Living the Dream with Rory O'Malley

Legendary producer Craig Zadan unexpectedly passed away this week, so we are replaying his recent episode in honor of his life and great career.We are lukcy to have heard so many great stories here on this podcast. He was passionate, kind and inspired us all. Craig's work will live on forever. Our condolences to his friends and family. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Asmeret (DREAMGIRLS, THE BOOK OF MORMON, LEGALLY BLONDE)is currently starring in DREAMGIRLS on the West End after performing on Broadway ensembles of numerous shows.She got her fierce work ethic and drive to succeed from her immigrant parents and her early days of dance competition in Pittsburgh.Asmeret's story is unique and shows what hard work, perseverance, and the right attitude can do. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Marc Tumminelli is the founder and director of www.broadwayworkshop.com, a school for high school and middle school performers who love Broadway. Marc started as an actor, but after years of working and a few really heart breaking experiences, he decided to start his own school in NYC. Marc has wonderful insights for actors who want to teach, kids who want to perform, and parents who have kids who have been bit by the theater bug! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Rickey Minor is one of the most successful musical directors in the business. His work on The Tonight Show, American Idol and world tours for Whitney Houston, Christina Aguilera, and Beyonce have solidified his spot as one of the biggest names in the music industry. Rickey grew up in Los Angeles and ended up walking away from a full ride college education to pursue his dream. His rise from playing in the band for DREAMGIRLS to leading the band on American Idol is an incredible American dream story. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Rachel Bloom (CRAZY EX-GIRLFRIEND) is a Golden Globe Award winning actress for playing Rebecca Bunch on her hit TV show. She talks Rory through how she went from musical theatre lover to sketch comedian to creating and starring in her own musical TV comedy series which is just starting to film it’s fourth and final season. Rachel emphasizes that thestory we play in our head is what defines us so make it a positiveone. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Bobby Steggert (BIG FISH, RAGTIME, YANK) tells Rory why he decided to walk away from an incredibly successfulacting career and pursue a masters degree in social work. Bobby has accomplished many things in the industry including being nominated for a Tony Award, but he felt compeled to make a difference in the world more directly than just throught the stage. Listen to histhoughts on defining success, social media, and happiness. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Susan Blackwell ([title of show],SIDE BY SIDE BY SUSAN BLACKWELL) tells Rory the incredible story of how [title of show] started around a kitchen table, then went downtown and made itall the way to Broadway. All along the way, Susan maintained her "survival job" and learned how to be grateful for it. Susan talks about how her song DIE VAMPIRE, DIEcame from fighting the demons in our head that tell us we aren't good enough to be artists.She has started a workshopto help other writers conquer their vampires. Susan and Rory chat about how they met, and the kind of folks that they gravitate towards in this business in orderto stay grounded. www.susanblackwell.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mandy Gonzalez (IN THE HEIGHTS, HAMILTON) talks with Rory from her dressing room in the Richard Rodgers Theatre where she currently brings down the house playing"Angelica" in HAMILTON. The same dressing room she had for IN THE HEIGHTS. Mandy has an incredible story that starts with the unlikely union of her parents, leaving college at 19 to become a back up singer for Bette Midler, and performing in Broadway hits (and one big flop). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Andrew Rannells (THE BOOK OF MORMON, GIRLS, FALSETTOS) is a two time Tony nominated actor and star of TV and film. Andrew shares his storiesabout rejection, jealousy and working in the Warner Brothers gift shop. Rory and Andrew talk about their shared experience of opening THE BOOK OF MORMON on Broadway and how it changed everything. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Producer Craig Zadan (CHICAGO, JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR LIVE) tells Rory what his definition of being a producer is and how he excelled as one on Broadway and in TV & film. Craig talks about the successes and challenges of producing live musicals for TV and of course...producing SMASH. He weaves us through his career starting from working for Joe Papp at The Public Theater, to producing the Oscars. He has an incredible story, a lot of wisdom, and is a great guy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices