Join host Donna McKechnie and “The Ladies Who Lunch” at Sardi's for a scrumptious meal of rarified theatre storytelling. Candid conversation about career adventures, challenges and mishaps take you deep inside the making of legendary shows and careers. You’re not going to want to miss this! Produced by the Broadway Podcast Network.
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Apple Podcasts
🇬🇧 Great Britain - performingArts
21/02/2026
#94
🇨🇦 Canada - performingArts
20/05/2025
#75
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#10 - Christine Pedi, Nancy Opel & Jeanine Tesori
Episode 10
Monday, December 9, 2024 • Duration 01:10:40
Christine Pedi is renowned for her work in Forbidden Broadway, where she showcased her talent for impersonating Broadway divas. Pedi's Broadway credits include Little Me (1998), Talk Radio (2007), and Chicago (2013), where she portrayed Matron "Mama" Morton. Off-Broadway, she starred in NEWSical the Musical and Spamilton: An American Parody. On television, she appeared as Karen Baccalieri in The Sopranos and voiced Holly Blue Agate in Steven Universe. Pedi also hosts "The Broadway Breakfast" and co-hosts "Dueling Divas" on Sirius XM's On Broadway channel.
Nancy Opel is an American singer and actress known for her extensive work on Broadway. She originated the role of Penelope Pennywise in Urinetown, earning a Tony Award nomination for Best Actress in a Musical in 2002. Her Broadway credits include Evita (1979), Sunday in the Park with George (1984), Anything Goes, Triumph of Love (1997), Fiddler on the Roof (2004), Memphis (2011–2012), Cinderella (2014), Honeymoon in Vegas (2014–2015), and Into the Woods (2022). Opel has also appeared in television series such as Law & Order, Law & Order: Criminal Intent, and Law & Order: SVU.
Jeanine Tesori is an American composer and musical arranger known for her work in theatre, film, and television. She is the most prolific and honored female theatrical composer in history, with notable credits including Fun Home (Tony Award for Best Original Score), Caroline, or Change, Thoroughly Modern Millie, Shrek the Musical, Violet, and Kimberly Akimbo. Tesori has been nominated for multiple Tony Awards and has won the Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Music. Her film work includes arrangements for Mulan II and The Little Mermaid: Ariel's Beginning. She was the first female composer to have two Broadway musicals running simultaneously and is recognized for her work promoting diversity in the arts.
Produced by Dori Berinstein and Alan Seales, music composed by Matthew Sklar.
Part of the Broadway Podcast Network.
Every episode is recorded live at the legendary Sardi's restaurant, 234 W 44th St, New York, NY 10036. Thank you so very much to Max Klimavicius, Sean Ricketts, Beth Shafeman and the entire Sardi’s family for your tremendous kindness and delicious cuisine!
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Daphne Rubin-Vega is a Tony-nominated actress and singer best known for originating the role of Mimi Marquez in the original Broadway cast of Rent. Born in Panama and raised in New York City, she has received two Tony nominations for her performances in Rent and Anna in the Tropics. Her career includes roles in Broadway productions such as Les Misérables and the film adaptation of In the Heights, in which she played Daniela. Rubin-Vega is also a singer-songwriter with a discography that highlights her work beyond acting.
Frances "Frankie" Ruffelle is an English singer and actress known for originating the role of Éponine in the London and Broadway productions of Les Misérables, for which she won a Tony Award for Best Featured Actress in a Musical. She has appeared in other stage productions, including Starlight Express and Chicago. Ruffelle has also released multiple solo albums showcasing her vocal talent and versatility as a recording artist. In addition to her stage and recording work, she has represented the United Kingdom in the Eurovision Song Contest.
Nkeki Obi-Melekwe is an actress and singer known for her portrayal of Tina Turner in the Broadway production of Tina: The Tina Turner Musical, a role she also played on the West End in London. She has appeared in television series such as Power and Smash. Obi-Melekwe studied at the University of Michigan, where she honed her performance skills. Her work in Tina: The Tina Turner Musical garnered critical attention, showcasing her talent in embodying the legendary singer's powerful presence.
Produced by Dori Berinstein and Alan Seales, music composed by Matthew Sklar.
Part of the Broadway Podcast Network.
Every episode is recorded live at the legendary Sardi's restaurant, 234 W 44th St, New York, NY 10036. Thank you so very much to Max Klimavicius, Sean Ricketts, Beth Shafeman and the entire Sardi’s family for your tremendous kindness and delicious cuisine!
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Podcast Teaser
Thursday, September 26, 2019 • Duration 01:06
Join host Donna McKechnie and “The Ladies Who Lunch” at Sardis for a scrumptious meal of rarified theatre storytelling. Candid conversation about career adventures, challenges and mishaps take you deep inside the making of legendary shows and careers. You’re not going to want to miss this.
Produced by Dori Berinstein and Alan Seales, music composed by Matthew Sklar.
Part of the Broadway Podcast Network.
Every episode is recorded live at the legendary Sardi's restaurant, 234 W 44th St, New York, NY 10036. Thank you so very much to Max Klimavicius, Sean Ricketts, Beth Shafeman and the entire Sardi’s family for your tremendous kindness and delicious cuisine!
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
#8 - Mimi Quillin, Nancy Ticotin & Dana Moore
Episode 8
Monday, November 25, 2024 • Duration 01:12:12
Mimi Quillin is a distinguished dancer, choreographer, and actress best known for her work with the renowned choreographer Bob Fosse. A former member of the Fosse dance company, Quillin was handpicked by Fosse to assist with choreography and perform in several of his iconic productions, including Sweet Charity and Pippin. She later worked closely with Gwen Verdon, learning firsthand about the creative processes behind some of Broadway’s most celebrated shows. Quillin’s career has spanned stage, film, and television, where her expertise in Fosse's style made her a sought-after figure in the dance world. Today, she continues to influence the next generation of dancers and performers, both as an educator and a creative consultant.
Nancy Ticotin is a versatile actress, singer, and dancer with a career spanning Broadway, film, and television. Known for her powerful stage presence and dynamic talent, Ticotin has appeared in Broadway productions such as In the Heights and Jerome Robbins' Broadway. With a strong foundation in dance, she has performed with prestigious companies like Ballet Hispanico and has worked alongside prominent choreographers. Ticotin's on-screen credits include roles in TV series like Law & Order and films such as Ransom and The Wiz Live!. Celebrated for her commitment to authentic Latinx representation, she remains an influential figure in the performing arts, inspiring audiences and artists alike.
Dana Moore is a celebrated Broadway dancer, actress, and choreographer renowned for her mastery of Bob Fosse’s unique style. A prominent figure in the dance world, she has appeared in acclaimed Broadway productions including Fosse, Chicago, and A Chorus Line. Moore worked closely with Fosse himself and has since become a highly respected interpreter and instructor of his choreography, sharing his techniques with new generations of performers. Known for her sharp precision and expressive movement, Moore has contributed to numerous productions as a performer and dance captain, and she continues to shape the industry as a teacher, mentor, and Fosse specialist.
Produced by Dori Berinstein and Alan Seales, music composed by Matthew Sklar.
Part of the Broadway Podcast Network.
Every episode is recorded live at the legendary Sardi's restaurant, 234 W 44th St, New York, NY 10036. Thank you so very much to Max Klimavicius, Sean Ricketts, Beth Shafeman and the entire Sardi’s family for your tremendous kindness and delicious cuisine!
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
#7 - Lori Tan Chinn, Mary Ann Lamb & Randie Levine-Miller
Episode 7
Tuesday, October 15, 2024 • Duration 01:34:54
Lori Tan Chinn is an American actress and comedian. She played a recurring character in the Netflix series Orange Is the New Black and currently stars as Awkwafina's grandmother on Comedy Central's Awkwafina Is Nora from Queens.
Mary Ann Lamb is a accomplished Broadway performer with an extensive career. While details about her acting training are unknown, her credits reveal a talented dancer and stage presence. She's graced the Broadway stage in at least eleven productions, including well-known shows like "Curtains" alongside David Hyde Pierce, "Contact," and "Fosse." Lamb's dancing talents also landed her roles in the film adaptations of "Chicago" and "Rock of Ages."
Randie Levine-Miller is an experienced Producer with a demonstrated history of working in the entertainment industry. She is skilled in entertainment, comedy, musical theatre and acting. She is a strong media and communication professional who graduated from Music and Art; Professional Children's School; NY Institute of Technology.
Produced by Dori Berinstein and Alan Seales, music composed by Matthew Sklar.
Part of the Broadway Podcast Network.
Every episode is recorded live at the legendary Sardi's restaurant, 234 W 44th St, New York, NY 10036. Thank you so very much to Max Klimavicius, Sean Ricketts, Beth Shafeman and the entire Sardi’s family for your tremendous kindness and delicious cuisine!
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
#6 - Kerry Butler, Tonya Pinkins & Nell Benjamin
Episode 6
Friday, June 12, 2020 • Duration 01:33:57
Donna welcomes beloved actor Kerry Butler, acclaimed Tony-winning actor/activist Tonya Pinkins and maestro lyricist/book writer Nell Benjamin to Sardis. Over lunch, these super power women chat about the twists and turns in their careers, their lives and Broadway.
Tony-Nominee Kerry Butler was most recently seen on Broadway in "Beetlejuice". Other unforgettable roles include: “Mean Girls”, “Disaster!”, “Catch Me If You Can”, “Xanadu”, “Little Shop”, “Hairspray” and “Bat Boy”.
Tonya Pinkins, a Tony-winning actor and host of the Broadway Podcast Network Podcast “You Can’t Say That’, has been celebrated for her work in “Caroline, Or Change”, “Jelly’s Last Jam”, “Play On!”, “Radio Golf”, “Holler If Ya Hear Me” and “The Wild Party”.
Tony-Nominee and Olivier Award winner Nell Benjamin is a lyricist, writer and composer has been recognized for her work on “Mean Girls”, “Legally Blonde”, “The Explorers Club”, “Sarah Plain and Tall” and “Cam Jansen”.
Produced by Dori Berinstein and Alan Seales, music composed by Matthew Sklar.
Part of the Broadway Podcast Network.
Every episode is recorded live at the legendary Sardi's restaurant, 234 W 44th St, New York, NY 10036. Thank you so very much to Max Klimavicius, Sean Ricketts, Beth Shafeman and the entire Sardi’s family for your tremendous kindness and delicious cuisine!
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Donna welcomes comic genius Beth Leavel, brilliant playwright Theresa Rebeck and maestro music supervisor and philanthropist Mary-Mitchell Campbell to Sardis. These powerhouse women lunch while lost in riveting insider conversation about their careers and their lives.
Triple theatre Tony winner Beth Leavel was most recently seen on Broadway in "The Prom". Other unforgettable roles include: the title role in "The Drowsy Chaperone", Florence Greenberg in "Baby It's You", Mrs. June Adams in "Bandstand" and Emily in "Elf".
Renown playwright Theresa Rebeck's most recent work, "Seared Ends", played Off-Broadway in 2019. She has been celebrated for her Broadway plays "Bernhardt/Hamlet", "Dead Accounts", "Seminar" and "Mauritius".
Mary-Mitchell Campbell is unstoppable as a brilliant artist and formidable philanthropist for her organization ASTEP. Her Broadway work as Musical Director, Supervisor, Arranger... includes: "The Prom", "Mean Girls", "Finding Neverland", "The Addams Family" and the 2006 "Company".
Produced by Dori Berinstein and Alan Seales, music composed by Matthew Sklar.
Part of the Broadway Podcast Network.
Every episode is recorded live at the legendary Sardi's restaurant, 234 W 44th St, New York, NY 10036. Thank you so very much to Max Klimavicius, Sean Ricketts, Beth Shafeman and the entire Sardi’s family for your tremendous kindness and delicious cuisine!
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
#4 - Angie Schworer, Ann Harada & Pamela Hunt
Episode 4
Wednesday, February 26, 2020 • Duration 01:18:20
PROM star Angie Schworer, AVENUE Q star Ann Harada and Director Pamela Hunt are this episode's guests on “The Ladies Who Lunch”.
Legendary Chorus Girl Angie Schworer made her Broadway debut in WILL ROGERS FOLLIES, followed by high-kicking rolls in such shows as CRAZY FOR YOU, SUNSET BOULEVARD, ANNIE GET YOUR GUN, THE PRODUCERS, SOMETHING ROTTEN! and most recently as Angie in THE PROM.
Beloved performer Ann Harada made her Broadway debut in M BUTTERFLY followed by performances in SEUSSICAL, AVENUE Q, LES MISERABLE, 9 To 5 and, most recently, Rodger & Hammerstein’s CINDERELLA.
Originally an actor and dancer, Pamela Hunt has directed and choreographed shows at Regional Theaters all across the U.S. and Europe.
Produced by Dori Berinstein and Alan Seales, music composed by Matthew Sklar.
Part of the Broadway Podcast Network.
Every episode is recorded live at the legendary Sardi's restaurant, 234 W 44th St, New York, NY 10036. Thank you so very much to Max Klimavicius, Sean Ricketts, Beth Shafeman and the entire Sardi’s family for your tremendous kindness and delicious cuisine!
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
#3 - Mercedes Ellington, Susan L. Schulman & Mary Testa
Episode 3
Thursday, December 26, 2019 • Duration 01:14:12
Join host Tony-winner Donna McKechnie at Sardis for Episode #3 of “The Ladies Who Lunch”. Donna’s guests are three-time-Tony Award nominee Mary Testa, currently starring on Broadway as Aunt Eller in “Rodger & Hammerstein’s Oklahoma!”, legendary publicist and author Susan L. Schulman….and Mercedes Ellington, dancer, choreographer, director and producer. Bon Appetite!
Produced by Dori Berinstein and Alan Seales, music composed by Matthew Sklar.
Part of the Broadway Podcast Network.
Every episode is recorded live at the legendary Sardi's restaurant, 234 W 44th St, New York, NY 10036. Thank you so very much to Max Klimavicius, Sean Ricketts, Beth Shafeman and the entire Sardi’s family for your tremendous kindness and delicious cuisine!
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Joanne Jefferson, in the original cast of RENT on Broadway, Fredi Walker-Browne is an actor, director, singer, producer and teacher. Fredi toured nationally with THE LION KING in the role of Rafiki. She is the founder and president of Big Spoon Productions.
Cady Huffman, Tony, Drama Desk and Outer Critics-winning star of THE PRODUCERS for her role as Ulla. She is also acclaimed for her unforgettable recurring role on CURB YOUR ENTHUSIASM and as a judge on the Food Network’s “Kitchen Stadium”.
Tony-nominated Director and Choreographer of the RAGTIME revival, Marcia Milgrom Dodge is also a playwright and a teacher. Marcia has directed and choreographed Off-Broadway and Regional productions for over 30 years.
Produced by Dori Berinstein and Alan Seales, music composed by Matthew Sklar.
Part of the Broadway Podcast Network.
Every episode is recorded live at the legendary Sardi's restaurant, 234 W 44th St, New York, NY 10036. Thank you so very much to Max Klimavicius, Sean Ricketts, Beth Shafeman and the entire Sardi’s family for your tremendous kindness and delicious cuisine!
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
