This transcript was automatically generated and might contain errors.

[0:01] Robert Bannon: Are you ready? It's The Roundtable with me, Robert Bannon.

[0:08] Robert Bannon: Welcome to The Roundtable, everybody. My name is Robert Bannon. You're listening to us on Broadway World over here on the Broadway Podcast Network, iHeartSpotify, where artists talk about art.

[0:15] Robert Bannon: I have found out that Rochester, New York is putting on a show, everybody. They are always putting up shows up there at OFC Creations.

[0:24] Robert Bannon: I love talking to the people. They bring in the best of the best. And one of the best, she's going to welcome to the 60s. She is here.

[0:31] Robert Bannon: Amy Rodriguez has done this show, I think, on sea, on land, maybe in the air, hot air balloon hairspray, spaceship hair. She might have done it on Mars and everywhere. She's done it around the world. She's bringing it to Rochester. Welcome to the show. Thank you for being here.

[0:43] Amy Rodriguez: Thank you so much for having me.

[0:47] Robert Bannon: You are a Midwestern girl.

[0:51] Amy Rodriguez: I am. Yes.

[0:52] Robert Bannon: Where?

[0:52] Amy Rodriguez: So I am from the suburbs of Chicago. I'm from Schaumburg, Illinois, if anybody knows. We've got an IKEA.

[0:59] Robert Bannon: You have a gas station, food stores?

[1:03] Amy Rodriguez: Oh, yeah. We have a mall.

[1:05] Robert Bannon: You do? What is it? Tell me the name again.

[1:09] Amy Rodriguez: Woodfield Mall.

[1:10] Robert Bannon: See, I moved from New Jersey to Detroit. And the Midwest does some things that we don't do in New Jersey.

[1:20] Amy Rodriguez: Maybe it's a Detroit thing. I don't know about Chicago, but they don't call it soda here. They call it pop. That's wrong.

[1:26] Robert Bannon: It's pop. It's gym shoes instead of sneakers.

[1:30] Amy Rodriguez: Right. That's what I was going to tell you.

[1:32] Robert Bannon: Yeah, yeah.

[1:34] Amy Rodriguez: I went to the gas station and I bought a Diet Coke. And the lady said, "Would you like to pay for your pop?" I was like, "I don't have a lollipop. What is she talking about?"

[1:42] Robert Bannon: When did you get the bug to be an actor like that you wanted to sing and dance and act?

[1:47] Amy Rodriguez: So the very first show I did was Annie Warbucks at my local park district. I was a part of the featured ensemble. I was an Annie orphan, not a named character. And I had the time of my life. I remember while I was there, I had my first rehearsal room laugh or I made a joke about like a costume. And then afterwards, I just remember sitting on the couch and sobbing because I was like, I'm never going to see these people ever again. And I'm never going to get to do this ever again. And my parents are like, "Well, you can do the next show." And so since then, I've just been all about theater.

[2:20] Robert Bannon: And at some point, then you decided that you were going to study it and make it your career. They say you have a corn tattoo and you took your corn tattoo and went to New York City, I'm assuming at some point. Was it scary to leave and to make this your career?

[2:36] Amy Rodriguez: I was so excited to do it. I have I'm so lucky that my family is nothing but supportive. I mean, they were the ones that encouraged me when I was in high school. I thought I wanted to be an engineer or maybe I don't know something in math. But every school that I was looking at, I would only really consider it if they also had a theater program. And at one point, my parents were like, "Amy, why don't you just do theater?" I was like, "Oh, I guess I don't know." I just feel like you hear so many stories about people whose parents are challenging them on it, which totally makes sense. It's a really challenging career. But no, I'm very, very lucky that my parents were like, "Well, go to New York. And, you know, if you need to come back or if you need anything, we'll be there for you." So it was scary, but exciting.

[3:17] Robert Bannon: Absolutely. When you went to school, you got your degree and then you went and did it. When did you realize like, do you remember your first New York booked gig that you got that phone call that was a yes?

[3:29] Amy Rodriguez: Yes, I was I was on my way to I was still in training for person like for I had gotten a personal training job. And I was still in like the month long training period. And I get the email that I booked the national tour of Hairspray when I was on the subway. And I think, of course, it was as I was leaving the subway that I got the email. So I didn't have enough service to call my parents. And then I tried to call them, but then I had to go sit in a meeting the whole time. And it was like a two hour training session. And the whole time I was listening to them. I was like, "Yeah, sure. Whatever. You know, deadlifts and stuff." I was like, "Oh, my gosh, I'm going to go on a tour. I'm going to go on a national tour." So it was awesome. I called my parents right away. I texted group chat. I said, "Hey, give me a call right now." You know, and I told some of my best friends. Oh, it's like one of those stories that is out of a movie.

[4:17] Robert Bannon: It's yeah. Oh, my gosh. Right. So OFC Creations dot com. If you want to see her take her Tracy that has been done all around the world and do it right here in Rochester from September 24th until October 11th, you can come see it. It is a beautiful theater. It is not a bad seat in the house. You can go eat next door. They have like a farmer's market store where they have breakfast and lunch and food. And then you go see the show. OFC Creations dot com. Get a ticket.

[4:42] Robert Bannon: This show has kind of followed you like you've done it in iterations and done it in the tour. Why do you think this show, what Mark wrote and what they all have, that whole team has written and done? Why do you think it resonates and continues to be so popular?

[4:58] Amy Rodriguez: I mean, I think at its core, it's a show about love and joy, and it's about how you can use your love and joy and build people up. And I think that that's sort of all we're looking for right now. You know, if Tracy loves to dance, she gets on the show. She says, "Oh, well, I can't. My friend who showed me how to do these cool dance moves. Why can't he be on the show?" And then she immediately is bringing seaweed up. And so it's just about it's about, you know, that love and friendship and community. It's why it sticks with me, is that we all can we can all be a part of the party, truly.

[5:32] Robert Bannon: Yeah. And the music is stuck in your head for the rest of your life.

[5:36] Amy Rodriguez: Yeah, I don't think I'll ever forget.

[5:40] Robert Bannon: It's just it is just I've never done Hairspray, but I could sing that song because, you know, and this is what I love. Firstly, to the people, no shade to Broadway and no shade to tourists because they're great moving to Detroit. I love a national tour that comes to the Fisher. I love that it brings theater to people who don't have access to New York City. It's so important. But what I love so much about what they do, do you know? I don't know if you know this, Amy, because the top ticket price to see this show is 60 dollars. You don't get that in a national tour. You don't get that on Broadway. They make it accessible. That's important for people to bring their family. You might be people's first opportunity to see live musical theater.

[6:19] Amy Rodriguez: Oh, my gosh. And especially being from a place where like Broadway was not my theater market. You know, I grew up seeing shows at the Marriott Lincoln Shire or at Drury Lane. And so I grew up seeing these regional shows. So I see how important it is that I'm, you know, I'm getting to do these shows for people. And like this is these kids are getting the theater bug or these people are having their worlds changed over in Rochester. And you don't have to spend, you know, three hundred dollars on a ticket in New York. It's so important. It's beautiful.

[6:47] Amy Rodriguez: You've done you did the show on a boat.

[6:51] Amy Rodriguez: I did. Yes. My very first job out of college was doing Hairspray with Royal Caribbean.

[6:57] Robert Bannon: Is it like in my head? It sounds really fun. And then it sounds like there's a part where it's not fun anymore.

[7:04] Amy Rodriguez: It is. It is so much fun. And then you're like scrolling on Instagram and everybody's just living their lives. And you're on this cruise ship for a year. But it's oh, my gosh, it's so much fun. And I have friends from all over the world now. So, like, I've got best friends in England and best friends in Australia. But I mean, you know, we were doing "I Know Where I've Been" standing and watching Watermouth and the boat is rocking. And so the guy playing Link is holding on to me because I'm steady on my feet.

[7:33] Robert Bannon: Oh, it had to be. All I could think of is how much weight I would gain because you get to eat like you get to eat like a cruise ship passenger.

[7:41] Amy Rodriguez: So they have the crew masks for everyone. And so there's that food is really, really cool because a lot of the chefs aren't from America. So I was eating like really interesting, you know, Indian cuisine or Indonesian food. But then I was also lucky enough because of like my performer contract. I could go eat in the guest area. So I got to have some really good food there.

[8:01] Robert Bannon: If I ever booked a contract like that, they better have elastic waist pants. That's not that is not good for me.

[8:08] Amy Rodriguez: So while you're a performer life and living your performer life and touring and doing shows and you just you just like you did Olaf at Fireside Theater. What's it like to play a character like that where there's no gender? You're bringing your own original idea to it.

[8:25] Amy Rodriguez: It is so much fun. So I'm actually currently playing Olaf. I've got two shows later on today.

[8:30] Robert Bannon: Is that you're in artist housing like you're at the show right now?

[8:33] Amy Rodriguez: Yes, yes. I'm in Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin.

[8:36] Robert Bannon: Back in the Midwest. You're here.

[8:39] Amy Rodriguez: Oh, yeah. I'm glowing. Can't you tell?

[8:41] Robert Bannon: Yes, I love it.

[8:43] Amy Rodriguez: I'm having so much fun. So I've learned puppetry, which is a totally different thing.

[8:47] Amy Rodriguez: You can’t stop the beat! Hairspray is such an iconic show, and I’m thrilled to be stepping back into the role of Tracy Turnblad for this new production at OFC Creations. It’s a character that I’ve loved playing before on the national tour, and now I get to bring her to life again in Rochester, New York.

[9:07] Robert Bannon: That’s amazing! What does it feel like to return to a character that you know so well?

[9:27] Amy Rodriguez: It feels like coming home. Tracy is such a vibrant and joyful character, and I’ve grown so much since I first played her. I think what resonates with me now is her message of acceptance and standing up for what’s right. It’s a message that feels just as relevant today as it did when the show first premiered.

[9:47] Robert Bannon: Absolutely! Hairspray has such a powerful message about representation and inclusivity. How do you think that impacts audiences today?

[10:07] Amy Rodriguez: I think it’s incredibly important. The show encourages people to embrace who they are and to celebrate diversity. It’s a reminder that everyone deserves to be seen and heard, and I believe that resonates deeply with audiences, especially in today’s world.

[10:27] Robert Bannon: And the music! The energy of Hairspray is infectious. What’s it like to perform those high-energy numbers?

[10:47] Amy Rodriguez: It’s exhilarating! The stamina required is definitely a challenge, but the joy of performing those songs and dancing with the cast makes it all worth it. There’s nothing quite like the feeling of being on stage and sharing that energy with the audience.

[11:07] Robert Bannon: I can only imagine! What has been your favorite moment in rehearsals so far?

[11:27] Amy Rodriguez: Honestly, just seeing everyone come together and bring their unique talents to the production has been a highlight. The choreography by Jasón N. Wells is fantastic, and I love watching how everyone interprets their roles. It’s a collaborative effort, and it’s so inspiring to be a part of it.

[11:47] Robert Bannon: That sounds wonderful! How do you prepare for a role like Tracy, especially after having played her before?

[12:07] Amy Rodriguez: I like to revisit the material and really dive into Tracy’s journey. I think about what she represents and how she grows throughout the show. It’s also important for me to connect with the cast and director to ensure we’re all on the same page with the vision for this production.

[12:27] Robert Bannon: That’s a great approach. What do you hope audiences take away from this production of Hairspray?

[12:47] Amy Rodriguez: I hope they leave feeling uplifted and inspired. Hairspray is all about joy, love, and acceptance, and I want people to feel that in their hearts. It’s a celebration of who we are and the power of standing together for what’s right.

[13:07] Robert Bannon: I love that! It’s such an important message. Can you tell us a bit about the production team and what they bring to the show?

[13:27] Amy Rodriguez: Absolutely! Eric Vaughn Johnson is directing, and he has such a clear vision for the show. He really understands the heart of Hairspray. Jasón N. Wells, our choreographer, brings so much energy and creativity to the dance numbers. Together, they create an environment that encourages us to explore and push our boundaries.

[13:47] Robert Bannon: It sounds like a dream team! What are you most looking forward to as you get closer to opening night?

[14:07] Amy Rodriguez: I’m really looking forward to sharing this experience with the audience. There’s nothing like the excitement of opening night and feeling that connection with everyone in the theater. I can’t wait to see their reactions to the show!

[14:27] Robert Bannon: It’s going to be such a special moment. For those who want to catch the show, when does it run?

[14:47] Amy Rodriguez: Hairspray runs from September 24 through October 11 at the OFC Creations Theatre Center. It’s going to be an incredible experience, and I hope everyone can join us!

[15:07] Robert Bannon: I’m sure it will be! Thank you so much for joining me today, Amy. It’s been a pleasure chatting with you about Hairspray and your journey as Tracy Turnblad.

[15:27] Amy Rodriguez: Thank you for having me, Robert! I can’t wait to see everyone at the show!

[15:47] Robert Bannon: And to our listeners, make sure to get your tickets and support this amazing production. You won’t want to miss it!