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[0:00] Mo Brady: You're listening to The Ensemblist, the only podcast that shows you Broadway from the inside out.

[0:19] Mo Brady: Welcome back, I'm Mo Brady.

[0:33] Mo Brady: On January 5, 2020, Broadway will dim the lights on one of its most delicious confections—Waitress. During its more than four years and 1,544 regular performances on Broadway, The Ensemblist has shared many stories from its talented company. Today on the podcast, we share with you two completely new stories, as well as some of our favorite Waitress audio from the past year. First up is Jessie Hooker-Bailey, Waitress Ensemble member and understudy for the role of Dawn, about one of those 1,544 performances that she will never, ever forget.

[1:09] Jessie Hooker-Bailey: September 17, 2019 is a night I will never forget. I had seen on the calendar on our call board that I'd been given an understudy performance date. I quickly noticed that it would be on one of Jordan Sparks' first nights in Waitress. We would be in transition between Colleen Ballinger's leaving and Caitlin Houlihan's coming back, who both play Dawn brilliantly. I didn't want to get too excited that I would possibly get the date, though. Not until it was final. As an understudy, you have to be prepared to go on at any time, but also be prepared to possibly get a date, and for whatever reason, it not work out. It's all a part of the gig. Nothing personal. Definitely not a perk of it all, but it's what we sign up for as understudies.

There can be a lot of anxiety being an understudy. Not getting to sing the songs every day or run blocking in performance can be stressful. There are so many props. But again, it's all a part of the job. You have to personally do what you need to do in order to be ready for the show at any time. Take dance lessons, show up to rehearsals, which us Waitress cast members know a lot about, and continue to pay attention and watch the shows, tracks you're responsible for, while also doing your own track on stage every night. There are ups and downs like any job, and that Tuesday was a big up. When I saw I had the date, though again, I was still not holding my breath in case of any changes, the first words out of my mouth to a fellow cast member were, "Oh my god, that means all three waitresses would be black."

That's never happened with this show before. My cast members squealed with me and I decided to keep it hush and again, not get too excited in case it were to change. But as the date grew closer and it was showing that my fellow understudy buddy Molly Jo would have that Monday and I would cover Tuesday's show, I started to get excited. I called my parents, told any friend, teacher, casting director, strangers on the street I knew who hadn't seen me play Dawn yet, and immediately I started dreaming about what a cool moment it would be. Not just for me, but for anyone of color who has dreams like I do. I left the house that morning for a full day of rehearsal for another project. I met up with my parents for a quick bite who drove in from Pennsylvania to see the show and then I headed to the theater to get ready.

Before I left the house that morning, my husband reminded me, "Hey, today is for you. Just do this show for you. Don't worry about getting approval or acceptance or excitement from anyone. Just do it for you, babe." And I'm so happy I had that mantra with me all day. If we don't celebrate ourselves, who will? This was a moment worth celebrating. I love that I got to play this role alongside two other women of color and tell this story. It went by too fast. I felt like the moment I would take something in, it had already passed. But man, it was fun. I felt like I was up there with my sisters. I've only personally known Jordan at that time for a couple of weeks. I loved having scenes and banter with her and Natasha.

It just all felt like we were telling the story together while also saying so much more. That performance for me from top to bottom was truly a special experience. I've said this before, but I really do look forward to the time when all of this is not a big deal. A time when you can see three black women telling a story that's not necessarily about race and it just is what it is, like anyone else being up there. We're capable of doing more than black shows and black roles in this business. We can tell stories about love and love lost and insecurities we have. We can tell stories about regular day-to-day things. We can do that. We can do more than that. And this is no diss to any black shows or roles, I'm just saying I believe we can do even more.

That night, I felt I got to put a little footprint in the steps forward in showing fellow actors, producers, writers, directors, all creatives that people who look like me can do all things, just like anyone and everyone else. Give us a shot. Give us opportunities to lead and create and originate and grow. And hey, let's make our own. I felt the magic on stage and judging by the feedback and messages I got that night and since then, the people I met at the stage door of all the different races, they feel the magic, too.

[5:28] Mo Brady: Thanks, Jessie. Next up is Molly Hager, who has been with the Broadway production since its very first preview. She shares with us her very candid take on what she remembers about performing on the Tony Awards back in 2016.

[5:42] Molly Hager: You know how everyone describes Tony season as a blur? To me, that always sounded like a cop-out answer, like, I just want to know what that experience was like for you. Can you give me a real answer, please? Thanks. But now, having had the privilege of experiencing the Tonys with a cast of Waitress, I can honestly say that it's true. It is a total blur. I'm not sure if it's because too much excitement makes you temporarily dumber or if it's all the champagne toasts that make you blackout. In my case, it was the combo of excitement and stress-eating thousands of cookies catapulting me into another stratosphere of sugar high. Either way, the memory is fuzzy, but I'll do my best to remember. Today's a day like any other, but I am changed.

I am a Tony performer. That's a slightly augmented lyric from Waitress that I keep singing in my head as I'm writing this. I hope you're singing the song now, too. If you don't know the song, please stop reading this immediately and get a ticket to Waitress. But you can't because we're closed. I was playing Sara Bareilles' mother eight shows a week, and our chemistry alone is worth the price of admission. Anyway, the 2016 Tony Awards. Here's what I remember. I remember getting to the theater super early day of to get into costume for our dress rehearsal at the Beacon. I remember not sleeping the night before. I remember boarding the bus with my castmates and taking a thousand pictures. I remember screaming and waving like a maniac at all of the different Broadway shows and celebrities.

I remember Glenn Close rehearsing a planned bit at full volume in the green room many times over. I felt oddly proud when she nailed it during the live telecast. I remember that we had a matinee to get through before the actual Tony performance, and it felt like it went on forever. I remember live streaming the red carpet interviews while getting back into costume and putting on makeup again and fake lashes. It was the Tonys after all. I remember thinking that Keri Russell looked like a GD angel while presenting our cast. I remember waiting in the wings thinking that there was no way the crew guys could switch the sets props on time, which of course they did. I remember sweaty palms and thumping hearts and applause and not dropping a pie or a menu, which was a great accomplishment.

I remember extreme joyousness and love for our little Broadway community and finally feeling like a part of it. Phew. So that's all I remember. My first Tony Awards. I wish upon all of you reading this a day like that, a day of feeling so happy and overwhelmed that future you will cop out and describe it as a blur. And cookies. I also wish upon you unlimited amounts of cookies.

[8:23] Mo Brady: Thank you, Molly. Now for this episode's second act, we share a couple of moments from recent interviews with Todrick Hall and Shoshana Bean. Each returned to Broadway in 2019, joining the cast of Waitress, but they spoke to me in the studio about their very first times on Broadway, Shoshana in the original company of Hairspray and Todrick in the original production of The Color Purple. I asked each of them about how Broadway has changed since they made their debuts and what they relish most about being back on the main stem.

[9:02] Todrick Hall: So you just finished Waitress yesterday, which was your fifth Broadway show. How has performing on Broadway changed? The industry has changed. I would love for it to change more, but it has changed a lot. And I'm so grateful that I've been able to play roles like Billy Flynn and be, I think, the first African American to play Ogie on Broadway as the role. My understudy Tyrone also plays the role and he's African American. And I love the fact that they're giving me an openly gay man who could be oftentimes found in his natural habitat wearing wigs and heels, a role of like a hotshot lawyer in Chicago or to be like the quirky love interest in Waitress. I just love coming back here because it's not the money that you come back to Broadway for.

It's the love and the passion for why you ever started performing. I wanted to be on Broadway my entire life and every time I get the opportunity to return to Broadway, I jump at the chance, even if it means financially, I will be giving up jobs that...

[9:58] The Ensemblist & Broadway Podcast Network: Welcome to The Ensemblist, where we celebrate the performances and careers of ensemble performers on Broadway.

[10:28] The Ensemblist & Broadway Podcast Network: Today, we’re diving into the world of Waitress, a show that has brought so much joy and talent to the stage over its incredible run.

[10:58] The Ensemblist & Broadway Podcast Network: With us today are some amazing guests who have been part of this journey.

[11:28] The Ensemblist & Broadway Podcast Network: We’ll hear from Shoshana Bean, Molly Hager, Todrick Hall, and Jessie Hooker-Bailey, each sharing their unique experiences with the show.

[11:58] The Ensemblist & Broadway Podcast Network: As we approach the final performances of Waitress, we want to reflect on the impact it has had on the Broadway community.

[12:28] The Ensemblist & Broadway Podcast Network: Let’s start with a story from Shoshana Bean, who has played the role of Jenna in the show.

[12:58] The Ensemblist & Broadway Podcast Network: Shoshana, can you tell us about your experience stepping into this iconic role?

[13:28] Shoshana Bean: Absolutely! Stepping into Jenna was such a dream come true for me. I had watched the show from the audience and was always so moved by the story and the music.

[13:58] Shoshana Bean: When I got the call to join the cast, I was over the moon. The energy of the ensemble and the connection we all had was palpable.

[14:08] Shoshana Bean: I remember my first performance; I was so nervous but also incredibly excited. The support from the cast made all the difference.

[14:18] The Ensemblist & Broadway Podcast Network: That’s wonderful to hear!

[14:28] The Ensemblist & Broadway Podcast Network: Now, let’s hear from Molly Hager, who has also been a part of the Waitress family.

[14:38] Molly Hager: Thank you! My journey with Waitress has been so special. I joined the cast as part of the ensemble, and it was such a welcoming environment.

[15:08] Molly Hager: The music is so uplifting, and being part of a show that celebrates women and their stories has been empowering.

[15:18] The Ensemblist & Broadway Podcast Network: It sounds like a fantastic experience!

[15:28] The Ensemblist & Broadway Podcast Network: Next, we have Todrick Hall, who brought his unique flair to the show.

[15:38] Todrick Hall: Thank you for having me! My time in Waitress was a whirlwind.

[15:48] Todrick Hall: I loved being able to bring my own style to the character and connect with the audience in such a meaningful way.

[15:58] The Ensemblist & Broadway Podcast Network: That’s amazing!

[16:08] The Ensemblist & Broadway Podcast Network: Finally, let’s hear from Jessie Hooker-Bailey.

[16:18] Jessie Hooker-Bailey: Hi everyone! My experience with Waitress has been nothing short of magical.

[16:28] Jessie Hooker-Bailey: The camaraderie among the cast is something I’ll cherish forever.

[16:38] The Ensemblist & Broadway Podcast Network: Thank you all for sharing your stories!

[16:48] The Ensemblist & Broadway Podcast Network: Now, let’s take a moment to listen to some of our favorite moments from the show over the past year.

[16:58] The Ensemblist & Broadway Podcast Network: We’ve compiled some highlights that showcase the talent and heart of the Waitress ensemble.

[17:08] The Ensemblist & Broadway Podcast Network: Enjoy these clips as we celebrate the legacy of Waitress on Broadway.

[17:18] The Ensemblist & Broadway Podcast Network: We’ll be right back after this.

[17:28] The Ensemblist & Broadway Podcast Network: Stay tuned!

[17:38] The Ensemblist & Broadway Podcast Network: And now, let’s dive into those highlights.

[17:48] The Ensemblist & Broadway Podcast Network: We hope you enjoy these special moments.

[17:58] The Ensemblist & Broadway Podcast Network: Thank you for joining us as we celebrate the incredible journey of Waitress.

[18:08] The Ensemblist & Broadway Podcast Network: We’ll be back with more stories and insights from the world of Broadway.

[18:18] The Ensemblist & Broadway Podcast Network: Until next time, keep celebrating the ensemble!

[18:28] The Ensemblist & Broadway Podcast Network: Goodbye for now!

[18:38] The Ensemblist & Broadway Podcast Network: Thank you for listening!

[18:48] The Ensemblist & Broadway Podcast Network: We appreciate your support!

[18:58] The Ensemblist & Broadway Podcast Network: See you next time!

[19:08] The Ensemblist & Broadway Podcast Network: And remember, every performance matters!

[19:18] The Ensemblist & Broadway Podcast Network: Goodbye!

[19:28] The Ensemblist & Broadway Podcast Network: Thank you!

[19:38] The Ensemblist & Broadway Podcast Network: Until next time!

[19:48] The Ensemblist & Broadway Podcast Network: Take care!