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[0:00] Robert Peterpaul: Welcome to The Art of Kindness! I'm your host, Robert Peterpaul, and today we have an incredible lineup from the cast and crew of Schmigadoon! the musical. I'm thrilled to be joined by some amazing talents, including Alex Brightman, McKenzie Kurtz, Kevin Del Aguila, Sara Chase, Ann Harada, Isabelle McCalla, and Ryan Vasquez.

[0:30] Robert Peterpaul: We're diving into the world of Schmigadoon! as it prepares for its world premiere at the Kennedy Center. I can't wait to hear about the joy and kindness that fills the rehearsal room.

[1:00] Robert Peterpaul: So, let's get started! Alex, can you tell us what it’s like to translate this beloved show from screen to stage?

[1:18] Alex Brightman: It's been an incredible journey! The transition has allowed us to explore the characters in a new light, and the energy in the rehearsal room is just electric.

[1:36] McKenzie Kurtz: Absolutely! Each day brings new discoveries, and it’s so rewarding to see how the material evolves.

[1:56] Kevin Del Aguila: And the collaboration among the cast and crew is just fantastic. Everyone brings their own unique flair to the table, which makes for a really special experience.

[2:24] Sara Chase: Plus, the kindness that everyone shows each other really enhances the creative process. It’s a supportive environment where we can all thrive.

[2:52] Ann Harada: I love that! Kindness is such a vital part of our work, and it really helps us connect with each other and the material.

[3:20] Isabelle McCalla: It’s true! When we uplift one another, it reflects in our performances and the overall vibe of the show.

[3:48] Ryan Vasquez: And let’s not forget the joy that comes from being part of something so fun and whimsical. Schmigadoon! is all about celebrating positivity!

[4:12] Robert Peterpaul: That’s a great point, Ryan. What are some specific kindness tips you all have picked up during this process?

[4:40] Alex Brightman: One thing I’ve learned is the power of a simple compliment. It can really brighten someone’s day and foster a positive atmosphere.

[5:08] McKenzie Kurtz: I agree! Also, taking the time to check in with each other, especially during long rehearsal days, makes a huge difference.

[5:36] Kevin Del Aguila: And sharing laughter! We have so many moments of joy that help relieve stress and keep the energy high.

[6:04] Sara Chase: Yes! Humor is such an important part of our bond, and it helps us navigate the challenges of putting on a show.

[6:32] Ann Harada: I think being present and truly listening to one another is key. It shows that we value each other’s contributions.

[7:00] Isabelle McCalla: That’s a beautiful sentiment, Ann. It creates a sense of community that is so essential in this industry.

[7:28] Ryan Vasquez: And it’s important to celebrate the small victories along the way. Every step forward deserves recognition!

[7:56] Robert Peterpaul: Those are wonderful tips! It’s clear that kindness is at the heart of your rehearsal process.

[8:24] Alex Brightman: Absolutely! It’s what makes this experience so memorable and fulfilling.

[8:50] McKenzie Kurtz: And it’s something we can all carry with us beyond the stage.

[9:18] Kevin Del Aguila: Kindness is universal, and it’s something we can all practice every day.

[9:46] Sara Chase: I love that! It’s a reminder that we can make a difference in the world, one small act at a time.

[10:14] Ann Harada: Yes! And it’s especially important in our industry, where we have the platform to inspire others.

[10:42] Isabelle McCalla: We can use our voices to spread positivity and kindness, and that’s something I’m really passionate about.

[11:10] Ryan Vasquez: Me too! It’s all about lifting each other up and creating a ripple effect of kindness.

[11:38] Robert Peterpaul: Thank you all for sharing your insights! It’s been a joy to hear about the kindness and joy that fills the rehearsal room for Schmigadoon!

[12:06] Robert Peterpaul: I can’t wait for everyone to see the show at the Kennedy Center!

[12:37] Robert Peterpaul: Yeah, I was going to say like the I don't really come on until like two so I get to really watch all of act one and my goodness, it's like I'm probably the best audience member because I'm laughing at everything no matter how many times I've seen it. Everyone's like you said showing up with. It's like it's like a full performance. It's like we're just ready to go and I just have to say in the context of where we are of all the things that are happening not only in our country in our world. I want to do this kind of stuff. Yeah, that allows an audience to come in. Leave that stuff at the door and have a really friggin great time with us and laugh your butts off and forget your cares for however long you know you're sitting there with us. Yeah, so that's that's really the gift with this particular hopeful that all different kinds of people can sit down and unite in the darkness and clap together and respond the same way I think it's very hopeful for humanity.

[16:22] Robert Peterpaul: I would love to know for each of you. Is there a musical you would love to be stuck in? Do you have a musical that you want to be transported to and just live in the town?

[16:30] Alex Brightman: Oh, that's a great question because I'm sure there is I just can't do you have one off the top of your head right now.

[16:36] McKenzie Kurtz: I'd be cheating because I want to say In the Heights, but like, of course, I kind of live there. Okay, so like I have something I would. Okay, I would say. Gosh, everything. Everything I'm thinking of is reality. Oh, The Lion King.

[16:55] Kevin Del Aguila: That's a really good answer. I love that. Yes, forget your worries.

[17:01] McKenzie Kurtz: I would say. Well, you've both been in such iconic musicals that I mean, you know, yeah, maybe I'll go with maybe I'll go with another Disney Frozen.

[17:10] Alex Brightman: I'd love to live in Arendelle.

[17:12] McKenzie Kurtz: Oh, that would be so pretty. So magical.

[17:16] Kevin Del Aguila: On my vacations.

[17:18] McKenzie Kurtz: Yes. Well, Disney World, they all have bridges to each other. So that's definitely doable.

[17:23] Robert Peterpaul: My podcast is The Art of Kindness. So we focus on, as you know, people giving back in the arts, use their platform to make the world a little brighter. You mentioned that everybody in this cast is so kind, which is very on theme. Do you guys have maybe a story about an act of kindness? You could share something positive that's happened so far from this process that has kind of filled your cup.

[17:41] McKenzie Kurtz: Oh, I mean, I can't think of one specific moment, but just every day I've come into work. Everyone has been very kind and positive and supportive of one another because it is a lot of information coming at everybody really quickly. And so people are just really quick to be like, oh, you missed this. Let me help you or fill you in on this. And that's always just going to be a better environment for creating a show. And it's going to get it done and it's going to be that much more pleasant of an experience. So I would say mine is yesterday, actually. So I'm under the weather, came in yesterday. It was my big day to finally do all of my act two stuff. And I was, of course, sick. And every single person that I had to work with was so kind and patient. And it was one of those moments where you're like, of course, my big day and I'm impaired. And it was one of those like literally full supportive days where everyone just had my back.

[18:41] Robert Peterpaul: I love that. Well, I'm sorry you were sick, but I'm glad everyone had your back. That's amazing. Now, I think I've asked both of you this. Maybe I think of the Jimmy's and then when you came on our pod. But if you have a different one to share, I would love to know if you have a tangible kindness tip, something you think people can do on their own corner to try and make the world a little brighter, like smiling on the street.

[19:01] McKenzie Kurtz: I found that being kinder to myself in the day to day just helps me be a better person outwardly to everyone around me. And one of my New Year's resolutions this year was to be kinder to myself. And that has significantly helped me in my mental health and then how I interact with the world around me.

[19:22] Kevin Del Aguila: I love that. You can't get from an empty cup. And I love that because that's my philosophy as well. I will add to that and say in the spirit of being kinder to oneself, making time in the day to pause and stop and breathe, to let go of whatever's on your mind and on your heart. Even if one minute, just pause and give yourself that breath. It can be hard, right? Especially in this situation where it's such a fast paced rehearsal process and you stop when something goes wrong, but you don't always stop when something goes right or you need to maybe like take a breath. So it's nice to hear everybody supporting each other. And I know we got to let you go. So thank you for being here. Congratulations. I can't wait to see the show.

[20:07] Isabelle McCalla: Thank you.

[20:08] Ryan Vasquez: Thank you. I'm Isabelle McCalla and I'm playing Emma Tate.

[20:11] Ryan Vasquez: And I'm Ryan Vasquez and I play Danny Bailey. This show is so joyful already. I could tell from the preview. I can't wait to see the rest. The world needs us right now. I would love to know what has each of you so far taken away from this process? Like what makes this special so far for both of you?

[20:28] Isabelle McCalla: I think it's that it's a love letter to what we do while also kind of being able to poke fun at it. I think folks who are really theater folks will be able to appreciate this sort of like homage and Easter eggs in the score and in the script like to these specific things. But if you're not a theater person and you're just coming to enjoy yourself, I think you're also going to. So it's a nice balance in sort of like bringing folks with all different familiarity like together.

[20:52] Ryan Vasquez: Yeah, well said. I love that. Just expanding on that, I agree with every point. And also that, you know, musical theater, while absurd at many times, is also a really beautiful way of illuminating the very universal struggles that we all go through. And I think we are able to do that in a very tongue in cheek way. And we poke fun at ourselves. We poke fun at the form. We poke fun at the world around us. And I think it's just a really important time to laugh. And I hope that people come to the show feeling ready to laugh and then feel their hearts grow three sizes afterwards.

[21:25] Isabelle McCalla: Yeah, like the Grinch. I love that.

[21:27] Ryan Vasquez: Exactly. And looking at sort of that world you described, I would love to know for each of you, is there a world of a musical that you would love to be stuck in?

[21:34] Isabelle McCalla: Ooh, a world of a musical.

[21:41] Ryan Vasquez: I mean, you both were recently in kind of similar shows. They were watery, lots of wood features.

[21:45] Isabelle McCalla: Yeah, not those. Not the stories.

[21:46] Ryan Vasquez: Those were a little dark.

[21:48] Isabelle McCalla: The stories we get rained on for sure.

[21:50] Ryan Vasquez: Yeah, I can see that.

[21:51] Isabelle McCalla: You know, get beaten. No, thank you.

[21:52] Ryan Vasquez: No, no. I would want to be stuck in Schucht, actually. Cobb County. That's a very fun, joyful place.

[21:59] Isabelle McCalla: That's a good one.

[22:00] Ryan Vasquez: And it's so silly and zany. That's where I'd get stuck.

[22:02] Isabelle McCalla: Also, that's corn. Corn puddin'.

[22:04] Ryan Vasquez: Yeah, I would say Frozen, because how fun does that look?

[22:08] Isabelle McCalla: Yeah, that's what Mackenzie said.

[22:09] Ryan Vasquez: No way.

[22:10] Isabelle McCalla: She said, you should be your neighbor.

[22:11] Ryan Vasquez: Well, yeah, she was in it.

[22:12] Isabelle McCalla: Yeah, that's probably why she said it. She should show me around.

[22:15] Ryan Vasquez: Yeah, you're right. She could show you around. She'd be like, there's that door. Love is open. Come on through.

[22:19] Robert Peterpaul: Speaking of love, bad transition here. My podcast is The Art of Kindness, so it's all about people who use their platform to give back and make the world a little brighter in this industry. I would love to know for each of you, do you have a tangible kindness tip, something you would want listeners to do on their own corner to try and make the world a little better, especially now?

[22:37] Isabelle McCalla: Yeah. I think on your own corner is exactly what sort of primed my brain. I think go introduce yourself to your neighbors. Go sort of connect with the ground and get off your phone and go and meet folks in your community because we're really being, this isn't, I think, a hot take. We're being pulled apart by this stuff. So really reconnect and go and be in community with people. It will help.

[23:07] Ryan Vasquez: Yeah. I think to expand on that, too, you know there's always one moment in a conversation where you're like, if there's a dip, I could leave. But the really exciting things happen when you stay just a little bit longer. So I would challenge your listeners to stay in that slight discomfort for a little longer and then maybe come up with a question to ask the person on the other side that you wouldn't normally ask somebody.

[23:29] Isabelle McCalla: That's amazing.

[23:31] Ryan Vasquez: Won't you stay just a little bit longer?

[23:34] Isabelle McCalla: I like that.

[23:35] Ryan Vasquez: That's amazing. Thank you both for that.

[23:37] Isabelle McCalla: Yeah, I'm mentally, mentally I'm there.

[23:40] Ryan Vasquez: Yeah, I'm blacked out. You know, looking at kindness in the rehearsal space, is there an act of kindness that has been done to you so far throughout this process? I know it's been super quick, but something anyone's done to kind of like make you feel more comfortable? I know it could be a little awkward the first rehearsal days, all that kind of stuff. Anything come to mind?

[23:56] Isabelle McCalla: I feel like, because I feel like I'm working with folks that are kind of like above my pay grade, to be honest. Like there's just a lot of folks who are like older and way more established. And any sort of like connective tissue between myself and them has made me feel really emboldened to feel comfortable in the room. Like there's not this kind of energy of I've done this a million times and you may have done this like half a million. And so I'm on this side and you're on the other. Like I feel very much brought in by those folks particularly, which is, I'm thankful for.

[24:23] Ryan Vasquez: I love to hear that. And I think because, you know, we're all in process and we can get lost in our own worlds and our own heads thinking like, oh my gosh, I have so much to do with so much to learn. But remembering that, I always like to point out something that I like in every person's performance. That's true. That I'm just like, this is really great. And just pass that on. And I feel like everybody else has been really kind in that regard at throwing that back at me. So I think that's really sweet.

[24:46] Isabelle McCalla: That's beautiful. Because I think the more acclaimed people can get too, sometimes people forget to compliment them.

[24:50] Ryan Vasquez: Absolutely. You know, they're like, they know they're great. So it does make a difference. Actually, science shows compliments really do improve your well-being. So remember to do that. And I'm going to compliment you both by just saying I think you're amazing. Such like incredible performers. Can't even believe I'm next to you right now. And I wish you the best of luck on this run. I can't wait to see it.

[25:07] Isabelle McCalla: Thank you.

[25:08] Ryan Vasquez: Thank you.