Cinco Paul is an Emmy Award-winning screenwriter, producer, and songwriter. He is widely recognized for his work on major animated hits like the DESPICABLE ME trilogy, THE SECRET LIFE OF PETS, THE LORAX, and HORTON HEARS A WHO. This season, he is producing his Apple TV musical comedy series SCHMIGADOON! on Broadway.

In this episode, Cinco talks about the creation of the Schmigadoon! television series, his mission trip to Japan in his early 20s, and what runs through his mind in the middle of the night.

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Cinco's Podcast Make Him Watch It

Theo of Golden book

Kelli Barrett and Jessica Vosk are powerhouses of stage and screen. Kelli most recently graced the Broadway stage in the acclaimed revival of PARADE and has starred in DR. ZHIVAGO, WICKED, and on TV in FX's "Fosse/Verdon". Jessica recently finished her beloved run in HELL'S KITCHEN, after BRIDGES OF MADISON COUNTY, FINDING NEVERLAND, FIDDLER ON THE ROOF, and more. She also shares in the WICKED sisterhood, which carries into their storytelling of BEACHES.

In this episode, they discuss the special bond it takes to portray "C.C. Bloom" and "Birdie White" in the classic friendship tale, how they ground in the characters, and what the original film means to their childhoods and love of theater.

Beaches Tickets

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Schmigadoon tickets

Two-time Tony Award-winning director Michael Arden takes on his next big story by bringing the iconic vampire film, THE LOST BOYS, to the Broadway stage this Spring. He was recently awarded for his work on MAYBE HAPPY ENDING and PARADE, as well as recognized for ONCE ON THIS ISLAND, Deaf West's SPRING AWAKENING, and many more.

In this episode, Michael discusses how he juggles working on multiple directing projects while visualizing each story, the importance of building a team of trusted collaborators, and if he'll ever go back to acting.

Schmigadoon tickets

The Lost Boys Tickets

Plant wave

Marc Shaiman is an Emmy, Tony, and Grammy Award-winning composer and lyricist for his decades of work on stage and screen, including beloved Broadway hits HAIRSPRAY, SOME LIKE IT HOT, SMASH and acclaimed films When Harry Met Sally, The First Wives Club, Sister Act, Beaches, Sleepless in Seattle, Hocus Pocus, and many more. In this episode, Marc shares stories from his memoir, Never Mind the Happy: Showbiz Stories from a Sore Winner, and discusses the power of believing in yourself, showing up, and saying "yes."

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The Sweeney Sisters

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Happy Holidays to all our listeners!

Stephanie and Marylee are moving to YouTube! Starting in Season Six, Stages Podcast will release full episodes (and maybe even some past episodes!). You'll still be able to find us whereever you get your podcasts but now you can watch full episodes!

Please head over and subscribe to the channel and share with all your friends!

Thank you all for the support and joy that you bring to all of us at Stages Podcast. We look forward to another season!

Love,

Stephanie & Marylee

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Renée Elise Goldsberry is a multi-hyphenate actress and singer, best known for originating the role of Angelica Schuyler in the groundbreaking Broadway musical HAMILTON, for which she won Tony® and Grammy® Awards and received an Emmy® nomination for the Disney+ filmed version.

She is also known for her work in RENT, THE COLOR PURPLE, THE LION KING, ALL IN: COMEDY ABOUT LOVE, GIRLS-5EVA, and THE GOOD WIFE, and will return to Broadway in THE BALUSTERS in Spring 2026.

In this episode, Renée shares memories of sharing the stage with Stephanie in their early careers and exploring life, faith, family changes, and motherhood in her acclaimed documentary, Satisfied, which is now available digitally.

Watch Satisfied Documentary

Who I Really Am album

Tickets to Stephanie J. Block Holiday Concerts

Tickets to Schmigadoon on Broadway

Jeff Hiller is a recent Emmy Award winner for his heartwarming performance as "Joel Anderson" on HBO's Somebody, Somewhere. Jeff has graced both the stage and screen in shows like American Horror Story: NYC, Crazy Ex-Girlfriend, and 30 Rock, and recently on stage in New York City Center's Encores! production of Urinetown. His new memoir, Actress of a Certain Age, is a humorous collection of autobiographical essays about an aspiring actor climbing his way to Hollywood. In this episode, Jeff shares how empathy folds into his storytelling, working through imposter syndrome, and the challenges he faced when writing a book, as a performer.

Actress of a Certain Age

Jeff's Emmy Speech

Brooke Shields Documentary Pretty Baby