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[0:06] Robert Peterpaul: Hello, beautiful people. Welcome to the Art of Kindness, where we have compassionate conversations with artists from all areas of the entertainment industry who are using their voice to spread joy and make this big spinning planet in the universe a better place to be. I'm Robert Peterpaul, and I'm so glad you're here.

[0:34] Robert Peterpaul: Hi, this is Robert Peterpaul with the Art of Kindness Podcast and the Broadway Podcast Network. We are live from the Jimmy Awards rehearsal room talking with all the nominees and the coaches. It's such a special wonderful day. So stay tuned as we give you all the interviews right here.

[0:59] Robert Peterpaul: What you've all done is so magical and beautiful, and it's always such a beautiful event to be a part of. Since we are a podcast network, I'm just gonna have you start by introducing yourselves and sharing your involvement with the Jimmy Awards, and then I'll ask you a few questions and you'll be on your way.

[1:12] Kiesha LaLama: I'm Kiesha LaLama, I'm the choreographer of the Jimmies.

[1:15] Van Kaplan: Yay! And I'm Van Kaplan, and I'm the director of the Jimmy.

[1:19] Robert Peterpaul: So were both of you involved in your high school theater? I just wonder for you if this is such a full circle beautiful thing to be a part of in that regard.

[1:26] Kiesha LaLama: I was a competitive dancer, oh my goodness, forever ago, and I did one musical at the Damn Yankees, and I was hooked. So I love the sense of community that was very different than the dance competition world. But musical theater just brings people together. And again, I was hooked.

[1:46] Van Kaplan: And what about for you?

[1:47] Van Kaplan: So I totally got involved in the theater in high school. And in fact, on a school trip to New York, um, I saw my very first Broadway show, and it inspired me later in my life to create the Jimmy Awards.

[2:02] Robert Peterpaul: And it's so iconic in what you've done for this country and the world and theater in general. I mean, I bow down, I can't even put it into words, I can't even talk. What I have a podcast, I don't know. I would love to know, you know, after doing it all these years, is there one piece of advice you feel like across the board that you really want these kids to take away when they go on their merry way after this beautiful event?

[2:22] Van Kaplan: Well, I think the most important thing to in terms of advice is just to be in the moment, to experience, to be a part of what's around you, to appreciate the people you're working with, to be joyful and happy and just enjoy life. Um you know, uh no matter what the age, we're all involved in our phones and what's going on around us. We're just not taking a beat and experiencing each one of these wonderful moments that we have, the gifts that we're given. So that's my advice to all of them.

[2:56] Kiesha LaLama: We've been saying it all week.

[2:57] Robert Peterpaul: No, I love that. My podcast is The Art of Kindness with the Network, so we talk with Broadway and TV and film people all about that kind of stuff. So I appreciate that it's on theme. What about you, friend?

[3:06] Kiesha LaLama: I mean, it's absolutely the same, and I echo it, but I think in addition to that, or maybe another layer of that is just understanding the process, valuing the process and not just the product. We're so busy chasing that thing that we forget again to be in that moment. But for me, the process is so much more valuable, just creating and being with people to make that magic.

[3:27] Robert Peterpaul: I love that. You know what's wonderful is I've asked the kids the best advice they've gotten, and they've said both of the things that you've said, so it's clearly hitting home, which I think is really special. And you could see it in their joy when you talk with them and when you watch the show. I'm gonna let you go. So I just want to end this little chat here with a question that I wonder about for the high schools, uh and the young artists out there who's maybe their school doesn't nominate them and they can't be a part of this wonderful event. Do you have advice for them on following your dream and not giving up overall? I know it's a big question.

[3:54] Van Kaplan: No, I mean I feel like the Jimmy's isn't the only path, right? And everyone's path is different. So you've got to just find any outlet that provides you the opportunity to learn and grow and to be exposed. So take advantage of every opportunity, walk through every door, ask questions, be curious. Everywhere will allow you to take those steps to grow along your path.

[4:16] Kiesha LaLama: Oh, I love that. What about you?

[4:19] Kiesha LaLama: I would have to echo and say yes. Say yes when there's an opportunity. Uh life is always about taking those opportunities and then making them go and grow into something else. So go to school, learn what you can, get the best education you can. And if you want to be in theater, there's so many careers in theater. It's not just all on the stage. The careers backstage and stage management and production management and public relations and all of those kind of uh careers that you could go into if you love theater. So just do what you love and enjoy it and say yes.

[4:55] Robert Peterpaul: I love that. Say yes. And local theaters too, regional theaters. I mean, all over this world, you know, you you can really be a part of it. Thank you both for saying yes to me today and being a part of this. I really am just so in awe of what you're doing. It's it's changing the world.

[5:09] Charlotte St. Martin: I'm Charlotte St. Martin, president of the Broadway League. And the Broadway League also has the Broadway League Foundation, which presents the Jimmy Awards, and we're so proud to have the Jimmy Awards as part of the things that we do, because one of our goals is to make sure that musical theater is alive and well across our country.

[5:33] Charlotte St. Martin: And guess what? The Jimmy Awards gives us that vehicle. It's so important and wonderful. You know, I read a lot about you and how legendary you are but looking back I would love to know I don't think I saw anything on this that might be out there. Were you a part of your high school theater?

[5:46] Charlotte St. Martin: You know, were you involved?

[5:48] Charlotte St. Martin: No, actually my high school boyfriend was part of theater and they made me mouth and my sorority sing song. So I was always the person that loved to be in the audience cheering that great talent on.

[6:00] Robert Peterpaul: Oh I love that and you're still doing that today. You know what does it mean to you I guess coming full circle and looking back from cheering them on to now to work with these kids and be a part of this special event?

[6:11] Charlotte St. Martin: Every year I think there's no way that this could touch my heart as much as it did last year. And I see the first rehearsal of their doing the opening number and tears roll down my eyes and I go, I guess I'm just a big old softie that loves the kids.

[6:27] Robert Peterpaul: I love that. My podcast with the Broadway Podcast Network is The Art of Kindness so we focus on kindness in the arts and I would love to know if you've seen over the years an act of kindness or if you have a story from one of the kids it can be from this year or years past that's really touched your heart in regards to kindness.

[6:28] Charlotte St. Martin: I think that the finalists and the winners of Jimmy's that go on to be big stars you would think maybe they wouldn't have the time to come back and share their time and good words with these kids, and every single one of them that you ask, they will do anything to be able to go back and talk with the kids. There's something that just connects them with the kids that are doing it.

[7:18] Robert Peterpaul: And I think there's so many kinds awards folks that come back and give.

[7:30] Charlotte St. Martin: I love that. And in addition to wonderful events like this and what you were just mentioning, do you see any more ways we can make Broadway you know a little kinder and more positive? I know there's a lot of that already, but if there's anything boggling in your brain about that.

[7:46] Charlotte St. Martin: I find Broadway to be very kind. So it is, it is. So I I don't think about ways that it could be kinder. I think our city could be kinder. But I think Broadway is made up of people who really care and and maybe it's what draws them. They're kind to begin with, and they're drawn to being on stage and interacting with audiences.

[8:11] Charlotte St. Martin: I know several times I've had the opportunity to say, Do you feel the same every night? And they always say, No, the audience gives me the energy or not. So that says there's an empathy and uh connection, I think that that live performance does. I think it's an exchange of love, which is so wonderful.

[8:34] Robert Peterpaul: We're just always looking for ways, even from the rehearsal room to auditions, to kind of just make sure people are leading with that love because it is such a privilege to be here and tell stories with that privilege in mind, and being here today at the Jimmy's rehearsal. I would love to know what your main piece of advice is to all the contestants this year, if you have a golden nugget of wisdom that you're sharing.

[8:53] Charlotte St. Martin: I think be themselves. Not try to emanate someone else, but to be themselves and just pull the very best of themselves out and not be afraid to show that.

[9:06] Robert Peterpaul: Oh, that's beautiful advice. Well, thank you so much for talking with me. Congratulations.

[9:51] Andre Real: My name is Andre Real. Um I did Bat Boy from Bat Boy the Musical.

[9:57] Andre Real: And a very unusual musical. Yeah. But I am from Idole Arts Academy. It's a boarding school, but I'm originally from Mexico City.

[10:05] Robert Peterpaul: Wow, I'm so excited you're here. I guess in this wonderful rehearsal room that we're in today and beyond. What's the best piece of advice you've gotten so far throughout this process as a performer?

[10:15] Andre Real: I think just enjoy the craft and not like the last result. I mean, I'm going to enjoy it, but now all this week is just like full of happiness and the energy in the room. Everything is amazing.

[10:27] Andre Real: Enjoy the process, right? And not just think about being on the stage with the end result.

[10:30] Robert Peterpaul: That's such great advice. Well, I guess being on that stage, you know, that's coming soon. Monday, the Jimmy Awards. How excited are you to be there?

[10:36] Andre Real: I'm actually very excited. I still don't realize that we are going to the Minskoff theater because it's the home of the Lion King. It's like a lot of other musicals have been there, and we're gonna like step on a stage from Broadway. It's hard to view it on Broadway, so that's so cool.

[10:52] Robert Peterpaul: So pumped for all of you. I can't wait. Speaking of Broadway, after this, is there a certain role you would love to play on Broadway? Or even you know, in a regional theater, do you have a dream role?

[11:01] Andre Real: Yes. Um my dream role, honestly, is Evan Hansen from Dear Evan Hansen, I love it. But if I could be in a Broadway show right now, uh I think I would be any character in Sweeney Todd.

[11:17] Robert Peterpaul: I love Sweeney Todd. Have you seen it yet? The one on Bravo right now?

[11:19] Andre Real: No, I haven't seen it, but I saw the Tony Awards performance, and I'm a big fan of like the music from there.

[11:25] Robert Peterpaul: Yes. It's so good. Definitely go if you can.

[11:28] Helena Engberg: Hello, my name is Helena Engberg, and I'm from uh Olin Tanji High School in Columbus, Ohio, and I was nominated for the role Belle in Disney's Beauty and the Beast.

[11:37] Helena Engberg: Snapcrackle pop! I'm a LeFou over here. I always play LeFou, which is such a good time.

[11:42] Robert Peterpaul: I love LeFou. What's it? I mean, isn't it just so magical to be a part of a Disney show?

[11:46] Helena Engberg: It's so positive, and the kids that come, I'm sure you had kids coming up to you afterward. That was a feeling unlike any other because I would get done and I would the doors would open and there would just be like a ton of little Belles, and I had to stop myself from crying every night because that used to be me, you know. So it was just a magical thing.

[12:03] Robert Peterpaul: That's so sweet. Speaking of magical things, we're here at the Jimmy Awards in the rehearsal room. I would love to know for you. I'm sure it's been a whirlwind, but what is the best piece of advice you feel like you've gotten so far from a coach, your director, choreographer, whoever?

[12:15] Helena Engberg: Yeah. I'd say don't think that you can't do something because you're from somewhere, or your town is too small, or your dreams aren't valid. I've heard that a lot, and it's really validating. And I I'm supposed to know that, but to hear it from these professionals saying that they came from these random places all over the country, it's just so validating and I I'm here now, so you can do it.

[12:42] Robert Peterpaul: Yeah, you're here, you can make it anywhere, like you guys are singing the song. I would love to know for you going forward. Do you have a dream role that you hope to play one day on Broadway or in regional theaters?

[12:57] Lance Toppin: I get emotional speaking about it. Eva Nobel Zada, her Eurydice just I connected with it, and ever since then it's been my top dream role ever.

[13:07] Robert Peterpaul: Beautiful.

[13:07] Lance Toppin: That's a great role. Her voice is like an angel. Have you seen her yet?

[13:10] Lance Toppin: She's around. We saw a video the first day, and I was like, What? I had to contain myself. They showed her and she said, Good luck, and she gave these great pieces of advice, and um I'll keep an eye out.

[13:27] Robert Peterpaul: Yeah. I want to see her. Let's do it. Well, I think she'll be there Monday.

[13:30] Lance Toppin: I'll be there Monday, so I'll see you then.

[13:31] Robert Peterpaul: I can't wait. What are you most excited for about Monday?

[13:34] Lance Toppin: I mean, can you just like kind of capture the feeling right now? Yeah. I'm excited for the audience to see this energy we've created on stage. It's unlike any other.

[13:42] Robert Peterpaul: I love that. Well, thank you so much.

[13:44] Lance Toppin: Thank you so much. I'm Lance Toppin. I'm from Charlotte Country Day School in Charlotte, North Carolina. I'm from the Bloomy Awards and Ridge.

[13:52] Robert Peterpaul: What was the role you got nominated with?

[13:55] Lance Toppin: Oh wow, what a fun show. You must have had so much fun with that.

[13:59] Lance Toppin: Yes, it was so fun.

[14:00] Robert Peterpaul: Well, now being here at the Jimmies, congratulations. You know, there's so many amazing coaches and people a part of this. What I guess is the best piece of advice you've gotten so far as a performer?

[14:10] Lance Toppin: I think the best piece of advice I've gotten was to always bring yourself to whatever the piece is. You know, it can be really hard to do some of these iconic songs and a lot of um the famous people have done, and you know, it's hard when like you have YouTube and all these different versions of social media where you can watch other people do it. Um to always bring yourself to it and that that is always enough, uh, was really really inspiring and really beautiful to hear because we sometimes don't always think that we're enough. And so to get that reinforcement, a positive reinforcement in that way was really, really, really special to me.

[14:41] Robert Peterpaul: Oh, that's so beautiful. You are enough. You're here, you're doing amazing work. You know, looking ahead to Monday, the actual Jimmy Awards, which is so exciting. What are you most thrilled about to make your Broadway debut? If you could just capture that excitement.

[14:52] Lance Toppin: I mean, um I'm really excited to just share this experience with these people. I think like obviously we're making our Broadway debut, and that's like so exciting. But uh to be with these people that I've become so close with so fast, it's just really really special that we'll like have this together, and this is like we've really become a unit over these past couple of days, and that's really just it's it's just I'm so happy to be here.

[15:13] Robert Peterpaul: I love that. I love that attitude. And I guess going forward, I'll let you go in a second. I would love to know what your dream role is. Do you have a role you're dying to play?

[15:19] Lance Toppin: Oh, I mean, my all-time dream role is Simba and The Lion King, which is why being in the Minskoff theater is like so exciting to me, because I'm like, like, it really feels like attainable, like it's right there.

[15:30] Robert Peterpaul: Yeah, and that's really it's just I'm so excited. It is there, you got this. Well, thank you so much. Break a leg Monday. I'll see you then.

[15:36] Hannah Jenkins: My name is Hannah Jenkins. I'm from the Northeast School of the Arts in San Antonio, Texas, and I was nominated for Fanny Bryson in Funny Girl.

[15:43] Robert Peterpaul: How dreamy must that feel considering it's on Broadway right now?

[15:46] Hannah Jenkins: It was crazy. It was insane getting to prepare for that role and to actually just do it on stage was like surreal.

[15:52] Robert Peterpaul: Did you get to see it on Broadway yet?

[15:54] Hannah Jenkins: I haven't gotten to see it, but I have seen a lot of videos.

[15:57] Robert Peterpaul: You gotta go. Julie Banco is so incredible. She's a friend of the pod. Love her.

[16:01] Hannah Jenkins: She's phenomenal. She actually um helped me with like a little bit of audition material for it. I reached out to her. She's so kind.

[16:06] Robert Peterpaul: No way. Well, my podcast with the Broadway Podcast Network is The Art of Kindness. So that's an act of kindness right there. Did you just randomly DM her and she answered you?

[16:16] Hannah Jenkins: No, yeah. I went out on a limb and I was like, I'm just gonna send her a DM, she probably won't answer. And she did, and she's still keeping in touch a little bit, which is amazing. She's such a kind, wonderful person.

[16:25] Robert Peterpaul: I would love to know for you. I'm so excited you're all here. What is, I guess, the best piece of advice that you've gotten so far throughout this process?

[16:27] Hannah Jenkins: The best piece of advice I've gotten is not to look at it, not to look at it as a competition, is to just look at it as you know, an opportunity to work with professionals as professionals and just have fun and to just learn and create and take it all in. Honestly, just take it all in, have fun.

[17:16] Robert Peterpaul: What you're saying is so important. I love that. And I guess if you could book any role on Broadway or even at a wonderful regional theater, because there's great theaters everywhere. What is your dream role?

[17:27] Hannah Jenkins: My dream role for the longest time has been Veronica Sawyer in Heathers. So any opportunity to play her would be amazing.

[17:34] Robert Peterpaul: That's such a fun show, right?

[17:35] Hannah Jenkins: Yes, it's so fun.

[17:37] Robert Peterpaul: And what are you most looking forward to about Monday?

[17:39] Hannah Jenkins: Um, I'm just ready for the crowd's energy. I think that's just gonna take our whole piece into a new direction and just make it magical.

[17:47] Robert Peterpaul: Wonderful, thank you so much.

[17:48] Hannah Jenkins: Thank you for having me.

[17:50] Will Gonzalez: My name is Will Gonzalez. I was nominated for the role of Usnavi in In the Heights, and I'm from Mundaline, Illinois.

[17:56] Robert Peterpaul: I'm so excited you're here. How thrilled are you to be here? I mean, what's your feeling right now in this rehearsal room at the Jimmy's?

[18:02] Will Gonzalez: It's absolutely incredible. I mean, the amount of talent that I'm surrounded by on a daily basis, like it's incredible. Just someone will just start singing like so casually and it'll be like amazing, and it's just so incredible to be in that environment.

[18:16] Robert Peterpaul: Yeah. Oh, I love hearing that. So far, what is I guess the best piece of advice you've gotten from either a coach or your director or choreographer?

[18:24] Will Gonzalez: Um, I think a lot of what I've learned is how to take care of yourself during a process like this. It can be very taxing, but as long as you're staying positive and you're making sure you're making sure you're checking in on yourself, you can always make it through.

[18:39] Robert Peterpaul: I love that. My podcast with the Broadway Podcast Network is The Art of Kindness. So we're all about taking care of yourself and kindness tips. Have you learned one in particular that you really like?

[18:48] Will Gonzalez: Um I think just I always try to make sure to tell everyone they're doing a good job and make sure everyone feels supported and included. Um, and that's I think super important, especially if you're in a company or an ensemble to have those kind of relationships.

[19:07] Robert Peterpaul: Thank you for doing that. That is so important. Now, looking ahead to Monday, how excited are you to I mean, make your Broadway debut? That is thrilling. I mean, I don't think there's a word to describe how excited I am. It's uh I'm s I'm just super excited.

[19:22] Will Gonzalez: Yeah. I just want to capture that feeling, you know. And I guess looking even beyond that, is there a dream role you have that you would love to play?

[19:28] Will Gonzalez: I would love to play Orpheus in Hadestown.

[19:31] Robert Peterpaul: Yeah. That would be cool, right?

[19:33] Will Gonzalez: Yeah. Have you gotten to see it yet here on Broadway?

[19:35] Will Gonzalez: Um I saw it in Chicago actually. Um, and it was incredible.

[19:39] Robert Peterpaul: Oh, that's so exciting. Well, thank you for talking with me. I'm gonna see you Monday. Best of luck, you're gonna be great.

[19:44] Will Gonzalez: Thank you so much.

[19:45] Samantha Nelson: Thank you. Hi, my name is Samantha Nelson. I'm from Douglas Anderson School of the Arts, and I'm nominated for the role of Val McKelly in Chicago.

[19:53] Robert Peterpaul: That's not a show high schools get to do every day. I mean, how excited were you to be a part of that in the iconic role?

[19:58] Samantha Nelson: It was insane. I mean, I've always wanted to do that show since I was like a freshman in high school. And so when they announced it like end of junior year, I was like, oh my god, time to get ready, time to get pumped. And then, you know, auditions came around the fall, and it was just it was a surreal experience.

[20:12] Robert Peterpaul: How did you kind of bring yourself to that role? Because it is so iconic, but I feel like it thrives when people make it a little different. Were you aware of that, or you just kind of went in there and had a good time?

[20:21] Samantha Nelson: I think this is oddly enough, I think this role was something that I was kind of like manifesting in my brain. Because in my head, I was like, I want to play it someday. So I want to just like I've always had like choices when you're listening to the car and things like that. So when it occurred, it was pretty smooth sailing. I was able to just kind of smooth into it and just kind of bring myself and you know, a mixture of this character and mush them together.

[20:43] Robert Peterpaul: I love that. Kind of focusing on that positive energy is so helpful just in life. You know, I'm sure you'd want to play that on Broadway, but do you have another dream role that you would love to tackle?

[20:51] Samantha Nelson: God, I want to it's basic, but I want to be Angelica in Hamilton.

[20:55] Robert Peterpaul: It's not basic.

[20:56] Samantha Nelson: I yeah, you're right, it's not. It's not. I want to do it so badly. I want to tackle it. I just I think that show is incredible and think it's a show that really indoctrinated a lot in theater.

[21:06] Robert Peterpaul: She's gonna do it. You heard it here first, and I'll post this in however many years when you do it. I love that. Well, speaking in looking ahead to Monday, you know, the Jimmy Awards, such an iconic thing to be a part of and such an amazing rehearsal room. I can feel the energy. What I guess is the best piece of advice you've gotten so far from your coaches that you think will lead you into the performance on Monday?

[21:24] Samantha Nelson: Oh my gosh. Always be a student, always keep learning, always keep training and trying to better yourself, you know. Like if every single time you think that there is something you can work on, it's probably that there is. And you can go further, and even though you hit a mark, reach the next mark. You know, I think that is one of the most pertinent things I've learned this entire week.

[21:42] Robert Peterpaul: I love it. That's so important. You're wonderful. Thank you so much for talking with me. I'll see you Monday.

[21:46] Kaitlyn Majewski: I am Caitlin Majeski from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. I was nominated as Natalie slash Ed in All Shook Up at McKeesport Area High School.

[21:56] Robert Peterpaul: Wow, how excited are you to be here today?

[21:58] Kaitlyn Majewski: Oh my gosh, it is unbelievable. I'm I'm ecstatic.

[22:01] Robert Peterpaul: I love that. What's I guess the best piece of advice you've gotten so far throughout this process of doing the Jimmy Awards? I'm sure you've gotten lots of little golden nuggets here and there.

[22:11] Kaitlyn Majewski: I think the biggest thing I've taken away is the importance of authenticity. Everyone is so unique, and therefore their performances are all going to naturally be unique as long as you're authentic to yourself while you're performing.

[22:23] Robert Peterpaul: Oh, that's so important and wonderful. And I know these things can be scary sometimes, but I think just going back to yourself and your morals, super helpful. Now, for you, I would love to know if you could book any role out of this or just in the future. What would it be? What's your dream role?

[22:35] Kaitlyn Majewski: This is a very impractical dream because I'm an alto, but I would love to play Christine Daaé in Phantom of the Opera. I'm obsessed with that show.

[22:42] Robert Peterpaul: I love that. You never know. I think it's coming back in some way, so maybe they'll change it up and let someone different play it.

[22:49] Kaitlyn Majewski: Maybe.

[22:50] Robert Peterpaul: I love that. And I guess finally, what are you most excited for about Monday, the big show, the Jimmies?

[22:55] Kaitlyn Majewski: I'm just excited to make my Broadway debut with all of the wonderful friends and talented humans I've met throughout this entire process.

[23:03] Robert Peterpaul: Oh, I love that. Well, thank you so much. It was so nice to meet you.

[23:07] Christian Strong: Hello, my name is Christian Strong. Um, I played Lola from Kinky Boots, and I'm from Pickerington North High School with the Capamarkey Awards.

[23:14] Robert Peterpaul: Now that is such a fun and amazing show, but as we've read in the news, sometimes towns are like crazy when you do certain shows with certain themes. What was your experience like with that role and what did it mean for you to get to perform that at your high school?

[23:26] Christian Strong: My experience with that role, it was really challenging, but um I knew it was important to do the role in its full authenticity, and I wanted to show the truth of the role. So it was an amazing experience.

[23:38] Robert Peterpaul: I love that. Speaking of amazing experiences, we're here at the Jimmy Awards in a rehearsal right now, which is wild. What is the best piece of advice you've gotten so far?

[23:44] Christian Strong: The best piece of advice I've gotten is from my coach Desi Oakley to connect my personal stories to the songs that I sing and my performances. It really changed everything for me, and I feel every bit of emotion whenever I sing now.

[24:00] Robert Peterpaul: Did she give you any tangible advice for doing that? You know, I guess it's like an actor's job to break down each line and kind of analyze it. What did she sort of say about that?

[24:08] Christian Strong: She uh told us to ask who, what, when, where, why, ask ourselves questions and write answers to them to really connect our story to the character that we're portraying. Um and in the context of the Jimmies, um, when we're performing our songs, it's not in the context of the show, so we have to um really bring it to ourselves.

[24:26] Robert Peterpaul: I love that. Speaking of bringing it to yourselves, to have a weird transition. What would you say is your dream role coming out of here? Is there a role you would love to play on Broadway one day or even at a regional theater?

[24:38] Christian Strong: Definitely the Leading Player in Pippin.

[24:41] Robert Peterpaul: I love that. It's the role that got me into musical theater, so I love it.

[24:44] Christian Strong: I love that. And do you have a Broadway idol that you kind of look up to?

[24:48] Christian Strong: Broadway idol right now, definitely Alex Newell. When I started um doing musical theater, my first show is On This Island, and I was the understudy in my production for Osaka, and I remember watching them um perform and it was just amazing.

[25:01] Robert Peterpaul: I love that. That's so wonderful. Well, I'm so excited for you all. Break a leg, thanks for talking with me.

[25:06] Christian Strong: Thank you.

[25:11] Christian Strong: Goodbye.