what I mean? But I did for three months before I moved to LA last year. I worked at Ellen's Stardust Diner in Times Square. Here's the thing is, it is iconic. It's so fun. Everyone there is a better singer than the next person that gets up to sing. It's just such an impressive place. I remember going there and having, I'll be real, you hear whispers about it being in the industry being like, oh, people work there. I started working there and I was like, this is the coolest place ever. I've never felt an ounce of weirdness or shame working there because everyone there worked so hard and it was so fun.

It's the most fun place to work. I have some friends that work there as well that went through that same thing. You're making great money, number one. Also, who are we kidding? At the top level of this job that we're trying to do, you're still putting on other people's clothes and just wearing a wig and being silly. What pedestal are you on right now?

[10:03] Jason A. Coombs: Correct. You're also still performing.

[10:06] Natalie Ortega: You are. You're performing for kids who don't have access. Broadway is so expensive. It's not like Ellen Stardust is cheap. It's an expensive diner. You're performing for kids who sometimes aren't going to the show after dinner. It's so special and they're so excited. Actually work there, it's so crazy to hear anybody poo-poo it because it's just such a magical place. I'm a big fan. Do not go to Ellen Stardust. By the way, I actually love to attend.

[10:37] Jason A. Coombs: Don't. I go sometimes.

[10:38] Natalie Ortega: I was just going to say if you have any opinion about Ellen Stardust Diner other than the fact that it's the most fun place on the planet, go there and get a little bit drunk and have some tater tots.

[10:48] Jason A. Coombs: Tater tots. Listen, I've ended up at Ellen Stardust quite a few times. I begged my knees to go. I still go.

[11:03] Natalie Ortega: You do? On your day off? No, I'm not kidding. On your day off from Wicked, you're like, hi guys. Are we going together, the three of us? Is that going to happen?

[11:10] Jason A. Coombs: I'm serious. I could talk for the whole time about this. I won't, but I could.

[11:15] Natalie Ortega: You can.

[11:18] Jason A. Coombs: It's like going to Disney as an adult. Remember when you went as a kid and you're like, this is so magical. Then you go back as an adult and you're like, there's no way it's going to be as magical. Ellen Stardust is like Disney, but in Times Square. It's just magical as an adult. Go there and get a little drunk. The confetti still flies.

[11:38] Natalie Ortega: The confetti still flies. I begged my niece to go when I took her to the Rockettes in December. I was like, we're going to go eat and the people are going to sing. She said, I don't want to go. She wanted to go to the M&M store instead.

[11:51] Natalie Ortega: We brought, I wasn't there, but Chris's sister brought his five-year-old nephew, her son, obviously I said that's so crazy, to Stardust. Five is young and that's a very overwhelming place. I've seen a lot of kids need earplugs and stuff. He was just like,

[12:11] Natalie Ortega: This is the best restaurant that I've ever been to. It's canonically not a great restaurant.

[12:17] Jason A. Coombs: Like, the restaurant part is fine, but he was just like this is my favorite restaurant, and I'm like, that's— and I love that. That's what makes me so happy, is like just kids being so stoked on it.

[12:30] Kelsey Agrassi: I heard the Caesar salad's pretty good.

[12:33] Katie Robbert: All right.

[12:35] Kelsey Agrassi: I haven't tried it so I can't speak to it.

[12:37] Katie Robbert: My thing is that I do have a note for any restaurant that sells hot dogs and also shrimp scampi. Yeah, it's a no on the shrimp scampi for me, but I'm there for the tater tots and milkshakes.

[12:50] Kelsey Agrassi: A burger, get a burger, get eggs, get pancakes.

[12:52] Katie Robbert: There's a very good— I like that chicken sandwich.

[12:55] Kelsey Agrassi: But also, if you're ordering shrimp scampi, a restaurant that sells hot dogs, that's your fault, and you deserve whatever happens to you.

[13:07] Jason A. Coombs: That's not the restaurant's fault. That's your fault. As an adult, that's your fault.

[13:11] Katie Robbert: That's your fault.

[13:13] Kelsey Agrassi: Oh my gosh. So you've never had— have you ever had like a really bad experience working in a survival job? One that like makes you cringe to this day?

[13:21] Katie Robbert: You know what? I've never— I've been very lucky that I've never had a terrible experience. Like, I'm also like a straight-A student. So like, if there's a rule, I'm gonna follow it. Like I— but I would say if I could like, if there was one job I would have to pick, that would be like, I wouldn't go back there, even though I do go back there to eat. I worked at this restaurant, and it has nothing to do with the restaurant, but I worked at this restaurant called Cookshop in Chelsea. Delicious spot. So wonderful. I highly recommend. It's all me. It's all my fault.

[13:55] Natalie Ortega: I worked there from the time I was 20 to the time I was 27. So I just like lived a lot of life there, you know what I'm saying? Like, I really grew up there. I started there before I could drink alcohol, and I left, wow, like on the cusp of 30. And so it's just like, I can't— I can't face the me that worked in those walls, you know what I mean? So that's the only— that's the cringe.

[14:20] Lauren Ruffin: By the way, that's so impressive.

[14:22] Katie Robbert: I— you know what it is? I should have left earlier. I should have left earlier, but I'm terrible with change. And they were good to me there. Like, they always treated me really nice. And I— once you— also, like, in restaurants, I don't know if y'all have worked in, like, restaurants for an extended period of time. Once you achieve seniority somewhere, at a place where, like, schedules are, like, the Wild West, and, like, making money is, like, the Wild West, you're like, I will cling to this until I die.

[14:52] Natalie Ortega: And then I, like, was like, I might die here. I might die here. So I was like, I have to leave. But that's the only reason why I was like, I could cringe at that. Like, oh, like, it's just like, it's like, it's like your parents almost, where I'm like, you've seen crazy people that I've dated. You don't, like, y'all don't need to know that much about me, but you do. So that's the one where I'm like, that's the cringiest one. Yeah.

[15:16] Lauren Ruffin: Jason and I had a similar time, staying very long at a restaurant. And thank God— no, I was just gonna say, thank God the pandemic happened, because I think that's the only reason I left. I don't think the pandemic happened. It was a weird time. We can look at the glass half full. If that pandemic did not happen, I would still be slinging queso at Javelina Tex-Mex.

[15:42] Jason A. Coombs: Thank you. Oh, my God, that's so funny. I like—

[15:45] Lauren Ruffin: The queso's so good, though.

[15:46] Jason A. Coombs: The queso is so good, except for— never mind. I'm not going to talk shade on this show. I don't know who's listening, but let's just say when we were there, it was at a different level than it is now. That's a real thing. And I also, though, do think a lot of that, because I could say that— I won't say which restaurant, but I would say that vehemently about a restaurant that I used to work at that I really loved the food. And it's— I go back sometimes. And also, I'm not just, like, hanging out at all these places I used to work. Like, I'm not a freak. But I— It's like going back to Mizzou High School.

[16:20] Natalie Ortega: Yeah, hold on, hold on, hold on. Let me quantify this really quick. A, I usually get free food at these places. B, like I said, I'm a straight-A student. So I made a lot of friends. I had a lot of friends at these places, but not necessarily friends that I have time for outside of their place of work. So I will go back every now and then. But yeah, I will say, I think post-pandemic, I'm just— this is just conjecture. But, like, I've seen that with places that I've worked where, like, the food has kind of dropped off. And I almost feel like, whether it's a supply thing or, like, a money thing on the restaurant side, quality is struggling a little bit. I feel bad for them. But I've noticed it in more than one place.

[17:03] Jason A. Coombs: Correct.

[17:04] Natalie Ortega: Because I think that might be a casualty of the pandemic.

[17:07] Jason A. Coombs: You know what?

[17:07] Natalie Ortega: Yeah.

[17:09] Jason A. Coombs: The pandemic will live in our memories, and hopefully that's only where it stays.

[17:13] Natalie Ortega: Yeah. Oh, my God. Seriously.

[17:16] Jason A. Coombs: Well, in conclusion, everyone, go check out all of Natalie's old survival jobs, especially the Ellen Stardust Diner.

[17:23] Natalie Ortega: Especially Stardust.

[17:24] Jason A. Coombs: Especially Stardust. So we have to talk so much about Wicked, as I've already said. But so you're performing at Ellen's. You're on Broadway now. Do you know the moment in your life that was the informative moment that was like, I have to be an artist?

[17:42] Natalie Ortega: You know, there's like a couple I could trace it back to. I remember, like, I started doing school plays because my sister did them. Like, I just always wanted to do what my sister did. And she was so good at it. But she also didn't care at all. Like, and that's why I think she's so successful. Because, like, she cares. But, like, she does not let that affect her. Like, she doesn't let anything affect her. And I remember thinking, like, wow, you can be so confident and have a bunch of people tell you how talented you are. And then it just wasn't my experience. I cared so much. But that was one where, like, watching my sister do it.

[18:16] Natalie Ortega: And then this is going to sound fake, but it's true. The first Broadway show I ever saw, my mom will say it was Beauty and the Beast, but I was two and I slept on her lap. That doesn't count, Deb.

[18:30] Jason A. Coombs: You were two? It doesn't count. Why'd you buy me a ticket?

[18:35] Natalie Ortega: Literally, they paid full price. They had to. Yeah, a full price to see Christy Carlson Romano in Not Red Stevens.

[18:43] Jason A. Coombs: Not Red Stevens. It was the 90s. It probably was like $10.

[18:51] Natalie Ortega: Yeah, it's true. Broadway was $45 back then. And houses were 90. But I went to see my first Broadway show that I was sentient for is I was nine years old and I went to see Wicked, original cast, and we sat like fifth row, sixth row. Like, my parents really bought tickets to Wicked. And I just remember being like, this is the craziest thing I've ever seen in my life. We went to the stage door. And that I think was it too, seeing them come out of the stage door and them being just like real people standing in front of me was like, so wild to me. And since then, I was like, I have to be on Broadway.

[19:29] Jason A. Coombs: And by the way, you did it. Insane in Wicked. And that is not lost on me that that's the one. It's crazy.

[19:35] Natalie Ortega: I love a full circus walk.

[19:39] Jason A. Coombs: And it is. And it is.

[19:43] Natalie Ortega: And it is.

[19:44] Jason A. Coombs: There's goats that are talking. It's a circus for sure.

[19:47] Natalie Ortega: Yeah. There's someone riding a bike with really big wheels on it. It's a circus.

[19:51] Jason A. Coombs: A full circus circle moment.

[19:53] Natalie Ortega: Yeah, exactly.

[19:55] Jason A. Coombs: Oh my gosh. Okay, so reflecting on your time in New York City, and you were living in LA for a little bit as well. What was like the biggest challenge you faced as a working actor? And how did you kind of overcome it to end up on Broadway, as you just said?

[20:10] Natalie Ortega: Yeah, it was actually kind of like a string of giving up moments. And I actually, this is like, I didn't realize this until right now, but like, my biggest pet peeve, and Chris will say that I say this all the time. I hate, I hate when actors, and it's probably true, but in my mind, it's not. I hate when actors get up in an interview or on an award show and are like, and I almost gave up. And then I got this. And I was, and I'm just like, shut your mouth.

[20:42] Natalie Ortega: But what happened was, is I was working in restaurants in New York, and I was auditioning for years. And I did a couple like regional things. And I was in the union, but I kept getting so close, so close to Broadway for so many shows, and not getting it, and not getting it, and not getting it. And I've been doing that since I was 14. Like my first final callback for a Broadway show was when I was 14.

[21:03] Jason A. Coombs: Wow.

[21:11] Natalie Ortega: Oh my God, no, my mom would never let me do that. It was for the Bye Bye Birdie revival.

[21:19] Jason A. Coombs: Fun.

[21:19] Natalie Ortega: Hi Nancy. Even better. Hi Alice. And it's so funny, one of my dressing roommates was the lead of that revival. And I was like, hey, Cleen, how was that? Another full circus moment, you know? Truly, and she's just the sweetest, most lovely thing. But I was like auditioning for years and years, and then the pandemic happened. And I remember being like so close to a couple things right before the pandemic.

[21:38] Natalie Ortega: And in April of 2020, my agents dropped me. And I was just like, because they were like, we're kind of cutting bait on all of our theater clients, because theater's not going to come back. And I was like, well, that's an insane thing to say. It's like when someone dumps you and they're like-

[21:54] Jason A. Coombs: In April? Like you wait a few months to feel it out.

[21:59] Natalie Ortega: No. And that's the thing is, it was an excuse. It's like when someone dumps you and is like, and I just don't want to hold you back. And you're like, you don't want me to hold you back. Just say it. But so I was like, okay. So I got into comedy because I was like, there's not a lot going on during the pandemic. So I got into comedy. And I really focused on that. And I was starting to find some success in that that didn't make me feel bad about myself. So much of theater made me feel so bad about myself.

[22:23] Natalie Ortega: Because I was told no so much, and that gets to you. And so at a certain point, I was like, you know what? I tried. I'll come back to it. I really thought that my trajectory to Broadway was like, I'll book TV. I'll be a comedian. And I'll find my way back to Broadway in a specific way where I'm like in a thing that runs for limited engagement or whatever.

[22:39] Natalie Ortega: And so I went out to LA. And right before I went out to LA, they asked me to come in person for Wicked in LA two weeks before I moved out there. And I thought, this isn't the right timing. I don't want to do it. And I told them no. Because I was just like, I made this decision. It took so long for me to decide to go to California and leave all this stuff. And I was like, this is a test. And I'm going to say no. I've really come to terms with it.

[23:09] Natalie Ortega: So I went on to LA. And then they asked me a little while later to sing for Glinda. And I was thinking, you'll never see me again if you hear me sing for that. You'll never want to see me again. And so I was like, respectfully, no, thank you. Again, all me, not you. Respectfully, no, thank you.

[23:30] Natalie Ortega: And then during the, I was having so much fun in LA. Truly, I was on a house team at UCB. The most fun I've ever had performing. And during the strike, they were like, hey, would you go on tape again for Nessa? And this is probably the sixth or seventh time I've been on tape. And I was like, yeah, sure. I'm just so grateful to have an audition for Wicked that they kept calling me even though I said no.

[23:58] Natalie Ortega: So I was so grateful that they called. And I went on tape. And I got an in-person audition. And I kind of knew, that whole audition process was really crazy. But that's kind of how, it just was like a fluke where I was like, I kind of walked away from it. I think part of that is they could tell you're not clinging to it when you walk in the room. But that's how I kind of made it back. And I, poor Chris, I dragged him to LA. He was like, I'm happy to see you.

[24:21] Natalie Ortega: And Jason are huge believers in the universe and manifestation, and everything will happen that's supposed to happen, and it's like, this was supposed to happen. Yeah, and I remember it was a beautiful story. It is. It is also just like a testament to like, when you put your energy out that you're like, like the day of my final callback for Wicked in person, I was I had a sketch show that night, like a sketch show at UCB. And I had tech that I had to get to. And they were running like, 40 minutes behind at Wicked. And in my head, I'm like, I'm not gonna get this. I'm never gonna get this. There were like 15 other Nessas sitting in the room. All of them sounded amazing, you know. And all of them were like, five inches shorter than me, which like, I'm always too big.

Like, I'm always too big for things. And I was just like, this is great. I definitely want to be seen. I have to go to tech. And I was like, you don't have to go to tech, girl. Like, it's fine. It's a sketch show. You're gonna be fine. But I remember just being like, let me get in get out. And I do think when you're not walking in there desperate for a job, they're able to see more of you. And I just think it was the right time in my life. Like the universe just put it into my orbit and the right time. And it worked out, which I feel so lucky. Like the pressure was off. Yeah, yeah, yeah. Yeah, I feel very, very lucky that it came at that time. And having the power to say no, it's not the right time for me.

I think like, a lot of actors don't feel comfortable ever doing that. But that's part of it, right? It is. And I also think that like having a team like my reps were very much like, if you don't want to do this, that's fine. And I think when you have a team that like, I've been with reps before that are like, don't say no, don't say no. And it's just like, you can't say yes to everything. So when you have a team that like gives you the confidence to be like, and if this isn't what you want, that's fine. And I think that comes from them believing in you, because there'll be something else that comes up. But yeah, I do think that if I went in the year before, when they asked me to come in for Nessa, I would have wanted it so bad that I wouldn't have been able to get outside of, you know, I wouldn't have been able to do the work the way that I was able to do it the next year. Who knows that could I could just be making that up to really make my experience easier. But I think that that's the truth.

[27:03] Jason A. Coombs: So you touched a little bit on like, Wicked was your first show, all of these things fell into place. And it just happened at this time. So can you tell us a little bit about what it felt like when you found out you booked it? Like, would you know where you were? What was the feeling? Are you like, is this a prank?

[27:19] Natalie Ortega: It's a funny story. And some of it I can't like I can't tell the full story because there was some like behind the scenes craziness happening. But I kind of knew like, I'm very honest with myself. And I kind of know when I'm in the room, if I'm in or I'm out. And I remember after I had two callbacks for it in person after the tape. So I had one and then there was a day in between. And then I had my final. And after the first one, I had never spoken to anybody who had been in for Wicked before. So I didn't know that this was normal. But I walked out of my first in person callback for Wicked being like, I think that was the worst audition I've ever done, where I knew I sounded great. But they made me sing the song, I'm not kidding you, nine times.

The Wicked Witch of the East? Yeah, Wicked Witch of the East. And they made me do it nine times. And after the seventh time, the director was like, do you have water? Do you need water? They had to get me water because I forgot my water in the car. And I was just like, I was just like, I never got from them like, great, perfect. That's what we were going for. So I left being like, I just couldn't figure it out. And then I go back the next day. And not the next day, two days later, I'm sure I can say this here, a bunch of people watched it happen. And I'm sitting in there running 40 minutes behind. And I'm sitting in this holding room at Third Street Dance in Los Angeles. And they were like, hey, they're gonna take like a five minute bathroom break.

And then Natalie, you're on deck. And I was like, great. Oh, my God, I gotta get to tech for my sketch show. And so the creative team walks out of the room next door, next door, and the director sticks her head in and she goes, Natalie, come here, in front of everybody. And I'm just like, oh, this is my nightmare. Like, I could just feel everyone's eyes on my back because I've been every other situation. I've been the girls like, like watching this happen. And she just took me into another room. And all she did was like, say like, hey, let's go over the notes that we gave the other day that we worked on. I just want to make sure like, they're all like top of mind when you go in. And I was like, that was so nice of her.

And she didn't give me any inkling of like, I want you or like blah, blah, blah. But it was just like, she was just like, hey, I just want to take a minute, make sure like all the notes from the other day sunk in. And that was just like, so kind. And I was, I went in with the confidence of like, well, she didn't like me, she wouldn't do that. And I was in the room for a half an hour. And they were blowing through people at that point, because they were far behind. And that day was like, they were giving me what I wasn't getting the other day where they were like, yes, exactly. Perfect, whatever. And I left being like, I got that job. But the thing about Wicked is then they make you wait two months.

Two? I waited two months to find out. And I was really, really, really sure that I got it. But that dwindles so fast, that high when they're silent, you hear from casting, like, they loved her, she was great. Hang in there. And you're just like, and that's all coming, like, unprompted. So they're like, keeping a line of communication open. So I was like, really confident. And then I got a call from my agent one morning, and Chris has a video of it. And I wish that I knew the call was coming. So I could have brushed my hair, because it was looking crazy. But when I got that call, and my agent loves to do this thing, where he'll be like, hey, are your legs feeling tired? Because you're about to be sitting down in a wheelchair for the for a year on Broadway.

And I'm like, I need to coach him. But it was very sweet. So that was my parents, too. My parents have been waiting for that call for 15 years at this point. It's it was so special. But I really knew I knew when I left that room. Something crazy would have to happen for me to not get it. And then I had to wait months to be.

[31:32] Jason A. Coombs: Yeah. That's so incredible. We need the video, you guys. But it is like, zing. That's what she looks like. It is wild.

[31:39] Natalie Ortega: I think even Chris was like, Oh, it sucks. You can't post this.

[31:42] Jason A. Coombs: Oh, man. I want to insert it into this video. On Broadway world. You're like, not a chance.

[31:54] Natalie Ortega: Oh, no, I keep I keep it my favorite video of me telling my mom. And I had been flying home really soon after that to like, I don't know, do a comedy show in New York or something. And I told my dad when he picked me up from the airport and he we stopped and got a bottle of champagne and we went into the house and he videotaped me being like, Mom, do you want champagne? She's like eating lasagna, like fully eating lasagna. And I was like, she was like, No, why? And I was like, You sure you don't want champagne? She's like, No, why? I was like, I'm going to Broadway. And she drops her fork like does her big Italian hands. And she's like, it's a very good video. But she won't let me post that one. I'm crying.

[32:31] Jason A. Coombs: Yeah, no, this is like, I've watched this video 50 times, and it's so emotional. And she's like, it's, the dog is terrified. He doesn't know what's going on. But she won't let me post it because she says her hair looks crazy in it. You know, I respect and I respect her boundaries. I do. But I show everyone. I just don't put it on the internet. It's hard. It's hard to keep it though. Because when you're like, you know, this iconic Broadway legend, and they make a documentary about you, they're gonna want to put that in a documentary. So honestly, you'll have to if that happens, your lips to God's ears. If that happens, she'll have to deal.

[33:10] Natalie Ortega: Exactly. When you're Tony Award. We can AI a new hairstyle on her. At that point. We can AI a new hairstyle.

[33:19] Jason A. Coombs: We certainly will be able to. So Natalie, tell us about the rehearsal process, right? Because we get a lot of people who like are making their Broadway debut, like in a brand new show, but you're like entering a show that's been around for like, 20 years. So what is that like for you to like, yeah, I mean, that's kind of like the new girl in town, which is a girl show.

[33:38] Natalie Ortega: Yes. And shout out to past guests, Lisa Feingold, who I know, like a lot in the process. Lisa Feingold is the kindest, the most talented, like she and this guy Colby and this guy Dashi are like the dance captains and vacations. Colby's a vacation swing. And the three of them put all of us into this show. There were five new principals starting at the same time while doing a full Broadway schedule. And they were like, they were there for like eight hours, nine hours a day doing full physical. They know every line in the entire show. Like if I could shout it from the rooftops, how incredible Lisa and that team is, I would, I could talk the rest of the time about Lisa Feingold. But the rehearsal process was super crazy.

I also, I mean, I know that the version of rehearsals that we had for Wicked was so unique, not to me, because it's unique to me because I've never done a Broadway rehearsal before. But normally when you're replacing in a show, you're just working with somebody like Lisa Feingold and the stage manager to get all your stuff and be put into the show. Whereas five principals were starting at the same time. So I got to work with Mary-Kate, who plays Elphaba, and Alexandra, who plays Glinda. Like we got to actually make these characters together. Now it was an invaluable, and also just like Donna McKechnie being the most normal person. Donna McKechnie and Brad Oscar, two of the most established, iconic, talented.

I remember there have been a few times in film TV theater where I've met people who are iconic and have worked with them and have been like, hi, I'm Natalie. And they're like, hi. And they've been nice, but it's like, just say your name. I know you know I know it, but tell me your name. Donna walked up to me before I had a chance to walk up to her and she's like, hi, I'm Donna. And I'm like, I love you. And she is early every day. There is never a moment where Donna is like tired or grumpy. Like the kindest, most down for anything, most normal human being. And I was so nervous to meet her and she was so lovely. Everyone's just so cool, which I know isn't that interesting, but.

[36:31] Natalie Ortega: Yeah, it was just like, and like I said, I'm a straight A student. So like, my thing is like, I'm told something once and I will, I will, you'll never have to tell me again. Like, I will drill it until you don't have to tell me again. But it was, it was very much like that, where they'll tell you something once and then you move on. Broadway moves fast. And then you're, have your put in and you're like, they expect you to know it. And that was like, really exciting, because I was like, Oh, oh, normally, I'm a straight A student, people like you don't have to work that hard. And this time, they're like, good. That's, that's the expectation. And I was like, yes, hell yes. I'm not a dweeb here.

But no, it was there parts of it that were really hard. Like I was the only one making my Broadway debut. And moreover, like, MK, who plays Elphaba, had made her Broadway debut as Elphaba Standby last year. But she was on tour with Wicked. She was on tour with Mean Girls, like she has an awesome career already. And I just didn't really have that experience coming in. And so I was very nervous. And I remember like a couple of times, like one rehearsal, I clammed up and I was singing Wicked Witch of the East. And I just like, got so choked on it in front of and in my mind, the back of my mind, I was like, in front of Donna McKechnie, how dare you? Like, like it, that was the first thing I cracked.

And I was just like, and Donna McKechnie is sitting behind you. Donna doesn't care. Donna doesn't care. And I was so devastated because I was just like, and I'm gonna get fired from Wicked. Oh my God, that's so embarrassing. I'm gonna get fired from Wicked. And I've heard from people who have been in Wicked before that the show hinges on the Elphaba. If she's kind, if she's supportive, if she's great, you're gonna have a good time. If she's not, you're gonna feel it. And that day, I was just so embarrassed and MK came up to me and was just so kind and she didn't have to be. People could have just left me alone and it would have been fine because it's embarrassing and it's like, whatever, move on.

And she just like took time out of her day that she probably didn't have to be really kind to me. And I was just like, oh, this is gonna be great. And that's kind of all you need is not even someone to validate you, just someone to be like, we've all been there. Like we've all been there. And that's been my experience the whole time is everyone's just been so kind. And it's been like over a month now, so I fear that everyone's just so kind. I fear that that's just the tea of Wicked is everyone's like lovely.

[39:01] Jason A. Coombs: Go ahead.

[39:04] Natalie Ortega: I just want to give a shout out to our boy who plays Bach, Jay Patterson. Jay Patterson, can you believe? Iconic. What a sweetie. And he's not talented and not beautiful and that kind. He's so nice. He invited me to his birthday and I was like, oh my God, how old are you going to be? He goes, 25. I went, oh, die. You're like, same. Oh, me as well. Covering up my gray hairs. I'm like, no, no, no, no, me too. When we talked to him, we were like, tell us about your survival jobs. And he's like, well, I really just started working right after college. He said, well, I went to college. That was a survival job. I went to college and I survived it. Yeah. And then I just basically have been working as an actor ever since.

His survival tour was the national, his survival job was the national tour of Wicked. Literally. Good for him, man. And he's talented and he deserves it. And he's just so pleasant to work with. And actually it's very funny. They put me, I recently got new jeweled shoes because I was in a three inch and now I'm in a two inch. Oh, good. Oh, you're so tall. I would be like, like, and he's not that little as far as Bach goes, but I am just like a beast. They had to rip all the padding out of the wheelchairs I'm sitting on. Let me tell you right now, plywood in two of the chairs because they had to take all the padding out because I am too big. I'm just, I am the tallest. I was told I'm the tallest woman to ever play this role.

Um, Wicked history. Literally. Well, it's funny because they said the same thing to the girl. Her name is Kimber who went right before me and she's so fantastic. And she's not short. She's like five, seven. And they were like, we thought Kimber was the tallest and you come in here and you're huge. And I'm like, thanks. Yeah. No, that's what I heard though. You know what I mean? Not on them. That's on me. That's what I heard though.

[41:00] Jason A. Coombs: How tall are you?

[41:02] Natalie Ortega: I'm five, nine.

[41:04] Jason A. Coombs: I'm five, nine.

[41:06] Natalie Ortega: I know you're five, nine because of a man with a step stool, which we will talk about later because I've stalked it and I think it's so brilliant and so good. I was going to answer the question. I was going to be like, she's five, nine. I am. I know the lyrics in the song. I am explicitly five, nine. Yeah. And by the way, everyone's the same height to me because I'm like six, three. So okay. So we've talked so much about Wicked. Thank you for sharing and being so open about all of these stories. So we know a little of the BTS, but can you tell us why you think Wicked has been so successful and spoken to audiences for 20 years?

[41:44] Natalie Ortega: 20 years. It's obscene and it's only going to get, you know, a larger audience when this movie comes out. Thank you for saying obscene because that is a direct pull. It's a direct pull from Wicked. It is. It's injected into my blood. I think that it's because it's, you know, it sounds so corny, but there are so many timeless themes in this show. And I, and literally since 2020, which is a time that I think a lot of, especially people our age and younger had like real political awakenings. All of these themes only become more and more relevant. Like it's a show about like, I, you don't realize it as a kid, but like you watch the show as an adult and it's so clearly a show about race and about class and about like, and about women and about women's roles and how they're used and like, and it's, I just think that there are themes that unfortunately are, are, are so prevalent and can be attributed to so many different groups and types of people.

And, and I also think that the two main roles of this show, Glinda and Elphaba are so different and so many people, especially young people can see themselves in one or both of them. And I think that that's, I think that is the biggest thing that makes this show so successful because it's having young people so like viscerally attached to it and then they're all on the internet now. And so the show just becomes bigger and bigger and has a life of its own. And I think it'll continue to do that. I hope so.

[43:35] Jason A. Coombs: Yeah, that was great. So I think a lot of people who listen to this are going to like, just like live vicariously through you. So can you tell us three words that you felt, your emotions after your first show and then you're like, it's time to take a bow. You take, you took your first Broadway bow in a principal role, three words that come to mind. Cause I just, just imagining that gives me chills.

[43:57] Natalie Ortega: Um, uh, uh, elated, um, relieved that I had gotten through it. Um, and just so like, from the bottom of my heart, grateful to so many people for, and forces at play. It was the craziest night.

[44:19] Jason A. Coombs: Yeah. Oh my God. Congratulations.

[44:23] Natalie Ortega: Thank you. And like, just knowing you that's so well deserved. You're such a kind and beautiful person inside and out. So I'm so happy for you.

[44:27] Natalie Ortega: Thank you so much. It's been, and, and just the like support I've gotten from like my friends and my family and like people who have come out and people have reached out has been like, that's the best part of it because like I do that, I'm going to do the show eight times a week for a year, but hearing like from people who I love and like how, how they feel about it has been like, so emotional for me.

[44:56] Jason A. Coombs: Wow. That's amazing. Yeah. Congratulations. We are going to run to that theater. We have to see you. No. I do want to bring you back. Yeah. I want to take my niece. She I've been shoving me down the throat for so long.

[45:08] Natalie Ortega: Oh my God. She'd love, I do want to apologize for my mom telling you that Nessa Rose was my part at my season three at our season.

[45:20] Jason A. Coombs: That's listen, she's everybody's part. I'm like, mom, Natalie is making her probably debut in wicked as Nessa. My mom doesn't even say like, congratulations. She looks at me. She looks at Natalie. She goes, that's her part. I said, no, your mother is my mother. No, no, no, your mother is my mother. It's because as a child, when wicked came out, I obviously was, you know, blasting the cast recording. I can't sing anything else except Nessa.

[45:48] Natalie Ortega: We love an alto. We love an alto. We love an alto. When it's on pitch.

[45:53] Jason A. Coombs: Your mom's an icon. Nessa is the people's witch. Yeah. And I, and I, she is, she's the people's witch. And, um, and I think a lot of people who think that they're Glinda or Elphaba need to take a hard look in the mirror because I think most of us are Nessa. Most. People's witch. My mom does faithfully listen. So mom, don't be offended that I just said that. It's a joke. It's a bit. What's your mother's name? Dawn. Dawn, you're an icon. Don't, don't think it, don't overthink it for a second. Don't overthink it for a second.

[46:31] Jason A. Coombs: Okay. We are so obsessed with you. Thank you for coming on. We're going to ask, we're going to have a few more questions and then we always end with a fun game. As you know, as a survival jobs fan, um, I do need to go back and we need to talk about man with a stepstool and also just, you know, you're, you're creating so much content on the internet and on Tik TOK and making bits and, and, and doing all the fun stuff about, you know, being an artist. So first, why do you think it's important to create your own work? And can you tell us about man with a stepstool? Because honestly, I think it's going to blow up and I think you're going to be a huge star from it because I'm obsessed. I have DM'd it to so many people.

I'm like, you guys, this is so funny. You're just so upset. I don't mind that he's shorter. I just can't take the lie. Why are you lying? It's so, it's so funny, Natalie. I literally am obsessed with it. Super fan. My vein is coming out of my forehead. You know, that's what that means. That means I'm excited.

[47:58] Natalie Ortega: I genuinely hate the internet. I like it for personal use. Like I love like posting pictures of my friends and my boyfriend. I hate using it as a tool for anything like business related, but during the pandemic is when I started making content because I was just like bored and like growing crazy and there weren't a lot of performance opportunities. So I started like making content and it wasn't like, I didn't really get a ton of engagement. That wasn't why I was making it, but I was just trying to figure out like what.

[49:12] Natalie Ortega: And people thought that that was really funny and I was like, Oh, like, let me keep doing this. Like, it seems like this is a way that my voice comes through and the way "Step Stool" kind of came to be was the way I write songs is I'll either think of like a line or like a melody in my head. And if it's a melody, I'll just like record that on my phone really quick and like worry about it later. And if it's a line, I'll just scribble it down on something I don't like working in my notes app. I like to scribble it down somewhere and move on. So what happened with "Step Stool" was I was on the train going to Chris's apartment to do a self-tape. And so I was reading my sides on the train. And the line that came to my head was the first line of the song, which is "I have a short boyfriend and I am a good person.

Those facts are related." And so I was just like, Oh, that's so messed up. So I wrote it down on the back of my sides so I didn't forget it. So then we, I go to Chris's and we're about to tape. He's holding my sides because I'm a good, and he goes, what is this? And I was like, Oh no, no, no, no, no. I'm just writing a song about you being short. And he was like, that's not better. And so what I did and like, he is an awesome boy. And so what I do with any song that references Chris, which is a lot of them, because all I do is really talk about Chris, is I will write it and I'll send it to him and be like, are you comfortable with this? Do you think this is funny? And to Chris's credit, he's an excellent sport.

He like really doesn't mind a joke at his expense, as long as it's funny. And he had one note about the song and he said, Hey, my only note is, I just would say, I'm not short. I'm just shorter than you. And so I put that in the song because I respect my man. And so I wrote that song like two years ago and I played it out a lot. And then when I moved to LA, I kind of put it away for a bit because I'm like, I've been playing it for a while and I played it at one gig where my friends were there and they thought it was the craziest thing that they'd ever heard. They're like, this is so obscene, obscene again. So good. And I just had a crowd of amazing, amazing friends in LA who are so creative.

My friend Sterling, who's a producer and performer in his own right, he's fantastic, produced it for a rate so much lower than he deserves. And it's all I had. And he was and he did such an amazing job with it. And then my friend Jack Hackett directed, shot, edited that whole video for free. And all my friends came in and did it for free because they thought it was funny and they wanted to be part of it. And I just like, just like the biggest shout out to everybody who like put their time into that because everyone put a lot of time into that, especially Sterling and Jack. And, and now I'm just shoving it down the throats of everyone online who will listen to it. And I do have a song coming soon.

Yeah, literally, I'm like, but yeah, I have another song coming soon. My friend Sterling is producing another one of my songs. There won't be a video because Jack doesn't live in New York and I can't afford anybody here. Yeah, well, he's busy. She's on Broadway. Yeah, literally. That's why, that's why, because I'm busy. But I will have another song within the next month, I would say. So I'm excited about that. Stay tuned. You never know. Maybe someone listening will want to help produce your video. If you guys have production capabilities, I'm, I have $200 with your name on it. And, and the connection for when she's a huge, huge star. And you might get a thousand views on YouTube. So not to brag, but you might get 1k views on YouTube.

[53:06] Jason A. Coombs: Love that. So you've shared lots of wonderful anecdotes. You told us a bit about your journey to Broadway. You share maybe one last thing for someone who's listening, who's like, this shit is hard. I'm thinking about giving up. But I really, really want this.

[53:25] Natalie Ortega: Yeah, I would say, if you really want it, and you don't, aren't happy, can't see yourself being happy doing anything else. If you can see yourself being happy doing anything else, do that. If you can't, if you can't, don't let people tell you no, or let them and don't let it affect you. Like so many people told me no. And I think like a really good piece of advice that I have figured out on my own that I wish I knew maybe four years ago, is really, really know yourself, know what you're excellent at and accept what you're not excellent at. And say no to opportunities and auditions, if you feel like it doesn't serve you or shine you in the best light. Because it's the quickest way to feel less than what you are, is trying to fit into a mold that's just not your role, or not your song, or not your show.

And that's fine. Like not everybody can be Sutton Foster, who can just do absolutely anything. You know what I mean? Like, not everybody can be that girl. And that's fine. And I think, I think when the most powerful thing you can do is, is knowing what you're amazing at, and what you're only okay at, and really throwing all your energy at what you find yourself being amazing at. And it'll make you feel better about yourself.

[54:44] Jason A. Coombs: Thank you.

[54:45] Natalie Ortega: I do just want to say, you said not everyone can be that girl. I'm not that girl. Do you get it? I really, it's really, really just infecting my brain.

[54:55] Jason A. Coombs: Which is perfect, which is a perfect segue into our trivia game.

[55:00] Natalie Ortega: Okay.

[55:01] Jason A. Coombs: But thank you so much. This has been an amazing interview. You are a star.

[55:06] Natalie Ortega: Of course, we're so happy. And by the way, keep BroadwayCon open. We're doing a Broadway debut panel and maybe you'll just sneak right back in.

[55:15] Natalie Ortega: I'd love it. I'd love it.

[55:17] Jason A. Coombs: Hey. Okay. So like we said, we always end every episode with a game. And we thought, what better way to end this game with some wicked trivia for the 20th anniversary for your Broadway debut to really test your wicked knowledge. So are you ready?

[55:32] Natalie Ortega: The most epic circle moment.

[55:33] Jason A. Coombs: I'm literally nervous. Like my palms are setting.

[55:38] Natalie Ortega: Well, you guys both showed up in your green, so you're ready. I'm the oddball out. I am Elphaba. I'm the different one.

[55:42] Jason A. Coombs: Yeah, you are. You're not that girl.

[55:46] Natalie Ortega: I am not that girl.

[55:50] Jason A. Coombs: Jason, you want to kick it?

[55:52] Jason A. Coombs: Oh, you want me to kick it?

[55:53] Natalie Ortega: Yeah, kick it off.

[55:54] Jason A. Coombs: Okay. First question. Before Idina Menzel landed the role of Elphaba in the Broadway original cast, this future Elphaba was the first to portray the role in the reading while the show was in development. Is it A. Eden Espinosa, B. Julia Murphy, C. Stephanie J. Block.

[56:13] Natalie Ortega: Oh my gosh. Congratulations on getting the answer without the multiple choice.

[56:18] Jason A. Coombs: I try. If anybody's just listening and not watching the video, it'll be me emphatically shaking my head and mouthing Stephanie J. Block until I just shouted it out.

[56:27] Natalie Ortega: I was looking at the doc so I didn't even see.

[56:31] Jason A. Coombs: Okay. Here's one. Number two. What was the opening night date for Wicked on Broadway?

[56:40] Natalie Ortega: It was October 30th, 2003.

[56:46] Jason A. Coombs: Nice girl. Two for two.

[56:47] Natalie Ortega: Why were your palms sweating? You're literally killing it.

[56:50] Natalie Ortega: I'm actually getting really confident, so I feel like I'm going to fall pretty quick.

[56:56] Jason A. Coombs: This one, I believe y'all ace. Why do you not know? Number three. Which of the following was not a reason why Glinda and Elphaba loathed each other in "What is This Feeling"? A. Your voice, B. Your face, C. Your stench, D. Your clothing.

[57:14] Natalie Ortega: It's going to be her stench.

[57:16] Jason A. Coombs: Correct.

[57:17] Natalie Ortega: Ding, ding, ding.

[57:18] Jason A. Coombs: It's going to be the stench, yeah.

[57:20] Natalie Ortega: Correct.

[57:21] Jason A. Coombs: True or false. In 2008, there was a scrapped Wicked movie that was originally going to star J-Hud as Elphaba and Christina Aguilera as Glinda with Rob Marshall directing.

[57:36] Natalie Ortega: Here's the thing is, there have to be several scrapped Wicked movies. They must have really tried. J-Hud would be amazing. Christina Aguilera would be a wrong choice for... I mean, Christina could have been Elphaba too.

[57:50] Jason A. Coombs: Yeah.

[57:56] Natalie Ortega: True.

[57:58] Jason A. Coombs: It's actually false.

[58:01] Natalie Ortega: It's okay. We have a bonus.

[58:04] Jason A. Coombs: We have a bonus that can bring it all back. Your music director, Dan Michigay, was not always a music director.

[58:12] Natalie Ortega: Formal Survivor.

[58:13] Jason A. Coombs: Chicago.

[58:15] Natalie Ortega: Chicago.

[58:19] Jason A. Coombs: What Broadway musical did he star in for a year?

[58:23] Natalie Ortega: A quick, quick, funny Dan Michigay anecdote for the end of this podcast is he found out that I worked at Ellen Stardust Diner.

[58:32] Jason A. Coombs: Obsessed.

[58:32] Natalie Ortega: And now whenever he gives notes, so there's a phone line, like a landline that goes to all the rooms in the Gershwin, and now I know when I pick up the phone and he says, Ellen, he'll call to give me notes. He calls me Ellen. The first time he called me and called me Ellen, I thought he was looking for an Ellen because he didn't announce himself. I just answered the phone and said, hello. And he said, Ellen? I said, no. And I don't think there's an Ellen that works at Wicked. So I'm like, who the is calling? And he was like, Ellen, I know this is Ellen. I was like, who? He goes, Miss Stardust? And I was like, oh my God.

[59:11] Jason A. Coombs: That's so funny.

[59:12] Natalie Ortega: I love that idea. He's so funny.

[59:14] Jason A. Coombs: Well, congrats.

[59:15] Natalie Ortega: But he was in Chicago.

[59:16] Jason A. Coombs: He was in Chicago, and that was the question. And I want to congratulate you. Even though you did get the one incorrect, you did redeem yourself. And you did get double points on almost everything because you didn't even hear the multiple choice and you got it right. So congratulations on acing the game. Thank you so much. This has been so amazing. Can you please, before we go, let our listeners know where they can find you on the social medias, how to keep up with Natalie, give us all your handles.

[59:41] Natalie Ortega: So my social media, I'm on TikTok and Instagram. And it's at Natalie Grace Ortega on both. And you can find Wicked content there. You can find my comedy content. And you can stream "Step Stool" on Spotify.

[59:55] Jason A. Coombs: Please stream it, you guys, and shout it because I'm so obsessed with this.

[59:59] Natalie Ortega: Links are all in my Instagram bio. It's all there.

[1:00:03] Jason A. Coombs: Yeah, and if you're not following us yet, because you're just a Natalie fan, check us out at Survival Jobs Pod on Instagram and Twitter. The TikTok is activated and we are throwing things on there. We're Survival Jobs, a podcast, I believe, on TikTok. Shoot us an email, survivaljobspod at gmail.com. Let us know what you think. Follow my boy Jason at Jason A. Coombs, and I am Sammy Tooks. Thank you, Natalie.

[1:00:32] Natalie Ortega: You're an icon.

[1:00:33] Natalie Ortega: Thank you so much for having me, you guys. This was so fun.

[1:00:35] Jason A. Coombs: It's a full circus moment, you know?

[1:00:37] Natalie Ortega: Full circus, baby.