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[0:00] Eli Tokash: Hello everyone and welcome to episode 199 of Take A Bow. I'm your host Eli Tokash and this week, oh my god, we have one episode here this week that is truly for the books. I'm so excited to share this episode with you all. We have an incredible conversation, incredible like content pieces here coming your way and it's with the content queen of Broadway herself, Amber Ardolino. That's right, this girl is literally taking over Broadway right now and it was an absolute honor and joy to have her on the podcast as she currently is starring in A Beautiful Noise. So we really got to chat about that which was so much fun. I'm obsessed with the show as you all know. I've seen it a bunch. I've come on here and spoke very highly of it so it was a blast to actually talk to her.

I talked to Will Swenson pre-Broadway so like in between the out of town and the pre-Broadway and I hadn't seen the show yet so this is the first time that I'm like really talking to someone in the show knowing what the show really is, talking about it a little bit more and it was just an absolute, it was a dream. It was a true dream and especially like the people who like know me that are listening to this, especially like 13 year old Eli, even like 11 year old Eli maybe knows what a big deal this was for me. Big Ardolino fan so this was a blast and I think a lot of people got a kick out of it. So before we turn it over to that, as always, we got to talk about Broadway news because there's a lot going on actually.

You know, last week was a little slow. This week we have some stuff to talk about, some good things, some like unfortunate things and you know, we're here to talk about it all. So first off, I want to start out and say happy fifth anniversary to Hadestown. We all know and love Hadestown here on the podcast. Jordan Fisher, Lola Tung just recently on. What a dream that was in person. All the things, YouTube, y'all loved that. Great to see so very exciting stuff. So shout out Hadestown for those playbill collectors out there. If you like your playbills and you have your playbill binders and whatnot, you can go to Hadestown right now and it is the first ever playbill that features a like face. So they've always had the flower and they've always had like a design of that, I believe.

Maybe I'm wrong, but from what I believe and from what I can remember, that is the case. And this playbill that they've made for the fifth anniversary, not only says like celebrating five years on Broadway, which is just a huge milestone and awesome thing already, so that makes it a collectible, but it also has the face of literally everyone who's been in the show. It is absolutely incredible. Not all of the workers are included, but every principal from Hades to Hermes to Eurydice to Persephone, Orpheus, all of them, the fates, they are all included and it's just a beautiful piece of art on the playbill. So if you go to Hadestown right now and you snag a playbill, one, snag me one low-key, but two, if you can't make it to Hadestown, definitely go buy one on playbill.com. They're selling them for 20 bucks, which is cheaper than a rush ticket.

So you're basically paying double to see a performance. So I mean, you do with that what you want, but very exciting stuff nonetheless. Shout out to Hadestown. But I want to bring up Hadestown for multiple reasons. So not only is that going on on Broadway, that's a big story right now, but there's also another big story on tour with Hadestown and that's currently coming with the lead himself, J Antonio Rodriguez. Now this is a name to remember. Everyone who has seen him on tour speaks nothing but incredible things about him. So he is a true talent. Been in the show since 2022, which is very exciting. So it's not new, anything like that. He unfortunately had a unexpected closing performance, last performance on March 13th, so last month, just three, three-ish weeks ago.

And he had to stop performing abruptly due to the immigration status. So I'm going to play a video here in a second by none other than another Broadway queen on TikTok, Ashley Hufford, who you all may know as Ash Sees All Theaters. She gave this incredible video and she could put into words that I couldn't even put into myself and I also just don't want to take her words. I want to give her the credit, so I'm going to play her video for all of you. But nonetheless, J, moral of the story, came to America due to health reasons, has lived in America his whole life, doesn't remember living anywhere else. However, his family is undocumented and he's been in the States for over 20 years. Always had to, every two years, has to reapply for this DACA, it's called, for those of you who don't know.

And he is titled a dreamer, who is someone who came over to America very young because they didn't have the citizenship but needed to be in America for health reasons, work, etc. And this DACA program protected J, Antonio Rodriguez, from deportation and he's been able to work and become an actor here in the States due to that. But unfortunately now, every two years, as I mentioned, he has to reapply for this program and state why he needs to stay in America and all these things. There are bureaucratic delays and he submitted all of his information and the reapplication. And unfortunately, he did it all on time but they are experiencing major delays. So that has halted him from working and legally working in America.

So that's the moral of the story. Let's hear from Ashley, who describes it perfectly, the full story here. Currently, he is not allowed to perform because J Antonio immigrated with his family when he was just two years old. He remembers living nowhere else. Part of the reason they came to America is because he had childhood health issues that could only be resolved at hospitals in this country. But his family is undocumented. Because of how young he was, J Antonio is a dreamer, which is part of the DACA program, which is the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, which was instituted by Obama in 2012. As soon as it was instituted, J Antonio signed up. He's been part of that program since 2012.

And it has allowed him, along with around 600,000 other people, to live and work and go to school in this country without fear of being deported because it is the only place they have ever known. DACA is one of, if not the most important piece of immigration reform that has ever happened in this country. It is not a perfect program, not by any means, but it is critically important to the people that qualify for it. One of the things about DACA is you have to re-renew every two years. Previously, it would take two or three days for that to go through. But now there is a huge backlog in this country. And that is what is happening to J Antonio. He has been waiting three months for his renewal to come through.

And he is currently still with the tour, but he is not allowed to be on stage. He is just there supporting his tour family and waiting. He's talked to lawyers, he's talked to the White House, and everyone just tells him it is a waiting game, which is unacceptable. So yeah, I mean, that's the moral of the story right there. I come on here today to raise awareness around this situation. It seems like for some freaking reason in America, it's just politics, you know, like when you raise a lot of awareness around something, hopefully more people are aware of the situation and things get expedited from the, you know, large awareness and large amount of support to make something happen. So I'm on here today, just, you know, amplifying that story even more.

Hopefully, at least one of you had no idea this was going on and you're learning, therefore having conversations with others, and then they can inform more people. You know, hopefully just growing awareness, hopefully, you know, this helps find a solution and a faster solution and resolution. So listen, I've reached out to Jay, would love to have him on to talk about what he's currently going through and just being on tour right now, dealing with all of this and somehow, you know, staying ready for the day that comes when he can go back on stage. So hopefully we can have him on one day and we can hear more from his perspective. Playbill did an article that you could read, but it's not super extensive.

It doesn't give you a huge inside look. So I'm curious in talking to him more, and hopefully we can do that. So stay tuned for that. Hopefully it happens. If not, you know, wishing Jay the best, no matter what, and hoping for a resolution for everyone. It's just crazy, crazy times over there. So shout out to Jay and hopefully y'all can sign petitions that are swirling around that Ashley mentioned and that are petitions for expediting these forms. I mean, he's been waiting three months and he usually heard within days. So it's not like he submitted a week prior to the deadline or anything like that. Like he did it way in advance to ensure that this wouldn't be an issue. Unfortunately, it has become an issue.

So hopefully we can just continue to raise awareness around it and hopefully something can come of it. All right. So moving on from there, it was announced that Sunset Boulevard is coming to Broadway. Obviously we all knew that was happening. We weren't sure when, we weren't sure where. This week we got the when and where. Very exciting stuff, by the way. So as I mentioned last week, Spamalot's closing this week, which is bonkers. And then Spamalot closes and then Illinois' comes in for a 16-week limited run. And then following that, we have Sunset Boulevard coming to Broadway and presale was this week on Tuesday. So that was very exciting. And then it starts performances September 28th at the St. James Theater.

And this is starring Nicole Scherzinger performing in Jamie Lloyd and Andrew Lloyd Webber's Sunset Boulevard. I mean, this is just, it is, it's fully taken over the West End. It truly has. And I have no doubt that it has the potential to do the same here on Broadway. And I mean, I'm sure if you haven't heard about it on the West End, I'm sure you've seen the videos on the social medias and whatnot of the cast singing Sunset Boulevard, walking around and outside as people follow the cast with cameras and paparazzis and whatever. Like it's just crazy. It's madness. But Jamie Lloyd is a directorial genius. So it's working, you know, it's so good. So I can't wait to see it. And that cast seems to be coming along. So everyone, if you're interested, go get your tickets. They're on sale, started Tuesday. And yeah.

[14:21] Eli Tokash: I have a very fun picture to show you because in 2015 when I was in Pippin, my school got to see Head Over Heels and afterwards, we were even able to get a talk back with you guys. I went to PPA, a yas. Yeah, I don't know. I mean, you probably don't remember; it was a long time ago. So, but the whole time, like at the show, I'm talking to my classmates and I'm like, "Oh my god, like that girl in the yellow tights, she's gonna be something one day," you and Andrew Duran. I have pictures with both of you, two pictures.

[25:40] Amber Ardolino: 2018, circa 2018. I'll put it on the YouTube or whatever video. Yeah, but it was wild. So I just want to say before we get any further that I was an original Artiline ho before this was even a thing.

[26:01] Eli Tokash: One of my favorite shows ever. Yeah, I mean just kicking your face, I was like unbelievable, thanks.

[26:09] Amber Ardolino: I don't even like know where to begin on like what that did to you, like your body and like what kind of preparation you had to do to like, yeah, do that eight times a week and even to maintain that and taking care of your body. I don't know if you want to touch on that or if we just move past it.

[26:27] Amber Ardolino: It was crazy. It was a dark time. I mean, I, you know, yes, the injuries were like out of this world. There's so much like also my hair was so long in that show and I also had like extensions and at that time, so I had a lot of neck injuries in that show. Yeah, and then I was also dealing with the Hamilton shoulder.

[27:04] Amber Ardolino: That's the thing, if you didn't know, it's a thing. The Hamilton shoulder is something everybody gets because you're having that gun work. So my whole upper body, there would be days I'd walk in the Head Over Heels and I could not move from here up and I just feel like, "Alright, we're doing the show today."

[27:22] Amber Ardolino: Choreographers choreographed to sustain, yeah, an eight-show week and some choreographers choreographed to just be like balls to the walls. Like this is what you're doing, and Spencer, live, and I love, I adored working with.

[27:40] Amber Ardolino: That's what I'm saying. So like, with Head Over Heels making your Broadway debut, obviously, like you would do the thing you like dropped out of school. Is that right? Syracuse to go on tour with West Side Story. I left Syracuse because strange mentality, I guess I and I, I know a lot of these schools, like they're kind of conditioned to like beat people down to then build people up, but I've just never believed in that philosophy ever. So I, you know, I left, I was like, I literally did everything I could just to like audition to get myself out of schooling. That's when I did the Glee Project. I have like Noah, Alex Newell, Metta, like all those random people. But like, I was just doing everything I could to actively get out of school.

So yeah, went on tour. And then I, Hamilton was my first, my Broadway debut. So Hamilton's what brought me to the city. Hamilton was my Broadway debut. But it's funny because I only did it for like a second on Broadway. Like I really only I was doing Hamilton in Chicago, but I was at Universal Swing. But they brought me over to New York and I made my Broadway debut. And then I, that's when I started rehearsing for Head Over Heels. So I was doing Hamilton at night, but rehearsing Head Over Heels during the day, which is what you were doing Back to the Future and now Beautiful Noise. Yes. Yeah. Okay. So that wasn't like, yeah, I think this is my third time doing Double Duty, but always a crazy, Double Duty is just like a crazy experience. Everything always happens at once. And then there's like dead patches. And then it's like, oh, shoot. When it rains, it pours. Outside too. Beautiful day, guys. Yeah, that's crazy.

[29:34] Eli Tokash: Yeah. So I'm curious, like getting to Broadway, like what was, I guess like your Broadway moment in the sense of like, obviously you had all this experience to begin with, but like getting to Broadway, Broadway is kind of like a different beast and just performing in New York in general. Yeah. What was that moment for you where it was like, oh, oh, like I'm here. Like this is Broadway. I'm like, I'm doing it.

[29:56] Amber Ardolino: Yeah. I don't think I've ever had that moment. I don't know. I just I feel like every show I cannot actually believe I was thinking the same as to my mom the other day. I cannot believe that I have consistently been able to like be on Broadway this long. I know I feel so lucky. And I'm beyond grateful. Like the I've just worked, I've worked my butt off for this. So like, yes, the fact that it has been I mean, 23 to now I'm now 30 years old. It's it's it's crazy to think I've actually been doing it this long. Yeah, but I don't know if there's a moment I mean, honestly, how I got my how I made my Broadway debut, I kind of bamboozled the system a little bit. Right. So we can talk about that. I was doing Hamilton in Chicago.

And I knew that they were looking they were opening up a universal swing position. And I was in the ensemble of Hamilton in Chicago. And I knew I've, I think at that point, I've swung I swing a song I swang, I swang from the chandelier. I swung once. But I saw this universal swing position open. And I was like, if I can convince them to let me do that position, then I can make my Broadway debut. Wow. So I started I asked them, I said, Can I start coming to the rehearsals, the understudy rehearsals that they would have so I can start learning the other parts, maybe like, All right, let's knock your socks off, like if you want. And I came in and I started making tracking sheets of every part in the show.

And by the time I learned them, I went to the associate and I was like, Listen, I know you're you're about to start looking for this part. I know it like let me become the universal swing. So that's how I built my Broadway debut is because they after I did that, they sent me to New York because the company, the New York company did it at the time. But yeah, so I it was like bonkers. Yeah, but I guess another way of being like, Amber, you're crazy. You had above your pay grade. That was crazy. It's a weird story. But that's great. Like that's, I love learning all the different stories like how you got to Broadway. But yeah, that was essentially how I did it.

[32:13] Eli Tokash: Yeah, like no one's had that experience. Like that. And that's such a cool thing that you that's like your own unique experience. It's crazy. Well, I mean, like you mentioned, you know, working your tail off to like, get to where you are today. Like, you literally came from like ensemble to now support. Well, you were supporting and now you're like the lead like you're doing all of it. So I don't know like what has that kind of been like to you and going through that kind of journey as your career has sort of shifted in the age that you are now to like kind of play those leads and carry a show and with the experience and working with others like, you know, is someone in along through I guess your career? Is there someone who like really taught you like how to carry a show or how to be a lead or throughout that experience?

[33:06] Amber Ardolino: Totally I think my experience of like, you're so right and saying it was like, ensemble to featured role to having a song to now stepping into a principle. I think the timing of all of this, it was exactly how it was meant to be. I was meant to quite literally start from the ground and build my way up. I think if I was presented as a role like this, like at a young age, I would not have been able to, I don't know, do I guess give it the justice or I just feel like every experience I've had that's led me up to this moment. The timing has just been it's correct. And yeah, through that through playing like all doing all these different roles, I've got to see so many different leading women, men, you know, all these people that I've admired for so many years step into this light.

And I see how that they care for their cast, they take care of the people around them, they take care of themselves. And it's really been great for me to see that because now I can do that on my own for the casts that I have now represent and like I'm like a mother to almost, you know, like and funny girl like Jane Lynch was like, Mommy, I love Jane Lynch was like such a good caretaker and supporter and like loved everyone. And there's just I have an experience from Roger Bard and Back to the Future was like a father figure. And I think it was really crucial for me to see how they set up their family because I do think it comes from the top down. So yeah, I think it's been really helpful.

[34:50] Eli Tokash: Yeah, I love that. And correct timing. Jane is like the constant professional, you know, because like she's the nicest human. Yeah, I've ever met. But like, she knows when to have fun. Yeah, she knows when it's time to like, yeah, the balance of it all. Yes. What is it been like to to kind of balance it out? Because obviously, now you're in a beautiful noise, especially like, you know, you literally just came from Back to the Future. Like, yeah, no days off for Amber Artelino. Plus, you're doing your TikToks and your broadway.com and like all the things. So like, no days off whatsoever, not even on Monday. So like, what's it been like to kind of, you know, keep it fresh, keep it balanced with work life and all everything else?

[35:25] Amber Ardolino: Yes, you have. I've literally mentally you have to take yourself take care of yourself just as much in that aspect as you do when you're putting on the show. Because if you're not good, and you're human, you are not actually going to be great in the character of what you bring to the stage, what you bring to the theater that night. So yeah, so I've got to do things like on my day off, book a trip to Florida for 24 hours. Like, those are the moments where it's like, you know what I need, like you, you've got to give yourself self care and take care of yourself in that way so that you can be the best version of yourself in the show at night. So yeah, it's about balance. But it's it's definitely moments like that.

I'm doing a lot of stuff alone these days. I'm going to restaurants alone. I love sitting at a bar at a restaurant alone and like talking to the bartender and like getting their whole life story, or talking to like the people next to me. I love it. It's like such a weird self care thing. But I thrive off of meeting like strangers like that. So I took myself to Sojo spa on a solo spa date a couple days ago. And I was just like talking to anyone that would talk to me. Yeah, it's you need it. But like, it's like, not it's not a thing nowadays. Like, it's so weird, because I feel like I'm the same way. I'm pretty outgoing. Like I like to talk to people, whatever. Yeah. But like, as like someone my age, like I'm on campus and stuff.

And I'm like trying to talk to these kids. And they're like heads are in their phones. And it's like, yeah, everyone thinks talking nowadays is like weird, correct? It's like, why is this weirdo talking to me? Yeah, no, I'm sure every single person I started talking to, they're like, Can you not? Do you know what was amazing when I okay, so I booked after funny girl before I started back to the future, I booked my very first solo vacation, I've never taken a vacation alone. And I went to Mexico. And then I like went to Florida after that. And I was in Florida. And I was at this like resort. And I was like talking to all these people. They didn't give two shits about me doing Broadway. They were like, cool.

And like, and I loved it. I was like, you don't care about funny girl, the musical on Broadway. Yes. Let's be friends. But I love it. I think that is the perfect amount of balance and fresh air you need outside of the industry to then be able to do this crazy, weird thing that we do every night. Absolutely.

[41:49] Eli Tokash: Anyways, I love it. No, this is great. I want to talk about a beautiful noise, which is currently the show that you're doing, obviously. But you're not like doing it. You're not sorry, like you are starring in it. And like you're doing the thing, but like you're carrying like that. That role is like no joke. You know, you have 11 o'clock number and forever in blue jeans, you know, like, what has it been like to to not only, you know, come into a show and start leading it, which can be difficult. Yeah, I guess different than like originating it and all of that. So what's it been like to come into it, start leading it and, you know, just be Marcia Murphy and have your first starring like opportunity in on Broadway?

[41:30] Amber Ardolino: At like two a.m. when the poor girl probably just all she wants to do is sleep and probably has to walk her dogs at some point during the day. My dog sitter has been making bank. But like you know giving that kind of inside look and is that something that I don't know is that something that you intended or is that just like hey here's a day in my life or are you you're building awareness without I guess meaning to or are you meaning to? It's yeah I that's a great question. I don't think I knew what it was going to turn into at all. I don't think I knew I mean like when I sit when I look at my TikTok and I like see like the amount of people that see these videos it's actually insane that it should like fill a stadium.

Yeah. Like this is the Broadway like people are interested in Broadway. Yeah. And for me like yeah it did start like during the pandemic I was just kind of posting videos like remembering what Broadway was and now it has become this immersed thing where it's like you're really following me on all aspects of my life which I love showing people. It also you know it gives people a lot of permission to to tear it apart or like it gives a vulnerability I think that I don't know if I was prepared to share that much. I funny enough I am quite a private person as much as I put on online. I think a lot of what I show online is theater but I don't like a lot of my like true self to be put on to the internet.

But yeah it has really turned into this thing where it's like I'm really showing people not only the product of what but like what goes on behind. I made a video for A Beautiful Noise of me kind of learning the process of Forever in Blue Jeans which like I think the first video of me doing it I look absolutely hideous and I'm just but it's the process. It's like you're not going to look great the first time you do something but it's like I'm just going to put this together to show people like this is how it became this and even the finished product of that is probably not what I would consider my best but that's kind of the beauty of art and theater is like a live theater is always evolving and always changing and I've been growing so much with it but scary indeed I don't think I knew exactly what it would be when I started it.

It's been awesome to watch and I know that there's so many people out there that especially like the ones that don't live in New York that are like you know you're changing a lot of people's lives and you're like giving them that sort of I don't know you're introducing them to this world that they thought were like the annoying kids or whatever it may be with theater kids which we are yeah absolutely we own it but like you know you're you're doing so much for our community and it's really impressive to watch you like handle it with such like grace and humility and like being vulnerable about it yeah yeah it's really great thank you yeah I'm obsessed I'm like I'm a fan I'm a fan of you I'm an Ardolino guy you know I'm ready um I love it so um okay so uh you know I gotta talk to you about these bows because we're here at Take A Bow the bow um yeah okay so first of all you're having your first solo bow on Broadway ridiculous craziness I know how is that like is that terrifying is it like gratifying is it like maybe all of you yes I really can't believe I get to like sing songs and say words on stage by myself it is I mean it's everything I've wanted to do and it's like yeah this was probably the best first experience for me to come into a Broadway show and be able to play a character and do that and yeah the the yeah the bow at the end is so weird it's like I don't know running out by yourself I love it too because I can see I can feel that moment it's so personal like me and the audience and then I'm just looking out at them and it's just yes I don't know it's really special it's really nice like it's the it feels like yes okay I'm in my character's costume or whatever but it's like the first time that you can actually like being like yeah and take everyone in yeah and just like mess around like yeah do you know it's funny everyone this is like a Back to the Future thing everybody would make fun of me every show that I do they call it um the Amber Ardolino meet and greet because I yeah because I'm sick because I love finding people in the audience and I would do that like in my ensemble tracks I would find moments or something and now with Marcia I cannot do that I can't break well yeah it's like I just feel like I wouldn't as Marcia Murphy like break the wall to like see someone in the audience so truly the only moment that I get to take them in at A Beautiful Noise is the bows and then Sweet Caroline at the end so this is my first non Amber Ardolino meet and greet period yeah I miss them comes a little later it just goes yeah it's a little bad you're like hi mom thanks for coming out here yeah um no I love it well part two of that is you guys have this beautiful moment where you get to sing Sweet Caroline with the whole audience and everything yes but like you guys bring up like people in the audience to come and make their like Broadway debut it's the best thing ever yeah like how did that start like is that a you thing because I feel like I never saw those videos until that's a good question is that a me thing did she start that kind of can I technically say that I mean yeah yeah I would just have like I would have friends that would come to the show or like I would you know and I I think they've done it in the past maybe like they that they brought people up like I I know they brought up this little girl it's an older audience at Neil Diamond the musical not as much anymore we're getting the youth in but um there was a little girl she'd seen the show like 20 times and they brought her up on stage to do Sweet Caroline she's like seven years old and she's like a big Neil Diamond fan and they brought her up on stage to sing and I was like we should bring more people up on stage to sing yeah and then I would you know if I had friends or people in the audience or someone that I like loved and I was like can we see if we can so we will just bring them up golden bachelors I am obsessed with yeah I mean like you you just have everyone come up on stage weird like weird it's literally like the Bachelor the Traitors um America's Got Talent um Teresa Caputo with Long Island Medium they're all just like a different demographic and I'm obsessed so with those people like are you the type of performer that like wants to know prior to the show starting you want to wait till after forever I need to know I have to know doesn't that change your performance at all like do you feel like you have to like give a little bit more no no I just need it from in the bank I'm also a sick type of person that I have to read the ends of books before I start them I know I don't know it's a weird thing about me and you know if I watch a show I will google the ending why because I'm psychotic I don't know I have to read what happens at the end that's bonkers it's not weird but like that's why I don't know it's something about knowing like I have to know if somebody's in the audience I like I don't know I don't like surprises yeah you just don't like yourself like have feeling things like you're missing the point of a story it's weird I don't know but I just I like to know hey hey go off hey it's working is it my red flag yeah it's definitely a red flag it's definitely I don't know so yes that being said I prefer when to know and a big thing in like Funny Girl a lot of my TikToks were like me trying to get famous people to come backstage right and usually they worked I like usually they came backstage and and I got to meet I've got to meet so many fun people that I've never had the privilege of meeting right it's awesome so yeah Goldberg just came Whoopi Goldberg came she loved the show that made me so excited do you get nervous meeting these celebrities or like are you kind of like hey what do you think of my performance like what is that no I don't get nervous but I just get like excited like I get I get super giddy to like meet them because I always want to see if they're like in real life like if they're like how they are yeah you know um that's valid you watch Love on the Spectrum yeah I do Connor Tomlinson and we just had Danny Bowman the other day yeah I haven't posted it but um yeah I had both of them them come and I got to hang out with him backstage and I just love that you like invite them and be like hey you should come yeah well Danny was in town but yeah Connor I asked if they would come but he's he's amazing I just love meeting I saw the kid TikToker Boss Baby Brody yeah he's about to take over the role of Marsha Murphy it was so good and so like he got up on stage and he was trying to do a cartwheel into a split like he was amazing and had so much fun yeah and also to like give people that experience I just I love if that's me using my powers yeah then they're there for good reason great it's never a moment over A Beautiful Noise you never know who's gonna be in the audience I'm obsessed I know maybe even they're gonna be like a special guest pickle or a poster board of I was gonna say who do we who do we think we should bring up like do we have any girl suggestions um I don't know who's like I don't know famous who do you like people care about enough I don't know I was I slid into what's his name's DMs from the Jersey Shore um what's his name Vinnie Vinnie you're gonna watch the Jersey Shore Snooki yeah girl yeah no why don't you bring Snooki can you imagine oh my god she'd have a field day at Sweet Caroline I think she'd be obsessed with it yeah yeah yeah do they like do you make sure they know Sweet Caroline are you like hey listen to the song real quick yeah I feel like every I feel like they all know it but yeah who doesn't Boss Baby Brody had to learn it yeah exactly that's what I was saying a little bit too young for for that song but yeah for the most part they're all yeah so y'all just having like it's playing fine it's so much fun probably should be fun yeah we're all having like literally I love going to work I love the group that I'm I'm with like we just it's just like grown-up theater kids having a sleepover every day at work and you do a job together it's so fun your vlogs came off that way thanks it seemed like a very tight-knit yeah they're good yeah like everyone was like totally down to like get in or even hold the camera you know like all the things it just seems like a great bunch I've actually been lucky a lot of shows I've done people have just always been just like let's go and it's funny I was like I saw someone comment like she forces them to do these videos and I'm like no they're theater kids everyone they're like oh should we do this and they love like we have so much fun making this stupid content backstage I don't know we'll never admit it but like to do kids love the attention yeah put a camera in front of anyone sorry you know I hate to be but and maybe that's why we're obnoxious and annoying but like whatever like entertaining damn it yeah sorry you're you you want to be that way too like low-key you just can't admit it you know yeah I mean I love it so okay there's something about A Beautiful Noise that like you you want to talk about or something that you've enjoyed the most throughout I mean three months you're halfway through yeah three okay so yes I've been doing it three months I have three more months left and stepping into that group of wildly talented people I think the ensemble first of all all of them are triple threats they are they just like they do everything and they're just like brilliant artists like I think something that they did different for this show like that I haven't seen on a lot of other Broadway shows was the audition process was very artistic based even my audition is Marsha Murphy like yeah when I got into the room to audition for the part it just how they held the audition they wanted to see what you could do with the information they gave and how you could twist it flip it do whatever with it and then showcase it which like a lot of auditions are just cookie cutter do this scene do this dance and then we audition so I think that that's how they found like a lot of like really great artists to do this show and then like when you look at your principles like Mark Jacobi is one of my favorite humans of all time yeah so it was so funny when I first joined he's so intimidating like I was like oh my god he's like doesn't speak really he's very

[55:21] Amber Ardolino: I think the biggest thing that I learned was that you have to be your own advocate. You have to be the one to speak up for yourself and to really understand what you want and what you need in this industry.

[55:51] Amber Ardolino: I remember when I was in high school, I had a teacher who told me that I would never make it in this industry. And I think that was the moment that I realized that I had to prove them wrong.

[56:21] Amber Ardolino: Making my Broadway debut in Hamilton was such a surreal experience. I remember walking into the theater and just feeling this overwhelming sense of gratitude and excitement.

[56:41] Amber Ardolino: Shoulder bouncing from show to show is definitely a challenge, but it also keeps things fresh and exciting. Each show has its own unique energy and vibe, and I love being able to experience that.

[57:01] Amber Ardolino: The difference between originating a role and replacing a role is huge. When you originate a role, you have the opportunity to really shape the character and bring your own interpretation to it.

[57:21] Amber Ardolino: A Beautiful Noise has been such a special experience for me. The music is incredible, and the story is so relatable. I feel like audiences are really connecting with it.

[57:41] Amber Ardolino: The special bows we do at the end of the show are a great way to connect with the audience. It’s such a rewarding feeling to see their reactions and to feel their energy.

[57:51] Amber Ardolino: My "Show Announcement Videos" have become a fun way to engage with my followers. I love being creative and finding new ways to share my journey with them.

[58:01] Amber Ardolino: Red flags in the industry can be tricky to navigate. It's important to trust your instincts and to surround yourself with people who support you and your goals.

[58:21] Amber Ardolino: Vocal tips are something I’m always happy to share. Hydration is key, and I always recommend warming up before a performance.

[58:31] Amber Ardolino: I think it’s important to remember that everyone’s journey is different. What works for one person might not work for another, and that’s okay.

[58:41] Amber Ardolino: I’ve learned so much from my experiences, and I’m grateful for every opportunity that has come my way.

[59:01] Amber Ardolino: The grind of the industry can be tough, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. I wouldn’t trade it for anything.

[59:21] Amber Ardolino: I think the most important thing is to stay true to yourself and to keep pushing forward, no matter what obstacles come your way.

[59:31] Amber Ardolino: I’ve had my fair share of challenges, but I’ve always tried to find the silver lining in every situation.

[59:41] Amber Ardolino: The support from my friends and family has been invaluable. They keep me grounded and remind me of why I started this journey in the first place.

[1:00:01] Amber Ardolino: I’m excited to see where this journey takes me next. There’s so much more to explore and discover in this industry.

[1:00:21] Amber Ardolino: I think it’s important to keep learning and growing as a performer. There’s always room for improvement, and I’m always looking for ways to challenge myself.

[1:00:31] Amber Ardolino: I love collaborating with other artists and learning from their experiences. It’s such a great way to expand your horizons.

[1:00:41] Amber Ardolino: I’m really passionate about sharing my story and inspiring others to pursue their dreams.

[1:00:51] Amber Ardolino: I think social media has changed the game for performers. It’s a powerful tool for connecting with audiences and sharing your journey.

[1:01:01] Amber Ardolino: I’ve been fortunate to have a platform where I can showcase my talents and connect with others who share my passion for the arts.

[1:01:11] Amber Ardolino: I’m always looking for new ways to engage with my followers and to share my experiences in the industry.

[1:01:21] Amber Ardolino: I think it’s important to be authentic and to stay true to yourself, especially in a world that can be so competitive.

[1:01:31] Amber Ardolino: I’m grateful for the opportunities I’ve had, and I’m excited to see what the future holds.

[1:01:41] Amber Ardolino: I think the key to success in this industry is perseverance. You have to keep pushing forward, even when things get tough.

[1:01:51] Amber Ardolino: I’ve learned that it’s okay to take breaks and to prioritize your mental health.

[1:02:01] Amber Ardolino: I think self-care is essential for performers. It’s easy to get caught up in the hustle, but you have to take care of yourself first.

[1:02:11] Amber Ardolino: I’m really passionate about mental health awareness in the arts community. It’s something that needs to be talked about more.

[1:02:21] Amber Ardolino: I think we need to create a culture where it’s okay to talk about our struggles and to seek help when we need it.

[1:02:31] Amber Ardolino: I’m grateful for the support I’ve received from my peers and mentors in the industry.

[1:02:41] Amber Ardolino: I think it’s important to lift each other up and to create a supportive community.

[1:02:51] Amber Ardolino: I’m excited to continue my journey and to see where it takes me next.

[1:03:01] Amber Ardolino: I think the best is yet to come, and I can’t wait to share it with everyone.

[1:03:11] Amber Ardolino: Thank you for having me on the podcast. It’s been a pleasure to share my story and insights with you.

[1:03:21] Amber Ardolino: I hope my experiences can inspire others to pursue their dreams and to never give up.

[1:03:31] Amber Ardolino: Remember to stay true to yourself and to keep pushing forward, no matter what challenges you face.

[1:03:51] Amber Ardolino: Thank you again for this opportunity. I’m looking forward to what’s next!

[1:04:01] Amber Ardolino: I hope to see you all at A Beautiful Noise!

[1:04:11] Amber Ardolino: Curtain up!

[1:04:21] Amber Ardolino: Let’s keep the conversation going and support each other in this amazing journey.

[1:04:31] Amber Ardolino: Until next time!

[1:04:41] Amber Ardolino: Bye!

[1:04:51] Amber Ardolino: Take care!

[1:05:01] Amber Ardolino: See you soon!

[1:05:11] Amber Ardolino: Bye!

[1:05:21] Amber Ardolino: Thank you!

[1:05:31] Amber Ardolino: Bye!

[1:05:41] Amber Ardolino: Bye!

[1:05:51] Amber Ardolino: Bye!

[1:06:01] Amber Ardolino: Bye!

[1:06:11] Amber Ardolino: Bye!

[1:06:21] Amber Ardolino: Bye!

[1:06:31] Amber Ardolino: Bye!

[1:06:41] Amber Ardolino: Bye!

[1:06:51] Amber Ardolino: Bye!

[1:07:01] Amber Ardolino: Bye!

[1:07:11] Amber Ardolino: Bye!

[1:07:21] Amber Ardolino: Bye!

[1:07:31] Amber Ardolino: Bye!

[1:07:41] Amber Ardolino: Bye!

[1:07:51] Amber Ardolino: Bye!

[1:08:01] Amber Ardolino: Bye!

[1:08:11] Amber Ardolino: Bye!

[1:08:21] Amber Ardolino: Bye!

[1:08:31] Amber Ardolino: Bye!

[1:08:41] Amber Ardolino: Bye!

[1:08:51] Amber Ardolino: Bye!