NewsMeet Their Mothers! Five Broadway Daughters Rave About Their Biggest Fan — MomIn celebration of Mother's Day, Playbill.com chatted with five Broadway favorites — Nikki M. James, Elisabeth Moss, Ruthie Ann Miles, Laura Benanti and Keala Settle — about the most important lady in their life, their mother.
By
Talaura Harms
May 08, 2015
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"Amazing."
"Awesome."
"Love."
"Love." "Love."
Although Playbill.com recently asked five of Broadway's favorite daughters about times that their mothers may have been a little embarrassing, the words above were the ones most often uttered. The other was "Spitfire."
Meet Marie, Linda, Esther, Linda and Susanne, the women who helped make Nikki, Elisabeth, Ruthie Ann, Laura and Keala the women they are. Even when mothers may go a little over-the-top with their pride, it really is all about their love.
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Marie Falls Asleep at the Wheel
Nikki M. James, most recently seen on Broadway in Les Misérables(and now in rehearsals for LCT3's Preludes), announced to her parents at age 12 that she would like to be a professional actress. After a little research, Nikki found a $75 headshot photographer in Backstage magazine, did a mailing and got an agent.
Nikki describes her mom, Marie, as a "tiny little spitfire of a woman." "She's about five feet tall. Maybe she's 5'1". I'll give it to her," she concedes. "She really is my hero in so many ways."
Nikki M. James and Marie
Because of Nikki's professional acting career in Manhattan, she and Marie spent a lot of time driving into the city after school for auditions. "Some of my favorite memories are of my mom and I listening to books on tape (the entire Sue Grafton alphabet series over the course of a couple of years) and sitting in traffic in the Lincoln Tunnel and getting to talk about all kinds of things. I think we became really good friends along the way. She's a funny little lady."
"One day I'll never forget — it's really difficult to find parking, especially if you're just running in for a little commercial audition — so my mom would often wait in the car and kind of park semi-legally. I came down, and my mom had gotten a parking ticket because she had fallen asleep while waiting for me to come down. The traffic cop had written her a ticket while she was sitting in the car asleep. She was none too pleased."
When Nikki was Tony-nominated for her role as Nabulungi in The Book of Mormon, she took Marie as her Tony date. Marie turned to her just before her name was called and said, "Smile big. No matter what happens, make sure you smile, and we can cry later if we have to." They didn't have to.
"Finally, when I stand on the podium, and I can see my mom out there, I just thought, 'This is the perfect evening,' and it felt so awesome to have been sitting next to that woman who was falling asleep getting parking tickets. I was able to say thank you. It was such an amazing gift." But then Marie asked if she could keep the trophy. "I earned it!" Marie said.
Nikki keeps the Tony, but lets it visit Marie occasionally.
You'll Like Linda Better Than You Like Elisabeth
"Its true! It's true! People meet my mom, and I'm like, 'I know. She's great. You like her more now.' It's really true," Elisabeth Moss says. "Everyone falls in love with her. She's the nicest woman."
Mother, Linda, and daughter, Tony-nominated Elisabeth, live only a block away from each other on the Upper West Side of New York City, but Elisabeth says that Linda is always very quick to point out that she moved to the neighborhood first and Elisabeth followed.
Elisabeth Moss and Linda
"I think the most important thing your parents can give you is love, and she has definitely done that in spades." Elisabeth's career started at a young age, and Linda says the best thing she ever did was get an amazing manager, whom Elisabeth has worked with since age 10. "It enabled her to not be involved in a business way, not be involved in any other capacity than as my mother. From practically the beginning, she was able to just be my mom.
"When I was doing Top of the Lake in New Zealand, the time difference is insane… I still haven't been able to figure it out; it's like 17 hours or 21 hours. It's something so crazy. Back in time or forward in time, I can't even remember. It was a really difficult and strenuous project from the beginning, especially since I was still trying to figure out what I was doing with the role. I would call her and talk to her about the character and everything that was going on, and she would always answer my call. Four, five, six in the morning. I thanked her for that and her answer was always, 'Of course. What are you talking about? Of course, I'm going to take your call. Of course, I’m going to be there.'"
Moss as a baby
Recently, Elisabeth and Linda attended the Chaplin Gala at Lincoln Center honoring Robert Redford. "I did a film with him last year, and she got to meet him, and she spoke to him, and he said lovely things about me to her, and it was a really special moment. He walked away and I sort of turned around and said, 'You're welcome. You're welcome, Mom. I think that pretty much makes up for the last 32 years of labor. I think we are now even. I am paid up in full… For the last 32 years of you being a mother and maybe also the next few years as well!'"
Ruthie Ann Miles, before her Tony-nominated role as Lady Thiang in this season's Lincoln Center Theater production of The King and I, was best known for originating the role of Imelda Marcos in Here Lies Love.
Ruthie Ann Miles and Esther
"I had just given birth to our daughter and, at three weeks postpartum, was to start rehearsals for a show." Husband Jonathan and Ruthie Ann scrambled to find the best nanny in NYC, but that wasn't necessary. "Esther Wong saved the day by selling everything and moving across the country to take care of our newborn! (One of Abigail's first words was 'Hal [Halmoni],' which means Grandmother in Korean.)"
However, a New York winter turned out to be a bit of an adjustment for Esther.
"It was January 2013, and at that point my mom had spent half of her life in very warm Hawaii or Florida; Esther was devastated by the snow. (Asians have this 'thing' about being cold.) Sometimes, they would visit me at the theatre, and this poor little baby would be bundled up in three shirts, a sweater, two pants, a few pairs of socks…delivered to me in a sleeping bag. I'd peel away the layers, but everyone at work thought I had a very sweaty baby! The pictures are priceless, but Abby looks pissed in every one!"
Miles with Esther and Abigail
Baby Abigail is now a toddler, and Esther is still in New York. "They are inseparable, and I am the luckiest."
Hashtag Linda
"We were in a store last year, Club Monaco, and the woman behind the counter goes, 'I feel like I recognize you from somewhere. Do I know you?' And my mom goes, 'Do you watch TV?'"
The daughter is Broadway favorite Laura Benanti. The proud mother is #Linda. If you follow Laura on social media, which, of course, you do, then you know #Linda. "She has no filter," Laura says. "A lot of my tweets are just the ridiculous things that she says."
Benanti and Linda at the Kennedy Center Honors
But when asked for stories about her mom going above-and-beyond, Laura has many. Linda sewed a belly button onto a fake Cabbage Patch Doll so little Laura could claim it was real. She bedazzled socks and t-shirts so that Laura would look like she got her clothes from the cool store in town. She even put on a fireworks show.
"One time I had chicken pox for the Fourth of July, and I was really depressed that I wasn't able to go see the fireworks, so my mom cut up pieces of tin foil and threw them in the air and flashed a flashlight on them and made the 'pew pew' sounds while I sobbed, and I was like, 'This is the most depressing thing that will ever happen to me.' She really tried.
"I was the headlining entertainment on a gay cruise to Alaska, and I brought my whole family — my mom and my dad and my sister. We were the only heterosexuals on this gay cruise to Alaska. We did this bit with the comedian, who ran the entertainment on the ship. We pretended we were lost. That we thought we got on a Princess Cruise to Alaska, but instead we got on the gay cruise. And he says, 'Do you guys notice that you're different from everybody else?' We were like, 'No.' 'You know you’re on a gay cruise,' and then my mom's line was, 'Well, we said we wanted to see some bears.' That was a big hit, and by the end, there were probably 3,000 gay men on this boat, and I swear to you, by the end she was like, 'Bye, Jack. Bye, Fred. Take care of those heels, Jonathan. I hope your leg feels better, Christopher.' She knew everybody's name and was friends with every single person." #Linda
On the gay cruise
Mama Rose Susanne
"We used to call her Mama Rose because she literally was that person in every aspect of life who would push us to the limit, push us to the limit, push us to the limit. She would always throw me out there, 'Sing for your aunties! Sing for your uncles!'"
Keala Settle, last seen as Madame Thénardier in Les Misérables and Tony-nominated for her role as Norma Valverde in Hands on a Hardbody, talks about her mother Susanne, an immigrant from New Zealand and child from a big family of 16.
"She's a spitfire. She always has been, and the more and more that I grow up and get older and I see her get older, I realize both fortunately and unfortunately how much I am an exact replica of my mother."
Young Keala Settle
Keala was always a singer because her mom was, she says. "She was trying to put a dress on me to do a live performance at a big event at my home town, and I was running away from her. It was about 9:30, 10 o'clock at night, and she was trying to chase me down because I had my t-shirt and shorts. She had a dress and a pair of heels, and I was totally not going to put any of that on. And there was a tunnel to get to the stage, which was sort of like an open amphitheater. I ran down the tunnel, and she tackled me and put a dress on me. Finally got the dress over my t-shirt and shorts, but then when she tried to get the shoes on, I just kicked away from her and ended up going out there barefoot."
The song was "I Don't Wanna Cry" by Mariah Carey. "She had to be full out. And now that I'm talking about it, I'm embarrassed because that is exactly how I am, and I can't fight it. I can only just be who I am." Susanne may have been throwing Keala on stage, but not without letting her know how she felt. "When I feel something, I express it to other people. I got it from her.
"I remember this one time she came, while we were on [the national tour of] Hairspray... And she said I want to spend Thanksgiving with you. She flew in, and I picked her up in a limo, and she hung out with our cast for Thanksgiving dinner. They asked if she wanted to say anything for Thanksgiving. That woman stood up and started saying, 'I just want to thank all of you for being here out on the road and on behalf of your mothers and fathers, we are so proud of you and love you with everything in our being.' And these strong stagehands are weeping, bawling into their wine glasses. They couldn't even keep themselves together. Everybody was weeping, and I'm sitting there going, 'Mom, please sit down, please sit down, please sit down. They don't know who you are. Just sit down.' But every time I would do that she would go, 'You, shush, no…They need to be told.'"
Yes, they do, Mama Susanne. Yes, they do.
(Talaura Harms' mother's name is Recilla, who thinks this is the best article ever written. Follow Talaura on Twitter @MyNameIsTalaura.)
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Photo Special: Stars of the Stage Celebrate Mother's and Father's Day With Pics, Memories and Notes of Love to Their Parents
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Photo Special: Stars of the Stage Celebrate Mother's and Father's Day With Pics, Memories and Notes of Love to Their Parents
Photo Special: Stars of the Stage Celebrate Mother's and Father's Day With Pics, Memories and Notes of Love to Their Parents
It is that time of the year where we pay tribute to those who gave us life by celebrating Mother's and Father's Day. Playbill.com reached out to members of the theatre community and asked them to share photos and memories.
122 PHOTOS
Victoria Clark: "My mom is my inspiration and my real-life fairy godmother. Here we are with my son Thomas Luke Guest."
Krysta Rodriguez: "This is my parents and I on opening night of First Date. They have been to every show I've done whether its in a basement or on Broadway. I couldn't have asked for more supportive and encouraging parents."
Krysta Rodriguez: "This is my mom and I hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu for her birthday."
Krysta Rodriguez: "Watching my dad do a backflip off a swing. In his 50s! Needless to say my parents have always inspired me to be adventurous; that your life should be lived hard and that regardless of how old you are, swing sets are always fun!"
Brynn O'Malley: "Denise Cargill Wanty is the reason I am where I am today. She has always been so supportive of my career despite the fact that, deep down, I know she'd prefer me living in her basement with a litter of grandchildren. Love you, Mom!
Ariana DeBose: "My mom Gina is my best friend. Not only did she raise me as a single parent, but she's a public school teacher and thereby has raised hundreds of kids. She has never let me back down from a challenge. For that, I am truly grateful."
Laura Osnes: "This is my dad and me in 2005 performing in a summer production of Peter Pan at my community theater in Eagan, MN. I played Peter and choreographed the show, and I even roped my dad into playing one of the Pirates."
"I feel so blessed to have such a supportive father. He loved me so much he took time off from running his own optometry clinic to spend time with his daughter. Happy Father's Dad, DADDY! I LOVE YOU!"
Lauren Worsham: "My mother introduced me to musicals through the movies. She loved, and therefore, I loved, Annie, Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, Sound of Music and The Music Man."
Lauren Worsham: "She is the strongest, most beautiful woman I know and I can only hope to grow into one tenth of the person she is."
Lauren Worsham: "My father taught me that there is nothing wrong with being a ham who is constantly trying to make people laugh. He is the best storyteller I've ever met and uses the embellishment rule freely!"
Lauren Worsham: "He taught me to always live larger than life and that I will always be loved."
Krystina Alabado: "Al Alabado has been inspiring me with music since I was a little girl and he brought me onstage to sing with his band. He has always been the most supportive, uplifting, and hilarious dad in the world. I love you so much Papi!"
Krystina Alabado: "My sweet momma, Nayla, has always been one of the most loving and supportive people in my life. She makes me feel like anything and everything is possible for me. I would not be where I am now without you! Ana behebik mommy!"
Kara Lindsay: "My mom is everything I want to be when I grow up. She is strong, smart, fearless, driven, patient, sweet, nurturing, and the greatest mom in the whole world. She is the reason I pursued my dream. I am beyond grateful for my mommy."
Jose Llana: "My mother is the hardest working woman I know. She's an accomplished chef and champion of Filipino cuisine. I owe all of my love of food and intense Filipino pride to her."
Jose Llana: ""Some of my favorite memories as a kid was singing Beatles songs with my dad on his guitar on weekend mornings. He's the reason I started singing."
Patti Murin: "My mom, Kathy Murin, is both my mother and my best friend. She has supported me 1000% through my entire career and never doubted me. I am so grateful to her every single day for loving me so completely. I love you, mom!"
Christiane Noll: "Mother: Sara-Ann Noll, opera singer. My mother had a gorgeous instrument. High coloratura soprano. The control, the timbre, the nuance. Flexible, exquisite pianissimos. She was my father's muse and she was extraordinary."
Christiane Noll: "She taught me how to be a singer and a mother at the same time. Her commitment to her art was matched only by her devotion to her family and friends. An inspiring caregiver on and off the stage."
Christiane Noll: "I travelled all over the country with her and she would always 'make a memory' for me, usually in some mercurial way, that still bring giggles to mind. I am so lucky to have had this example to guide me."
Christiane Noll: "Father: Ronald Noll- conductor, musical director, arranger, pianist - my own private karaoke machine! Any music you put in front of him he could play. Learning new songs was a snap with my dad around."
Christiane Noll: "When it came to music he was a brilliantly charismatic communicator. Passionate, ebullient, joyous! I am so grateful to have grown up surrounded by this kind of LOVE. I strive every day to hold his memory clear for my daughter."
Saycon Sengbloh: "My mom Deborah Murphyhas always been supportive of my life in the arts from dance classes in kindergarten to late nights doing tech rehearsals at 15 years old, she has never doubted things, and I thank her for that!"
Danny Burstein: My parents come to see every show I do. They always have. Here they are backstage at The Snow Geese, earlier this season, meeting Joe Franklin. Mom is the most selfless person I know and still as beautiful as ever."
Lauren Molina: "Me and my mom, Judith Molina."
Lauren Molina: "She's the definition of 'Fierce and Fabulous.' I'm lucky to have a very cool mom."
Lauren Molina: "She's my biggest fan and is so supportive of everything I do. She's an incredible dancer, and even after 2 hip replacements she can kick her legs higher than me."
Natalie Charle Ellis: "My mom is an amazing, loving, driven, passionate, CRAZY woman. (I get the crazy from her! Ha!). I wouldn't be where I am today, doing what I love to do, if it weren't for her pushing me and believing in me. I am a lucky girl.
Lena Hall: "My and my family! We are in San Francisco and this is the most current family photo I have. That's my older sister Calli, me, my dad Carlos, Henia the chicken, my mom Carolyn and Emma Puff the dog."
Lena Hall: "That's my mother and father dancing together. Something my father choreographed!"
Jeanna de Waal: "My sister and I hiking with our parents in beautiful Bavaria, Germany. They have been and continue to be, the absolute support system in both of our lives. So much love. Jeanna & Dani xxx"
Matt Doyle: "My mother is my best friend. We talk almost every day. She's always been extremely supportive of my work, but was never a stage mother. She just sat back and let me be my own crazy self."
Matt Doyle: "She's alway been honest with me and I feel like I can talk to her about anything. I don't know what I'd do without her. Her support has given me the confidence to pursue my dreams."
Melissa Errico: "My mother (photographed recently with my three daughters) inspired me in a myriad of ways, first of all with a love of school. She was a kindergarten teacher and always made me feel the world beyond us was fascinating."
Wesley Taylor: "I remember my mom driving me to all these auditions. I was like 9 years old. She made it a point to drive to McDonald's and get me a happy meal after auditions, so I got some kind of reward, no matter how I did in the room."
Wesley Taylor: "My dad and I built a stage in the backyard, where I could enlist all my neighborhood friends to be in my plays. I was an 11-year-old dictator. It was pretty rad. I don't know how you can get more supportive than that."
Emerson Steele: "My mommy, Laura Steele, is my greatest inspiration out of anyone. I look up to her so much. She is a singer and an actress herself and she has shown me to never give up on your dream."
Emerson Steele: "She is the most amazing mother you can have. She has put her life on hold for 6 months so that I can do Violet on Broadway!"
Emerson Steele: "My daddy is such an incredible guy! He is just so amazingly supportive! During Violet he was back in Georgia working very hard and taking care of my younger brother just so that I could be up in NYC living my dream!"
Jessica Grové: "This is from the opening night party of the revival of Sunday in the Park. My parents (Katie and Willie Grové) have never missed an opening night! I am forever grateful for their constant support and encouragement!"
Christina Bianco: "In a home filled with music, they always encouraged me to embrace new genres and never said no to driving miles in inclement weather to various music and dance lessons. Their guidance is the main reason I am a performer now."
Rita Moreno: "My greatest longing was to be in show business and my mom allowed me to pursue it. Like many immigrant mothers, she spent much of her life just getting by - all the while encouraging me to pursue my dreams and reach for the stars."
Gregory Jbara: "My folks always supported us. Allowed us to explore everything. This is the 1960s."
Gregory Jbara: "… and the 1980s."
Gregory Jbara: "Mid sixties photo of my parents exposing us to the finer things in life. I’m holding my father’s hand. Is it me, or am I tapping my inner David Niven? Standing in first position, for crying out loud!"
Kerry Butler: "My parents were always so supportive of my career. After my mom finished her job as a teacher, she would take me into the city and drive me around on auditions. It was a lot of work for her!"
Diane Phelan: "My dad was my absolute #1 fan. I have these fond memories of long car trips where he'd just smile as I belted out all the roles to the Chess soundtrack for hours on end."
Diane Phelan: "My mom has always said she knew from the time I was in her belly I would be an artist. We lived expat in Taipei and she somehow got me into the preeminent gifted school for musicians when I was in third grade... in Mandarin!"
Rachel Potter: "This is my mother, Tonya Shaw. My mom is Superman... Well, Super-WOMAN. Growing up, though times got tough, my mom never let the weight of the world land on my shoulders."
Rachel Potter: "My mom, being a singer, performer and voice teacher, always encouraged my dreams. But what she also did so beautifully was help me to keep the reality of my dreams in mind as well."
Rachel Potter: "In my mind, without my mother, I could never have become the strong woman I am today, determined about my goals, and focused on how to get them. I love you, Mom! Happy Mother's Day!"
Courtney Reed: "My dad recently sent me a care package full of goodies including a 200-page album with photos from my opening night and every other production shot he could find! Who does that? Best. Dad. Ever!"
Courtney Reed: "My mom is pretty much the most creative! Every year she would MAKE our costumes (no one does that anymore)! Best. Mom. Ever. Me with my mom and sister on halloween! That's me as the devil!"
Courtney Reed: "Mom and Dad, brother Cameron and sister Tiffany on our family vacation in North Carolina. We have been going there every year since I was born! That's me on the far right!"
Courtney Reed: "I'm not sure if that wink was intentional or not! But hey Ill take it!"
J. Elaine Marcos: "With my Dad, Christmas 2013, a little karaoke at home with the Magic Mic! It's a staple in every Filipino home."
Blair Goldberg: "Neither of my parents are performers, however they always instilled a love of musicals in me from a very early age. Here they are walking me down the aisle at my wedding."
Marla Mindelle: "Here's my dad and me when I was 4. We both had such great hair back then."
Marla Mindelle: "Here's my mom and me when I was just a toddler. My neck looks like it's about to snap but I'm smiling through it."
Allison Strong: "My mom knew nothing about 'the industry' when I decided I wanted to start performing; but she learned quickly and always encouraged me to pursue what I loved... even if that meant enduring countless deafening vocal warm-ups."
De'Adre Aziza: "On the left is my mom and grandma, 1953 Augusta, GA. On the right is the 3 year old diva from the left, now all grown up with a D.I.T. of her very own. Maybe we were headed to The Isley Brothers' white party?"
Arielle Jacobs: "Onstage immediately after my Broadway debut in In the Heights. I'm beyond-words-grateful for their undying support and enthusiasm. They are, honestly, the best parents that anyone could ask for."
Lesli Margherita: "My mom Nancy put me in dance when I was 4. She was especially into Flamenco, which is odd for an Italian. When I did Zorro in the West End, all of our choreography was Flamenco. She just about lost her mind!"
Lesli Margherita: "The Gipsy Kings played at our opening night party. Someone tapped me on the shoulder and pointed. She was holding court in the middle of the dance floor with some of the Spanish dancers in the show. Of course she was."
Hannah Elless: "My dad has never missed a show of mine! He is my biggest fan and I love him very much. :) This picture is from the opening of one of my first professional productions after graduating college."
Manna Nichols: "My amazing mom! This woman is inspiring in the way she has worked so incredibly hard and overcame so much. She is a constant reminder to my sister and I of what a woman should be- tough as nails and graceful and loving as an angel!!
Manna Nichols: "One of my favorite memories with my daddy is the summer he and I did Beauty & the Beast together. He enjoyed showing the new choreography to my mom after we'd get home each night. A summer I will truly never forget!"
Ali Ewoldt: "With my parents, grandparents and brother Greg. They've always been extraordinarily supportive, taking me to voice lessons and dance classes and shows and traveling all over the world to see me perform. I couldn't be more grateful."
Hunter Ryan Herdlicka: "My mom, Terri, has been the most loving and supportive mother an only-child from conservative, Republican Texas could ask for."
Hunter Ryan Herdlicka: "Even more exciting is this recent picture of her and I celebrating Easter in NYC - her almost two year anniversary of being cancer free, as she was diagnosed with Stage IV throat cancer in 2011."
George Salazar: "My mother is the strongest, bravest woman I know. She's been my number one fan, supporter and best friend. I'd be NOTHING without her. Happy Mother's Day, Mom!"
George Salazar: "My dad is my hero. Simply put, he's the most selfless man I've ever known; a man who has always put his family first. And to boot, he's a truly talented and gifted artist. Happy Father's Day, Dad!"
Once Star Joanna Christie
Once Star Joanna Christie
Libby Servais: "My parents have always encouraged me to do what I love and to pursue my dreams. Having them at my Broadway debut was a heart explosive experience because I don't know how that would've happened without them!"
Jenny Lee Stern: The woman who's been behind me since the beginning. My beautiful mother, Sharon Stern. HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY to my mom, your mom, Broadway moms, EVERY mom. It's the toughest and most rewarding job out there. Today, we celebrate YOU!
Jenny Lee Stern: "Look at my baaaby(s) and MEEEE! Me & my girls. I've always made a point of giving them a front row seat (and backstage pass) to me living my dream in hopes of inspiring them to do the same. Children WILL listen, children will see.
Heather Parcells: "On Mother's Day, May 13th 19??, Catherine Parcells and Dr. Patrick Parcells, MD got what was going to prove to be, the most hyperactive present of all time!!! Me!"
Heather Parcells: "I am forever thankful for having someone support me so positively, and this is the way I teach... with love and support, and striving for the best. My parents have been to every Broadway opening night. Love you Mom and Dad!!!"
N'Kenge : "My mom Annette Hoffman has always been a mentor and inspiration to me. Always a great supporter of my music and taught me to follow my dreams. My Dad Martin Hoffman (RIP) was a Math Professor and president of my fan club."
Nick Cearley: "Although this appears to be the album cover of Emily Skinner and Alice Ripley's "Duets" album, it is actually my mom and me discussing why I chose to wear a turtleneck under a denim shirt. It was 1990 though. Happy Mother's Day!"
Nick Cearley: "Dad preparing me early how to play the Yamaha PortaSound. If only I still had that cutting edge musical contraption today, it would be a great addition to The Skivvies instrument collection. Happy Father's Day!"
Remy Zaken: "My mom is my role model, guru, and best friend all in one beautiful petite package. She has been so incredibly supportive of my career and has even put her own life on hold multiple times for me."
Remy Zaken: "My dad may not be my acting coach anymore, but he is still my biggest advocate and supporter (besides my mom). Happy Father's Day to the Father of the Year, every year. I love you so much!"
Remy Zaken: "My father, a successful lawyer, coached me through the first 6 years of my career, and together we meticulously combed through sides, exploring the character and the line delivery."
Remy Zaken: "My dad may not be my acting coach anymore, but he is still my biggest advocate and supporter (besides my mom). Happy Father's Day to the Father of the Year, every year. I love you so much!"
Elena Ricardo: "Happy Mother's Day to the mom of all moms. You always knew when to step in and when to step back but most importantly, you loved me throughout it all. Thank you for being such a beautiful part of my life."
Elena Ricardo: "Happy Father's Day to my number one guy. Thank you for the endless encouragement, entertainment, and laughter. Love you Papa Rose!"
Maria-Christina Oliveras: "In 1976 a beautiful Filipina nurse fell in love with a hot Latino (Puerto Rican) lover. Shortly thereafter, they spawned three fierce little FiliRican women, one of whom dared to be an actor."
Maria-Christina Oliveras: "Mom and Pops, With you my wildest dreams have become a reality. I love you!"
Natascia Diaz: "The inspiration I draw from both my parents has filled and supported me from as early as I can remember. My father in opera and my mother in ballet. When they were onstage, their majesty and artistry took hold of the theatre."
Natascia Diaz: "This is my father as Antony in Antony and Cleopatra with Leontyne Price. He was the youngest bass to ever win the Met audition. This was the first opera performed in the Metropolitan Opera's new home in Lincoln Center."
Natascia Diaz: "My mother captured in a pose from the Don Quijote Pas De Deux, 1976"
Dierdre Friel: "This is a photo of my wonderful parents and me from the opening night of Leap of Faith on Broadway. This was my Broadway debut, and my parents have always been so supportive of my succeeding in this industry."
Janet Krupin: "My parents have supported their artistic daughter at every step. My mom hand-made me costume after costume. The pic below is of her frustrated with rainbow-bead hair tie I had insisted be part of my Ramona Quimby costume."
Janet Krupin: "My father Paul loves fishing. He often calls me from the boat 'for some Janet-luck.' I realized recently that it wasn't theatre my dad was loving as he sat through countless shows through the years, it was me."
Christina Sajous: "Mommy, Me and Grandma. My grandmother plus my mother equals LOVE. These extraordinary women made many sacrifices, remained unselfish, dealt with loss, but continued to stand strong."
Christina Sajous: "Their unshakable faith, prayers and support for my brothers and me have pushed us above and beyond many obstacles. I would be lucky to be half the woman that they are. I celebrate and thank my grandmother and mother."
Marissa McGowan: "My mom and dad are the most supportive parents and biggest fans that I could ask for. They have traveled all over to see me perform. They are both not only amazing parents, but the best friends I could ask for."
Melissa Rivers: "There are so many things I love about my mom. One of the things I enjoy the most is when my mother truly laughs. It's hilarious to watch - her eyes close, her body shakes, and she can't get any words out. It's truly infectious."
Will Taylor: "Taken in 2008. Being with my mom in New York is my favorite. I love when she visits!"
Douglas Lyons: "Cheers to my father Tilden Lyons. He's taught me to never get too high with the highs, or low with the lows."
Douglas Lyons: "Happy Mother's Day, Velma Lyons. Mom drove 2 hours on my 25th birthday just to hand me my first guitar, she turned around and went back to work in CT. That guitar began what is now Lyons and Pakchar's album #Love(Live)."
Jenny Powers: "This is our son George with me and 'his Nana Dee,' aka my Mom, Dee Dee Powers."
Matt Cavenaugh and his Mama
Matt Cavenaugh and Jenny Powers with son George
Anthony Crivello: "Josephine and Vincent Crivello on their wedding day. They passed along to their children their work ethic, their love of family… and love of the arts. They both enjoyed the opera and musicals, and attended them regularly."
Anthony Crivello: "My father during WW2, at a cafe in Palermo, Sicily with three female cousins. He was an army staff sergeant, in the invasion of Northern Africa and the invasion of Sicily. He spoke 5 languages and understood eight."
Anthony Crivello: "My mother had a keen sense of the practical. She was a wonderful cook, a devoted wife… and caring daughter to my grandmother. She is 93 years old now. She is a loving mother and grandmother to this day. I love you mom."
Playbill.com Editor Adam Hetrick: My mother shared her love for the theatre with me, taking me to shows that would set the course of my life. I will always miss her hand reaching for mine as the lights go down and the overture begins."
Playbill.com Editor Adam Hetrick: "My dad is my frequent (and favorite) date to the theatre. It has always been a special place for my family. He still has his first Playbill at home: A Little Night Music in 1973."
Playbill.com Writer Michael Gioia: "My mom and my grandmother came to see me do children's theatre in TriBeCa! Ha! They are both super supportive in everything I do. My mother is my rock, and my grandmother is my hero -- hands down."
Playbill.com Photo Editor Matt Blank: "My mother Marie is simply the best person I have ever known, with an infectious inner light. In this pic, she is pregnant with me and watching as my beautiful grandmother Flo slices some boxes like a champ."
Playbill.com Photo Editor Matt Blank: "She raised me & my sis Melissa pretty much on her own, and she always supported and encouraged me to do what I love. She's stood by me through some terrible times and remains my hero. Love you, mom."
Playbill.com Photo Editor Matt Blank: "I lost my dad when I was 17, but his memory never fades. He was the most brilliant man I ever knew. He loved musicals and would sing Carousel (poorly) to me well into my teens. I miss him everyday."
Alexandra Silber: "We are more than simply Mother and Daughter (which, admittedly, is no simple thing), but friends, kindred spirits. I enjoy your company. I love to talk with you. We get each other."
Alexandra Silber: "I have learned so much from you, from the mundane to the extraordinary. From hair de-frizzing to bargain shopping, from table manners and driving, from dealing with success to dealing with grief."
I remember when I stole your diary and thought, “My God, my Mom is cool.” I remember hijacking your love of Judy Collins. I remember our trips home from school every day. I remember your face after The Miracle Worker
I remember calling you when I first tasted crunchy peanut butter and your response was “I told you!” I remember the look on your face after I delivered the Eulogy. I remember spreading Dad’s ashes around the baseball diamond. I remember
You have taught me that life is an unending opportunity to see things differently, to keep re-framing disaster and discouragement into hope. We are not always comfortable, but we can ride it out. You have never let a hardship stop your love of life.
The Fred Ebb Award recognizes excellence in musical theatre songwriting, by a songwriter or songwriting team that has not yet achieved significant commercial success.
