Broadway Gives Back

We’re dancing our way into 2022 with two very special guests. Jerry Mitchell is a two-time Tony Award-winning choreographer for LA CAGE AUX FOLLES and KINKY BOOTS, both of which he also directed. His directing credits also include LEGALLY BLONDE, ON YOUR FEET!, and PRETTY WOMAN. Offstage, Jerry has made a significant impact as the creator of Broadway Bares, the annual comedy burlesque show that has raised over 22 million dollars for Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS. Paul Canaan has appeared as a performer on Broadway for over 15 years and served as the Dance Captain on KINKY BOOTS. He’s also the co-founder and Executive Director of Take It From The Top, a national arts alliance that provides quality education enrichment through music, dance, and theatre. Jerry and Paul recently partnered to launch The Original Production, a dance licensing company that offers high schools and theaters the opportunity to learn and perform original Broadway choreography. Join Jerry and Paul as they go backstage with their amazing careers and the importance of arts education for future generations. Learn more about about the worthy causes discussed in this episodes and how you can donate and/or help: Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS The Original Production Take It From The Top Black Theatre United The Penguin Project Connect with Jerry: Twitter: @jammyprod Instagram: @jammyprod Connect with Paul: Instagram: @paulcanaan Connect with The Broadway Gives Back Podcast: Facebook: @broadwaygivesbackpodcast Instagram: @broadwaygivesbackpodcast Twitter: @broadwaygives Hosted & Executive Produced by Jan Svendsen and co-produced & edited by Jim Lochner. A proud member of the Broadway Podcast Network. Special thanks to Dori Berinstein, Alan Seales, and Kimberlee Garris from BPN; Julian Hills from The Bulldog Agency; and Eric Becker from Broderick Street Music. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Best known for his roles as Bob Gaudio in the touring company and Clint Eastwood’s film version of JERSEY BOYS and as Blake Moran in the hit CBS television series MADAM SECRETARY, Erich Bergen made his Broadway debut in 2018 in the hit musical WAITRESS, and recently returned to the show for a limited run. During the pandemic, he started a side hustle creating online charity events. Join Erich as he goes behind the scenes of JERSEY BOYS and WAITRESS, and the challenges of raising money for important causes during the pandemic. Learn more about about the worthy causes discussed in this episodes and how you can donate and/or help: The Actors Fund CDC Foundation UNICEF Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS Save the Music Foundation The Manilow Music Project God’s Love We Deliver Bring Change to Mind Connect with Erich: Facebook: @erichbergen Twitter: @erichbergen Instagram: @erichbergen Connect with The Broadway Gives Back Podcast: Facebook: @broadwaygivesbackpodcast Instagram: @broadwaygivesbackpodcast Twitter: @broadwaygives Hosted & Executive Produced by Jan Svendsen and co-produced & edited by Jim Lochner. A proud member of the Broadway Podcast Network. Special thanks to Dori Berinstein, Alan Seales, and Kimberlee Garris from BPN; Julian Hills from The Bulldog Agency; and Eric Becker from Broderick Street Music. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Miracle on 22nd Street is an amazing holiday charity that connects families in need with real-life elves. Join founder Jim Glaub as he tells the fascinating backstory behind these “Dear Santa” letters and the joys of giving back. Learn more about about the worthy causes discussed in this episodes and how you can donate and/or help: Miracle on 22nd Street Black Theatre Coalition American Theatre Wing Connect with Jim: Website: JimGlaub.com Facebook: @JimGlaub Twitter: @JimGlaub Instagram: @JimGlaub Connect with The Broadway Gives Back Podcast: Facebook: @broadwaygivesbackpodcast Instagram: @broadwaygivesbackpodcast Twitter: @broadwaygives Hosted & Executive Produced by Jan Svendsen and co-produced & edited by Jim Lochner. A proud member of the Broadway Podcast Network. Special thanks to Dori Berinstein, Alan Seales, and Kimberlee Garris from BPN; Julian Hills from The Bulldog Agency; and Eric Becker from Broderick Street Music. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Norm Lewis is a talented singer, actor, and performer and possesses one of Broadway’s best baritones. For his performance as Porgy in the Broadway production of THE GERSHWINS’ PORGY AND BESS, he received Tony, Drama Desk, Drama League, and Outer Critics Circle Award nominations. Norm’s many other theater credits include SIDE SHOW, THE LITTLE MERMAID, LES MISÉRABLES, CHICAGO, MISS SAIGON, ONCE ON THIS ISLAND, SWEENY TODD, and most recently, CHICKEN AND BISCUITS. In May of 2014, he made history as THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA’s first African American Phantom on Broadway. Join Norm as he shares memories of his Broadway career, working with Stephen Sondheim, and his work for social justice. Learn more about about the worthy causes discussed in this episodes and how you can donate and/or help: Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS The Actors Fund Black Theatre United Broadway Advocacy Coalition Black Theatre Coalition Midnight Run Connect with Norm: Website: NormLewis.com Facebook: @OfficialNormLewis Twitter: @normlewis777 Instagram: @thenormlewis Norm Lewis: (There’s No Place Like) Home for the Holidays concert One Night Only: Norma Lewis Carnegie Hall concert with The New York Pops Connect with The Broadway Gives Back Podcast: Facebook: @broadwaygivesbackpodcast Instagram: @broadwaygivesbackpodcast Twitter: @broadwaygives Hosted & Executive Produced by Jan Svendsen and co-produced & edited by Jim Lochner. A proud member of the Broadway Podcast Network. Special thanks to Dori Berinstein, Alan Seales, and Kimberlee Garris from BPN; Julian Hills from The Bulldog Agency; and Eric Becker from Broderick Street Music. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week’s episode shines a spotlight on The Stuttering Association for the Young, or SAY, a national nonprofit that empowers, educates, and supports young people who stutter and the world that surrounds them. SAY offers comprehensive and innovative programs that address the physical, social, and emotional impacts of stuttering by providing support, advocacy, and life-changing experiences for these young people. Join SAY Executive Director Noah Cornman, Vice President Travis Robertson, and board member and one of SAY’s biggest supporters, Tony Award winner Kelli O’Hara as they share their inspiring stories about this very special organization. Learn more about about the worthy causes discussed in this episodes and how you can donate and/or help: SAY SAY Winter Benefit (streaming December 9) Connect with SAY: Facebook: @sayorg Twitter: @sayorg Instagram: @sayorg Connect with Kelli: Website: KelliOHara.com Facebook: @kellioharasings Twitter: @kelliohara Instagram: @kelliohara Connect with The Broadway Gives Back Podcast: Facebook: @broadwaygivesbackpodcast Instagram: @broadwaygivesbackpodcast Twitter: @broadwaygives Hosted & Executive Produced by Jan Svendsen and co-produced & edited by Jim Lochner. A proud member of the Broadway Podcast Network. Special thanks to Dori Berinstein, Alan Seales, and Kimberlee Garris from BPN; Julian Hills from The Bulldog Agency; and Eric Becker from Broderick Street Music. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Frank DiLella is one of Broadway’s most recognizable faces. As the Emmy Award winning host of ON STAGE, a weekly theater program on Spectrum News NY1, Frank has served as a correspondent on- and off-Broadway and around the world, and hosts his own podcast “Show and Tell with Frank DiLella” on iHeart Radio. A strong advocate for arts education, join Frank as he recounts some of his favorite backstage stories and the joys of doing good—this time from the other side of the mic! Learn more about about the worthy causes discussed in this episodes and how you can donate and/or help: The Roger Rees Awards The Clive & Valerie Barnes Foundation The Actors Fund Jimmy Awards Connect with Frank: Website: FrankDiLella.com Facebook: @FrankDiLella Twitter: @fdilella Instagram: @fdilella On Stage Show & Tell with Frank DiLella podcast NY1 Connect with The Broadway Gives Back Podcast: Facebook: @broadwaygivesbackpodcast Instagram: @broadwaygivesbackpodcast Twitter: @broadwaygives Hosted & Executive Produced by Jan Svendsen and co-produced & edited by Jim Lochner. A proud member of the Broadway Podcast Network. Special thanks to Dori Berinstein, Alan Seales, and Kimberlee Garris from BPN; Julian Hills from The Bulldog Agency; and Eric Becker from Broderick Street Music. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Britton Smith is a founding member and the President of the Broadway Advocacy Coalition, the Tony Award-winning organization that unites artists, experts, students, and community leaders to use storytelling and artistry to combat systemic racism. He has also appeared as an actor on Broadway in BE MORE CHILL, AFTER MIDNIGHT, and SHUFFLE ALONG, as well as a number of Off-Broadway shows. In addition, he’s a singer/songwriter and the frontman for the funk-gospel-soul group Britton & The Sting. Join Britton as he discusses BAC’s important work in making Broadway a more equitable space for all. Learn more about about the worthy causes discussed in this episodes and how you can donate and/or help: Broadway Advocacy Coalition BAC Artivism Fellowship Black Theatre Coalition Black Theatre United Connect with Britton: Facebook: @brittonandthesting Instagram: @brittonsmithworld Britton & The Sting Instagram: @brittonandthesting “Holdin’ On” by Britton & The Sting Connect with The Broadway Gives Back Podcast: Facebook: @broadwaygivesbackpodcast Instagram: @broadwaygivesbackpodcast Twitter: @broadwaygives Hosted & Executive Produced by Jan Svendsen and co-produced & edited by Jim Lochner. A proud member of the Broadway Podcast Network. Special thanks to Dori Berinstein, Alan Seales, and Kimberlee Garris from BPN; Julian Hills from The Bulldog Agency; and Eric Becker from Broderick Street Music. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For Broadway fans, Dr. Luz Towns-Miranda is Lin-Manuel Miranda’s mom. But she’s also a Board Member of the Planned Parenthood Action Fund, the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History, and the American Theater Wing. As a psychologist and psychoanalyst, her career has focused on providing services to underserved communities in Upper Manhattan and The Bronx, and she was appointed to the New York State Psychology Board in 2000. Join Luz as she discusses her extensive philanthropic work with her phenomenal family. Learn more about about the worthy causes discussed in this episodes and how you can donate and/or help: Planned Parenthood Action Fund Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History American Theater Wing Hispanic Federation Miranda Family Fund Connect with Luz: Instagram: @mirandamama Connect with The Broadway Gives Back Podcast: Facebook: @broadwaygivesbackpodcast Instagram: @broadwaygivesbackpodcast Twitter: @broadwaygives Hosted & Executive Produced by Jan Svendsen and co-produced & edited by Jim Lochner. A proud member of the Broadway Podcast Network. Special thanks to Dori Berinstein, Alan Seales, and Kimberlee Garris from BPN; Julian Hills from The Bulldog Agency; and Eric Becker from Broderick Street Music. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Todd Wagner is founder and CEO of Charity Network, a company that harnesses the power of celebrity, technology, and media to raise awareness and funds for causes around the world. In 1995 he introduced streaming media to the world when he launched Broadcast.com with business partner Mark Cuban and later sold the company to Yahoo! for $5.7 billion. As CEO of 2929 Entertainment, he pioneered the practice of releasing films simultaneously in theaters, on digital platforms, and DVD, and brings compelling stories to life through 2929 Productions and Magnolia Pictures. Join Todd as he tells his inspiring story of entrepreneurship and philanthropy, helping improve the lives of at-risk children through the Todd Wagner Foundation. Learn more about about the worthy causes discussed in this episodes and how you can donate and/or help: Todd Wagner Foundation Charity Network Charitybuzz Prizeo Afterschool All-Stars Boys & Girls Clubs of America Cause Reports Connect with The Broadway Gives Back Podcast: Facebook: @broadwaygivesbackpodcast Instagram: @broadwaygivesbackpodcast Twitter: @broadwaygives Hosted & Executive Produced by Jan Svendsen and co-produced & edited by Jim Lochner. A proud member of the Broadway Podcast Network. Special thanks to Dori Berinstein, Alan Seales, and Kimberlee Garris from BPN; Julian Hills from The Bulldog Agency; and Eric Becker from Broderick Street Music. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Marissa Jaret Winokur is one of “the nicest kids in town.” Best known for her Tony Award-winning role as “Tracy Turnblad” in the hit Broadway musical HAIRSPRAY, Marissa has also starred in film and TV, where she also became the first winner of CELEBRITY BIG BROTHER. In addition to being an award winning artist, she’s a cancer survivor, a wife, a mom, and a philanthropist. Join Marissa as she talks about reuniting with her HAIRSPRAY family for the opening number at this year’s Tonys, the importance of the role of Tracy, and the power of giving back. Learn more about about the worthy causes discussed in this episodes and how you can donate and/or help: Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS Hydrocephalus Association She Should Run Prevent Cancer Foundation Connect with Marissa: Website: officialmarissajaretwinokur.com Facebook: @marissajaretwinokur Twitter: @marissajwinokur Instagram: @marissajaretwinokur Connect with The Broadway Gives Back Podcast: Facebook: @broadwaygivesbackpodcast Instagram: @broadwaygivesbackpodcast Twitter: @broadwaygives Hosted & Executive Produced by Jan Svendsen and co-produced & edited by Jim Lochner. A proud member of the Broadway Podcast Network. Special thanks to Dori Berinstein, Alan Seales, and Kimberlee Garris from BPN; Julian Hills from The Bulldog Agency; and Eric Becker from Broderick Street Music. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices