I Wanna Be Like You with Elbi Cespedes

elbito322

I Wanna Be Like You with Elbi Cespedes is a podcast that explores the journeys of successful individuals and how they’ve built and sustained their careers. Host Elbi Cespedes sits down with accomplished guests to discuss their beginnings, the challenges they’ve faced, and the lessons they’ve learned along the way. Through engaging and insightful conversations, this podcast offers inspiration, practical advice, and a deeper look into what it really takes to achieve long-term success.

Listen in podnod RSS feed Show website

87 episodes
Updated July 27

Episodes87

Newest first

Jul 30, 2025 · 1 hr 20 min
I Wanna Be Like Peter Van Dam!
Today, I Wanna Be Like Peter Van Dam! Peter Van Dam is a Broadway casting director who’s a co-owner of The TRC Company. He’s currently the Casting Director for SIX on Broadway! Most recently, Peter cast the Tony Award nominated Best Musical Dead Outlaw, Stephen Sondheim’s Old Friends and The Heart of Rock n Roll! A graduate from Boston Conservatory, Peter pivoted from acting and worked as Lonny Price’s assistant on the Merrily We Roll Along documentary, Best Worst Thing That Ever Could Have Happened. Now he’s served as a Tony voter and is consistently casting shows on or coming to Broadway! I WANNA BE LIKE PETER VAN DAM CHAPTERS 1. 00:00 Intro 2. 03:00 Peter’s I Wanna Be Like You as a Kid 3. 06:14 Theater Beginnings 4. 10:45 College Experience 5. 15:00 Internships 6. 18:20 Assisting Lonny Price/Merrily We Roll Along Documentary 7. 21:00 Transitioning to Casting 8. 26:25 Creative Side to Casting 9. 28:50 Dead Outlaw! 10. 34:00 The Pressures of Being A Casting Director 11. 37:40 Looking Out For Actors 12. 43:10 Resumes 13. 47:00 EPA & ECC Auditions 14. 50:05 Sing Street 15. 53:10 Tootsie 16. 54:40 Authentic Casting 17. 58:55 SIX on Broadway! 18. 1:05:20 Casting Swings 19. 1:08:35 Picking Projects 20. 1:11:45 AI Wanna Be Like You! 21. 1:17:35 Dream Guest Manifestation! 22. 1:18:25 Peter’s I Wanna Be Like You NOW!
Jul 24, 2025 · 3 hr 12 min
I Wanna Be Like Jess LeProtto!
Today, I Wanna Be Like Jess LeProtto! Jess LeProtto is a Broadway veteran who’s been working onstage since he was a child in shows including Bye Bye Birdie with John Stamos and The Boy From Oz alongside Hugh Jackman. As an adult, he was in the ensembles of Hello Dolly with Bette Midler, Newsies, Carousel and most recently seen on Broadway in A Beautiful Noise: The Neil Diamond Musical. Jess, a former contestant on So You Think You Can Dance Season 8, made it to the Top 8! He also played the role A-Rab in the 2021 Steven Spielberg helmed West Side Story film! Up next, his original album By The Bay releases August 15 on all streaming platforms! I WANNA BE LIKE JESS LEPROTTO CHAPTERS 1. 00:00 Intro 2. 03:20 Jess’ I Wanna Be Like You as a Kid 3. 07:34 First Broadway Show 4. 08:34 Dance History 5. 10:47 Professional Child Actor 6. 13:05 The Boy From Oz: Broadway Debut! 7. 17:20 Getting An Agent 8. 18:50 How The Grinch Stole Christmas! 9. 23:00 Keys To Being A Swing 10. 25:32 Bye Bye Birdie With John Stamos 11. 36:50 So You Think You Can Dance! 12. 48:45 SMASH TV Show 13. 50:15 College Audition Experience 14. 51:30 SYTYCD Tour! 15. 55:15 College Experience CONT’D 16. 58:10 Newsies! 17. 1:08:10 In Your Arms With Chris Gatelli 18. 1:12:20 On the Town! 19. 1:22:15 Warm Ups and Stamina 20. 1:24:40 A Bronx Tale at Paper Mill! 21. 1:29:10 CATS on Broadway! 22. 1:38:38 Hello Dolly with Bette Midler! 23. 1:45:50 Gavin Creel 24. 1:49:00 Hello Dolly CONT’D 25. 1:55:00 Carousel 26. 2:05:00 Performing at the Tony’s! 27. 2:09:00 Barnaby in Hello Dolly Tour! 28. 2:11:20 Spielberg’s West Side Story 29. 2:27:45 Dancing Onscreen vs Onstage 30. 2:34:30 A Beautiful Noise! 31. 2:44:40 Schmigadoon! 32. 2:49:50 Teaching 33. 2:52:55 Auditions 34. 2:57:20 NEWSIES MISHAP! 35. 3:02:50 Advice to Younger Self 36. 3:04:20 Jess’ Upcoming Album! 37. 3:05:30 AI Wanna Be Like You! 38. 3:09:30 Dream Guest Manifestation 39. 3:10:40 Jess’ I Wanna Be Like You NOW!
Jul 22, 2025 · 25 min
BONUS: I Wanna See Rolling Thunder!
Welcome to the new BONUS series of I Wanna Be Like You, I Wanna See! Today, I Wanna See Rolling Thunder! Rollling Thunder is a new musical premiering Off Broadway premiering at New World Stages! It brings together legendary songs of the period of the 60's and 70's, raw and potent storytelling inspired by Vietnam veterans and their families!
Jul 16, 2025 · 2 hr 51 min
I Wanna Be Like Jim Walton!
Today, I Wanna Be Like Jim Walton! Jim Walton has had a vast Broadway career most notably originating the role of Frank in Merrily We Roll Along. He also was featured in the documentary The Best Worst Thing That Ever Could Have Happened which details the process and legacy of Merrily We Roll Along. He’s also gone on to star alongside John Stamos on Broadway in Bye Bye Birdie. He originated the Kander & Ebb revue And The World Goes Round Off Broadway. Jim’s also written multiple musicals with his brother Bob Walton including Double Trouble, Midlife! The Crisis Musical and My Brother’s Keeper. Most recently, Jim was seen in Come From Away on Broadway which was then developed into a film for Apple TV. I WANNA BE LIKE JIM WALTON CHAPTERS 1. 00:00 Intros 2. 05:16 Jim’s I Wanna Be Like You as a Kid 3. 09:00 Theater Beginnings 4. 13:00 College Experience 5. 20:00 Summer Stock 6. 25:50 Big Bad Burlesque 7. 29:25 Scrambled Feet Off Broadway 8. 33:20 Broadway Debut: Perfectly Frank! 9. 36:30 Steve Martin! 10. 38:35 Perfectly Frank Callback 11. 42:00 Merrily We Roll Along Audition 12. 52:00 Giancarlo Esposito 13. 54:50 Merrily Rehearsal Process 14. 1:00:50 Merrily Preview Process 15. 1:06:40 Getting the Role of Frank 16. 1:11:50 Previews CONT’D 17. 1:14:20 Merrily We Roll Along Opening Night 18. 1:17:20 Reception For Merrily 19. 1:28:55 Merrily Cast Recording 20. 1:31:40 Subsequent Merrily Productions 21. 1:33:40 Merrily Documentary 22. 1:37:30 Jason Alexander! 23. 1:38:50 42nd Street! 24. 1:42:42 Follies Concert 25. 1:45:15 Vocal Journey 26. 1:48:30 Anthony in Sweeney Todd 27. 1:51:50 Closer Than Ever 28. 1:55:25 And The World Goes Round 29. 2:01:15 Guys & Dolls On Broadway! 30. 2:05:45 Writing with Bob Walton! 31. 2:11:10 The Music Man with Rebecca Luker 32. 2:15:35 Auditioning for The Drowsy Chaperone 33. 2:18:00 Company NY Philharmonic 34. 2:20:00 Sondheim’s 80th Birthday 35. 2:21:25 The Mystery of Edwin Drood 36. 2:27:40 Bye Bye Birdie with John Stamos 37. 2:30:36 She Loves Me! 38. 2:31:35 Swings and Understudies 39. 2:34:25 Sunset Boulevard with Glenn Close 40. 2:37:50 Come From Away 41. 2:42:15 What’s Next?! 42. 2:44:00 Finish The Lyric! 43. 2:48:45 Dream Guest Manifestation 44. 2:49:50 Jim’s I Wanna Be Like You NOW!
Jul 8, 2025 · 1 hr 8 min
I Wanna Be Like Gary Lloyd!
Today, I Wanna Be Like Gary Lloyd! Gary Lloyd is a UK based choreographer whose career ranges from Theater to events for the Royal Family. Currently, he serves as the choreographer for the cult hit musical Heathers which recently extended their run into 2026 at New World Stages! Spanning from working as the creative director on the original seasons of American Idol to serving as the choreographer for the UK hit Thriller Live, Gary has worked with global legends. We get to talking about his time working with Sir Paul McCartney, PINK!, Ricky Martin and the time he got to tell Michael Jackson that he was his I Wanna Be Like You! I WANNA BE LIKE GARY LLOYD CHAPTERS 1. 00:00 Heathers Announcement 2. 01:05 Intro 3. 04:55 Gary’s I Wanna Be Like You as a Kid 4. 07:00 Dance History 5. 10:10 Gary’s First Professional Job 6. 14:30 West End Debut: Starlight Express 7. 19:20 Choreography Beginnings 8. 22:50 American Idol! Creative Directing 9. 29:45 Ricky Martin 10. 30:50 PINK! 11. 31:30 Ne-Yo, Leona Lewis and Clarkson 12. 32:10 Sir Paul McCartney! 13. 34:00 Thriller Live! 14. 38:25 Meeting Michael Jackson 15. 41:00 Heathers! 16. 47:00 Heathers Audition 17. 50:10 The Original vs The Revival 18. 52:00 UK vs USA 19. 53:20 Heathers Fanbase: Corn Nuts 20. 55:40 Cast of Heathers! 21. 58:00 Upcoming Immersive Nutcracker 22. 1:02:00 AI Wanna Be Like You! 23. 1:06:50 Dream Guest Manifestation! 24. 1:07:30 Gary’s I Wanna Be Like You NOW!
Jul 1, 2025 · 2 hr 1 min
I Wanna Be Like Kevin Metzger-Timson!
Today, I Wanna Be Like Kevin Metzger-Timson! Kevin Metzger-Timson is casting director who runs The TRC Company. Currently, he's represented on Broadway as the Casting Director of Boop, Death Becomes Her, Aladdin and the upcoming production of Mamma Mia coming to the Winter Garden this summer! He also served as the Casting Director for the current Beauty and the Beast national tour and the most recent production of The Little Mermaid at Paper Mill. Formerly an actor, Kevin pivoted to casting almost a decade ago and has worked on and is working on some of the biggest shows to hit the Broadway stage. I WANNA BE LIKE KEVIN METZGER-TIMSON CHAPTERS 1. 00:00 Intro 2. 03:50 Kevin’s I Wanna Be Like You as a Kid 3. 05:45 Theater Beginnings 4. 07:00 College AUDITION Experience 5. 09:25 Kevin’s First Broadway Show 6. 11:00 NYU Tisch 7. 14:55 EPAs/ECCs in College 8. 18:10 Crowded Holding Rooms at Auditions 9. 20:54 Clarabelle The Cow! 10. 25:55 Transitioning to Casting! 11. 33:55 Casting Associate vs Assistant 12. 34:30 Moving to Tara Rubin Casting 13. 36:25 The TRC Company 14. 39:00 Dance Calls 15. 42:55 What A Casting Director’s Job Is 16. 48:45 Casting Betty Boop! 17. 54:15 Work Sessions 18. 55:15 From Initial Audition To Work Session 19. 59:50 Headshots & Resumes 20. 1:03:10 The Best Part About Casting 21. 1:08:30 Holding Sides 22. 1:10:30 Booking An Account as a Casting Director 23. 1:12:50 Social Media 24. 1:18:15 Disney Theatrical (Aladdin/Beauty and The Beast Tour) 25. 1:25:05 Casting Understudies for Death Becomes Her 26. 1:29:00 Required Equity Calls 27. 1:32:00 Having Representation 28. 1:34:50 Casting Replacements 29. 1:36:40 Using Casting as a Reference 30. 1:38:20 Casting Regional Theatre 31. 1:39:50 Knowledge is Power 32. 1:43:00 Casting Jukebox Musicals 33. 1:47:00 Requesting Feedback 34. 1:49:15 Authentic Casting 35. 1:51:45 Dream Guest Manifestation 36. 1:53:30 AI Wanna Be Like You: $15 Problem 37. 1:59:35 Kevin’s I Wanna Be Like You NOW!
Jun 24, 2025 · 1 hr 26 min
I Wanna Be Like Annbritt DuChateau!
Today I Wanna Be Like Annbritt DuChateau! Annbritt DuChateau is a professional conductor, piano and French horn playing, music director with numerous Broadway and National Tour credits. Currently, she’s conducting and music directing Stephen Sondheim’s Old Friends on Broadway at the Samuel J Friedman Theater until June 29th. Her long history working on Sondheim began with working under a legend in the industry, Paul Gemignani. She’s an Assistant Music Director for Disney Theatrical working on Mary Poppins, Aladdin and Frozen around the globe. Some other notable Broadway credits include Into the Woods (2002), The Frogs (2004), and Once Upon A Mattress (2024)! I WANNA BE LIKE ANNBRITT DUCHATEAU CHAPTERS 1. 00:00: Intro 2. 04:24: AnnBritt’s I Wanna Be Like You as a Kid 3. 08:20: Music Beginnings 4. 10:30: College Experience 5. 17:15: Conducting 6. 19:20: Aspects of Love National Tour 7. 25:30: Miss Saigon National Tour 8. 28:00: Meeting and Working with Paul Gemignani 9. 31:11: Kiss Me Kate: Broadway Debut 10. 34:15: Music Direction 11. 39:45: The Frogs with Nathan Lane 12. 46:15: Disney Theatrical! 13. 58:00: How Orchestrators and Composers Communicate with Music Directors 14. 59:40: Stephen Sondheim’s Old Friends! 15. 1:07:15: Time Signatures 16. 1:10:40: Niche Sondheim Music 17. 1:12:20: Bernadette Peters 18. 1:14:40: Once Upon a Mattress 19. 1:17:50: Sondheim Trivia!! 20. 1:22:10: Dream Guest Manifestation 21. 1:24:10: Annbritt’s I Wanna Be Like You NOW!
Jun 17, 2025 · 1 hr 51 min
I Wanna Be Like Cara Rose DiPietro!
Today, I Wanna Be Like Cara Rose DiPietro! Cara Rose DiPietro is a social media influencer who focuses on Lifestyle and Theater content. Currently holding over 400,000 followers on all social media platforms, Cara has been developing her accounts influencing people from all over the globe over the past 3 years. Since then, she's gotten to hold her own TED Talk and 54 Below show: My Mother's Daughter alongside Tony Award nominee Laura Bell Bundy where she discusses the passing of her mother. Having gone through it herself, Cara has been able to serve as a role model for those suffering from eating disorders. She's an inspiration to many and rightfully so! I WANNA BE LIKE CARA ROSE DIPIETRO CHAPTERS 00:00: Intro 03:10: Cara’s I Wanna Be Like You as a Kid 05:30: Theater Beginnings 09:35: The First Broadway Show Cara Saw 12:00: Auditioning For College! 19:30: Finding Material For Your Book 24:50: College Experience! 27:42: Getting An Agent/Joining The Union! 34:30: Social Media Beginnings! 38:00: Cara’s First Viral Video 43:00: Cara’s Niche and Social Media Success 51:20: TED Talk! 1:02:20: What is Mental Health? 1:04:00: Anorexia Diagnosis 1:17:00: Being Vulnerable On Social Media 1:22:15: 54 Below Show: My Mother’s Daughter 1:33:25: State Of The Industry 1:35:30: Elsbeth Guest Appearance 1:39:10: What’s Next?!?! 1:41:20: College Masterclasses 1:44:00: LIVE TikTok!/AI Wanna Be Like You! 1:47:25: Manifesting Dream Guest! 1:48:55: Cara’s I Wanna Be Like You NOW!
Jun 10, 2025 · 1 hr 46 min
I Wanna Be Like Brad Oscar!
Today I Wanna Be Like Brad Oscar! After making his Broadway debut in the Andrew Lloyd Webber musical Aspects of Love, Brad Oscar has received 2 Tony Award nominations for starring in the original companies of The Producers and Something Rotten as Franz Liebkind and Nostradamus respectively. Currently, he is doing 8 shows a week in Wicked as the Wonderful Wizard of Oz! He’s also originated the casts of Jekyll & Hyde and Mrs. Doubtfire on Broadway! Most recently, Brad played Mayor Menlove in the stage production (as well as multiple readings) of Schmigadoon! based on the TV show at the Kennedy Center this past spring eyeing a Broadway transfer. We get to chatting about it all! I WANNA BE LIKE BRAD OSCAR CHAPTERS 1. 00:00: Intro 2. 02:55: Brad’s I Wanna Be Like You as a Kid 3. 09:30: Brad’s Theatre Beginnings 4. 11:55: College Experience 5. 15:50: First Professional Job and Survival Jobs! 6. 19:20: Merrily We Roll Along??? 7. 28:50: Getting His Equity Card and First Agent 8. 33:00: Aspects of Love: Broadway Debut! 9. 41:05: Post Broadway Debut! 10. 43:50: Jekyll & Hyde! (Original Cast) 11. 49:55: The Producers! (Original Cast) 12. 1:02:15: Finding Comedy on Stage 13. 1:07:00: The Producers Movie and West End 14. 1:08:50: Tony Award Nominations! 15. 1:13:15: Something Rotten! (Original Cast) 16. 1:21:10: Mrs. Doubtfire! (Original Cast) 17. 1:28:47: Wicked! 18. 1:35:57: Schmigadoon! 19. 1:40:45: AI Wanna Be Like You! 20. 1:45:00: Brad’s I Wanna Be Like You NOW!
Jun 5, 2025 · 53 min
I Wanna Be Like Josh Bergasse!
Today I Wanna Be Like Josh Bergasse! Josh Bergasse is a renowned choreographer currently Tony Award nominated for his choreography on SMASH playing at the Imperial Theater! He also choreographed the original TV show on NBC as well as So You Think You Can Dance, the revival of On the Town on Broadway for which he received a Tony nomination and many more! Upcoming, Josh is working on the new musical Joy premiering at the Laura Pels Theatre at Roundabout Off Broadway in June as well as the world premiere of the new musical Bull Durham which is scheduled to open Paper Mill Playhouse’s 2025-2026 season! I WANNA BE LIKE JOSH BERGASSE CHAPTERS 1. 00:00: Intros 2. 05:20: Josh’s I Wanna Be Like You as a Kid 3. 08:10: Theater Beginnings/West Side Story 4. 12:15: Josh’s Broadway Debut! 5. 13:45: Originating and Swinging in Hairspray! 6. 16:15: Choreographing! 7. 22:25: So You Think You Can Dance? 8. 26:30: SMASH TV Show 9. 32:00 SMASH on Broadway! 10. 38:20 Working with Susan Stroman! 11. 40:15: Being IN the TV Show 12. 42:11: Dance Calls 13. 44:25: Tony Awards! 14. 48:00: Joy! 15. 49:28: Bull Durham! 16. 51:20: Dream Guest Manifestation! 17. 52:42: Josh’s I Wanna Be Like You NOW!
Jun 4, 2025 · 46 min
I Wanna Be Like Thom Sesma!
Today I Wanna Be Like Thom Sesma! Thom Sesma is currently starring in the new musical Dead Outlaw nominated for 7 Tony Award including Best Musical playing now at the Longacre Theatre! Born in San Diego, Thom didn’t originally see himself being an actor. Now he’s gone onto to star in many shows on and off Broadway as well as playing Scar in The Lion King in Las Vegas! You can catch him performing this Sunday June 8th at the Tony Awards alongside the rest of the cast of Dead Outlaw! I WANNA BE LIKE THOM SESMA CHAPTERS 1. 00:00: Intro 2. 04:21: Thom’s I Wanna Be Like You as a Kid 3. 09:12: Theater Beginnings 4. 11:35: Getting His Equity Card 5. 12:36: Booking Broadway! 6. 16:06: Pacific Overtures! 7. 22:30: Booking Dead Outlaw! 8. 25:13: Up to the Stars from Dead Outlaw! 9. 27:45: The Job of an Actor 10. 30:45: Putting Dead Outlaw Together! 11. 33:58: The Difference Between Broadway and Off Broadway 12. 39:00: Awards and Nominations! 13. 41:30: Tony Awards! 14. 44:05: Thom’s I Wanna Be Like You NOW!
Jun 3, 2025 · 44 min
I Wanna Be Like Jack Noseworthy!
Today I Wanna Be Like Jack Noseworthy! Jack Noseworthy heads the production company TruWorthy Productions alongside his husband, Tony Award Winner Sergio Trujillo and currently is the Lead Producer of Real Women Have Curves on Broadway! The show is happening every night at the James Earl Jones Theater and is nominated for 2 Tony Awards! Beginning as an actor, Jack has found success on stage and screen. He originated the musical Sweet Smell of Success alongside John Lithgow, Brian D’Arcy James, and Kelli O’Hara. He starred in films, television and onstage alongside Kurt Russell, Rob Lowe, Matthew McConaughey, Meryl Streep and many more! I WANNA BE LIKE JACK NOSEWORTHY CHAPTERS 1. 00:00 Intro 2. 04:50 Jack’s I Wanna Be Like You as a Kid 3. 08:20 College Experience 4. 10:30 First Professional Job: Cats! 5. 11:30 Jerome Robbins’ Broadway! 6. 13:20 Dance History 7. 14:55 Peter Pan 8. 15:50 A Chorus Line! 9. 18:25 Sweet Smell of Success! 10. 21:20 Transitioning to Film/TV 11. 26:10 U571 with Matthew McConaughey! 12. 31:30 Mother Courage with Meryl Streep! 13. 34:00 Transitioning to Producing 14. 38:20 Real Women Have Curves! 15. 43:30 Jack’s I Wanna Be Like You NOW!
May 27, 2025 · 1 hr 53 min
I Wanna Be Like Andy Karl!
Today, I Wanna Be Like Andy Karl! Andy Karl is an Olivier Award winning and 3 time Tony Award nominated actor whose career spans widely amongst screen and stage. He's most well known for his Olivier Award winning performance as Phil Connors in Groundhog Day the Musical which he performed on Broadway (Tony Award nomination), London's West End and most recently in Australia. He's originated musicals including Rocky the Musical (where he played the titular role and received a Tony Award nomination), Pretty Woman, Legally Blonde and many more! He had a significant recurring role in Law and Order: SVU where he played Sargeant Mike Dodds throughout Season 17. Currently, he stars on stage as The Duke of Monroth in Moulin Rouge on Broadway! Most importantly however he was been Elbi's I Wanna Be Like You since he was a kid, someone he's looked up to since he was a child. A true joy and honor it is to be chatting today with ANDY KARL! I WANNA BE LIKE ANDY KARL CHAPTERS 1. 00:00 Intro 2. 04:44 Andy’s I Wanna Be Like You as a Kid 3. 09:15 Phantom of the Opera 4. 10:40: College Experience 5. 15:40 Moving to NYC 6. 17:55 First Professional Job 7. 19:40 Joining the Union/Getting An Agent 8. 24:45 Sondheim’s Saturday Night 9. 27:20 Broadway Debut: Saturday Night Fever 10. 28:40 Proceeding Post Working on Broadway 11. 30:30 Altar Boyz 12. 33:22 Legally Blonde! 13. 39:30 9 to 5 with Dolly Parton 14. 42:35 Jersey Boys with Nick Jonas! 15. 46:37 The Mystery Of Edwin Drood with Chita Rivera 16. 50:00 Originating Rocky on Broadway 17. 57:25 Tony Awards & Awards Season 18. 1:00:35 On the Twentieth Century! 19. 1:03:45 Law & Order: SVU! 20. 1:12:00 Groundhog Day! 21. 1:26:45 Tearing His ACL ONSTAGE 22. 1:33:00 Groundhog Day CONT’D 23. 1:35:56 Meeting Bill Murray At Groundhog Day 24. 1:37:42 Pretty Woman 25. 1:40:50 Into The Woods! 26. 1:45:40 Moulin Rouge!!! 27. 1:47:30 Dream Guest Manifestation! 28. 1:48:10 AI Wanna Be Like You! 29. 1:52:50 Andy’s I Wanna Be Like You NOW!
May 20, 2025 · 1 hr 35 min
I Wanna Be Like Jerry Mitchell!
Today, I Wanna Be Like Jerry Mitchell! Jerry Mitchell is a Tony Award winning Broadway legend. Currently represented with an Outer Critics Circle Award and Tony Award nomination for his choreography on Boop! The Musical (which he also directed) running on Broadway NOW! Jerry started his career working under the greatest choreographers to have ever worked in the theater: Agnes DeMille, Jerome Robbins and Michael Bennett. After a career dancing on Broadway himself, he went on to choreograph iconic musicals such as Hairspray, Gypsy (2003), Dirty Rotten Scoundrels and many more! As a director/choreographer, Jerry has worked on cult classics, critical and awards darlings such as Legally Blonde, Pretty Woman, and Kinky Boots, for which he won the Tony Award for Best Choreography! I WANNA BE LIKE JERRY MITCHELL CHAPTERS 1. 00:00 Intro 2. 03:32 Jerry Mitchell’s I Wanna Be Like You as a Kid 3. 05:10 The First Broadway Show Jerry Saw 4. 06:30 First Professional Job/Dance History 5. 08:15 College Experience, Equity Card, Agent 6. 13:47 Broadway Debut: Brigadoon with Agnes De Mille 7. 21:47 You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown, Choreography Broadway Debut 8. 23:30 Working with Sondheim and Michael Bennett 9. 28:05 The Full Monty 10. 30:57 Broadway Bares! 11. 38:35 Gypsy (2003) with Bernadette Peters 12. 41:15 Jerome Robbins 13. 47:00 Boop Cut Moment! 14. 48:30 Revisiting Past Choreography 15. 50:15 Jack O’Brien! 16. 53:25 Legally Blonde! 17. 59:00 Kinky Boots! 18. 1:07:15 Dealing with Negative Reception 19. 1:08:35 BOOP!!!! 20. 1:15:00 Where’s Betty? 21. 1:19:05 BOOP CONT’D 22. 1:21:05 Tony Award Nominations! 23. 1:22:40 Why Look Around the Corner? 24. 1:26:20 Dream Guest 25. 1:26:52 Devil Wears Prada 26. 1:28:40 Choreography Style 27. 1:30:50 AI Wanna Be Like You! 28. 1:34:50 Jerry’s I Wanna Be Like You NOW!
May 15, 2025 · 2 hr 6 min
I Wanna Be Like Brittany Conigatti!
Today, I Wanna Be Like Brittany Conigatti! Brittany Conigatti is a Broadway dancer who originated A Bronx Tale directed by Robert DeNiro and Jerry Zaks. She also was in the ensemble of The Prom on Broadway! She most recently danced alongside Quinta Brunson on Saturday Night Live! She’s gone on to be a featured dancer in Annie Live!, Mean Girls National Tour, and the national tour of Matilda! Next up, she’ll associate choreographing Paper Mill Playhouse’s production of The Little Mermaid alongside director and choreographer JoAnn M Hunter! I WANNA BE LIKE BRITTANY CONIGATTI CHAPTERS 00:00 Intro 03:40 Brittany’s I Wanna Be Like You as a Kid 05:05 Dance History 07:00 LaGuardia, The Fame School & Theater Beginnings 14:45 High School Musical @Paper Mill 21:40 AMDA, College Experience 24:00 First Agent 25:05 Equity Card 31:40 A Bronx Tale @ Paper Mill! 37:47 Matilda National Tour 40:00 Broadway Debut in A Bronx Tale! 47:55 Dance Captain 49:30 A Bronx Tale on Broadway CONT’D 55:40 A Bronx Tale National Tour 57:00 Robert DeNiro! 59:40 Auditioning Post Broadway 1:02:30 The Prom on Broadway! 1:08:45 Getting Married! 1:13:35 Annie Live! 1:17:45 Mean Girls National Tour! 1:21:25 Swing Prep Work 1:25:45 Law & Order: SVU 1:33:00 Having a Baby and Working in the Industry 1:35:20 The Little Mermaid @ Paper Mill 1:40:00 Dance Call Tips and Tricks! 1:49:30 Little Mermaid CONT’D 1:54:20 Dream Guest Manifestation! 1:56:10 AI Wanna Be Like You! 2:03:15 Staten Island Tour 2:05:00 I Wanna Be Like You NOW!
May 13, 2025 · 1 hr 14 min
I Wanna Be Like Kris Kyer!
Today, I Wanna Be Like Kris Kyer! Kris Kyer is a renowned acting coach for children working in TV/Film. He’s worked as a dialect coach on TV shows including Boy Meets World, That 70’s Show, Grace Under Fire and more! He’s trained many prominent child actors including Mila Kunis, Dylan & Cole Sprouse, Taylor Lautner, Kyle Massey and many more! He’s also a professional impersonator of Dick Van Dyke who he got to play in the film, Saving Mr. Banks starring Tom Hanks and Emma Thompson. Prior to this, Kris worked in the theater scene——working on cruise lines, at Cedar Point Theme Park and Walt Disney World, originating one of their cabaret shows. He most recently starred in J2 Theatre Spotlight’s production of Smile Off Broadway as well as opened his own Christmas store in LA! Kris has a world of stories and we got to talking about it all! I WANNA BE LIKE KRIS KYER CHAPTERS 00:00 Intro 03:16 Kris’ I Wanna Be Like You as a Kid 05:50 Stephen Flaherty 08:30 Cedar Point and Disney World! 11:25 Equity Card! 14:50 Puppeteering and Beginnings 17:50 Youngest Ringmaster of the Ringling Brothers! 21:50 Smile! 29:20 Training 30:45 Carol Burnett! 36:35 First Agent! 40:20 Boy Meets World! 46:10 Seinfeld! 47:25 That 70’s Show! 49:20 Dylan & Cole Sprouse 50:37 Grace Under Fire 51:50 Quiet On Set Documentary 55:45 Teaching For Self Tapes 57:00 Master Modem Pilot 1:02:50 Saving Mr. Banks! 1:05:20 Coaching For Commercials 1:07:00 Christmas Store! 1:10:00 AI Wanna Be Like You! 1:12:00 Dream Guest! 1:13:20 Kris’ I Wanna Be Like You NOW!
May 5, 2025 · 3 hr 24 min
I Wanna Be Like Lee Roy Reams!
Today, I Wanna Be Like Lee Roy Reams! Lee Roy Reams is a bonafide Broadway LEGEND. Most well known as the original Billy in 42nd Street (1980), Lee Roy has worked on 11 iconic Broadway shows. He was in the original company of Sweet Charity on Broadway (1966) as well as the film (1969) working alongside Bob Fosse and Gwen Verdon. He played the first openly gay role in a Broadway show as Duane Fox in Applause (1970) alongside Lauren Becall. He’s also danced on some of the most iconic television shows in American history including The Ed Sullivan Show, The Carol Burnett Show, and The Dean Martin Show. He’s gone on to be the first man in America to star as Dolly Levi in an Equity production of Hello Dolly! Currently, he’s performing a 54 Below show titled Uncensored on Wednesday, May 7th as well as his upcoming performance at 54 AM AM Below of his show Me & Betty (AKA Lauren Becall) on June 3rd. We talked about it ALL in this special episode as well as his relationships with Juliet Prowse, Lauren Becall, Rita Moreno, and more! I WANNA BE LIKE LEE ROY REAMS MARKERS 1. 00:00 Intro 2. 01:30 Lee Roy’s Favorite Show of the Current Broadway Season 3. 03:25 Lee Roy’s I Wanna Be Like You as a Kid 4. 09:30 Theater Dance Beginnings 5. 12:35 College Experience at CCM 6. 17:00 How He Got His Equity Card 7. 18:25 Moving to New York 8. 21:15 Juliet Prowse’s Nightclub Act 9. 24:30 Original Sweet Charity with Bob Fosse 10. 33:10 Being a Bob Fosse Dancer & Fosse/Verdon 11. 37:00 Sweet Charity Film 12. 42:10 The Carol Burnett Show 13. 46:45 The Ed Sullivan Show 14. 48:50 Oklahoma with Richard Rodgers at Lincoln Center! 15. 1:00:00 Applause (1970) 16. 1:10:30 Relationship with Lauren Becall 17. 1:16:10 Applause CONT’D 18. 1:25:10 Lorelai and Hello Dolly with Carol Channing 19. 1:46:00 ORIGINATING BILLY IN 42ND STREET! 20. 2:02:35 Woman of the Year Opening Night with Ethel Merman 21. 2:07:10 Ann Miller 22. 2:11:55 42nd Street CONT’D 23. 2:13:05 La Cage Aux Folles 24. 2:15:30 Lumiere in Beauty and The Beast 25. 2:25:15 The Producers! 26. 2:31:30 Madeline Kahn 27. 2:42:00 Playing Dolly Levi 28. 2:45:00 Uncensored at 54 Below 29. 3:04:00 AI Wanna Be Like You! 30. 3:07:40 Bette Midler 31. 3:08:40 The First Broadway Show Lee Roy Saw! 32. 3:09:50 Manifesting Dream Guests! 33. 3:10:50 Company! 34. 3:16:20 The Current Broadway Season 35. 3:20:00 Lee Roy’s I Wanna Be Like You NOW!
Apr 29, 2025 · 1 hr 14 min
I Wanna Be Like Sean McManus!
Today, I Wanna Be Like Sean McManus! Sean McManus has become most well known for his viral impression of Patti LuPone on TikTok and Instagram! Beyond that, he’s become notable for his impressions of Jennifer Coolidge, Moira Rose from Schitt’s Creek and Parker Posey in the most current season of The White Lotus. He’s recently begun performing these impressions LIVE with his upcoming show, And The Nominees Are happening at the Laurie Beechman Theater on May 6th. Beyond that, Sean continues to have a thriving career on Broadway and across the country performing as a vacation swing in Beetlejuice! We get to talking about all of that and might even have a special visitor join us for our AI Wanna Be Like You segment! I WANNA BE LIKE SEAN MCMANUS MARKERS 1. 00:00 Intro 2. 02:24 Sean’s I Wanna Be Like You as a Kid 3. 05:00 Patti’s I Wanna Be Like You as a Kid 4. 05:50 Sean’s First Broadway Show! 5. 09:45 College Experience! 6. 15:50 Cats National Tour 7. 19:55 Beetlejuice!! 8. 22:30 Tips for Swings! 9. 27:50 Broadway Debut! 10. 29:35 Sean’s Beetlejuice Audition Process! 11. 32:30 Beetlejuice Tour! 12. 36:10 How Sean Got His Equity Card! 13. 38:00 The Origins of The Patti LuPone Impression! 14. 42:00 Social Media Influencing 15. 48:40 Emilia Perez Oscars 16. 50:10 Patti’s Reaction to Sean’s Impression 17. 52:20 Patti Auditions for A Chorus Line 18. 56:20 Collaborating with Bonnie Mulligan 19. 58:30 Live Shows! 20. 1:03:20 Jennifer Coolidge Impression! 21. 1:05:20 Dream Guests! 22. 1:07:50 What’s Next! 23. 1:09:25 Patti LuPone Joins!!! 24. 1:12:30 Dream Guest and Sean’s I Wanna Be Like You NOW!
Apr 22, 2025 · 1 hr 54 min
I Wanna Be Like Mark Hoebee!
Today, I Wanna Be Like Mark Hoebee! Mark Hoebee is currently the Producing Artistic Director of Paper Mill Playhouse. Prior to that, he was a swing and dance captain on multiple Broadway shows and national tours including Jerome Robbins’ Broadway, Beauty and the Beast, and Victor/Victoria starring Julie Andrews. He went on to become an accomplished director, still directing one show a season at Paper Mill. Notably, he directed a production of The Full Monty starring Elaine Stritch among many others! We get to talking about Paper Mill’s current world premiere production of Take the Lead as well as their upcoming production of The Little Mermaid, directed and choreographed by JoAnn Hunter. We also talk about Paper Mill’s upcoming season, including their next world premiere musical, Bull Durham!! I WANNA BE LIKE MARK HOEBEE MARKERS 00:00 Intro 02:45 Mark’s I Wanna Be Like You as a Kid 04:38 First Broadway Show! 08:00 College Experience! 10:45 First Professional Job! 12:50 How Mark Got His Equity Card 13:55 Mark’s First Agent! 15:35 Jerome Robbins’ Broadway! 21:50 Nick & Nora! 28:40 Disneyification of NYC 32:20 Beauty and the Beast! 35:00 Victor/Victoria starring JULIE ANDREWS! 45:30 Julie Andrews Giving Up The Tony Award 48:30 Julie Andrews: The Legend 53:30 Mark’s First Experience with Paper Mill 56:45 Directing Elaine Stritch in The Full Monty AT Paper Mill! 1:03:55 Becoming Artistic Director of Paper Mill! 1:09:20 Deciding On A Season 1:17:30 Upcoming Production Of The Little Mermaid! 1:19:25 How Newsies Came to Paper Mill! 1:24:20 A Bronx Tale’s Origins at Paper Mill! 1:28:40 Take The Lead!! 1:37:40 Upcoming World Premiere of Bull Durham! 1:39:35 Upcoming Holiday Production of Frozen! 1:40:07 Come From Away! 1:41:10 1776! 1:42:50 West Side Story! 1:45:05 Audition Advice! 1:49:10 AI Wanna Be Like You! 1:52:30 Mark’s Dream Guest For Me! 1:52:50 Mark’s I Wanna Be Like You NOW!
Apr 17, 2025 · 1 hr 20 min
I Wanna Be Like Theresa McCarthy!
Today, I Wanna Be Like Theresa McCarthy! Theresa McCarthy is most well known for originating the role of Nellie in Floyd Collins which has now returned to Broadway with the role being played by Lizzy McAlpine! She also starred as one of the three Kates in the original Broadway company of Titanic. She’s originated many Off Broadway musicals such as First Daughter’s Suite, Myths and Hymns and Queen of the Mist. You can hear her voice in the studio recording of The Frogs/Evening Primrose singing the iconic Take Me To The World. Currently, she’s a professor at Wagner College teaching the Viewpoints technique as well as directing. I WANNA BE LIKE THERESA MCCARTHY MARKERS 1. 00:00 Intro 2. 02:00 Theresa’s I Wanna Be Like You as a Kid 3. 04:50 First Time in NYC 4. 07:45 College Experience 5. 13:30 First Professional Theatre Job 6. 18:35 The Acting Company 7. 20:55 Trinity Rep 8. 22:10 First Agent 9. 25:40 Moving to Seattle 10. 28:15 Theresa’s Voice 11. 30:15 Meeting/Working with Adam Guettel 12. 32:55 Floyd Collins Original Cast! 13. 39:30 Seth Barrish 14. 42:30 Titanic Original Broadway Cast! 15. 45:35 Myths and Hymns 16. 51:55 Take Me To The World 17. 56:30 Queen of the Mist 18. 58:43 First Daughters Suite 19. 1:01:20 A Mom in the Theater 20. 1:02:45 Viewpoints! 21. 1:06:20 Compositions! 22. 1:08:25 Originating a New Work! 23. 1:09:25 Directing 24. 1:10:25 Teaching at Wagner College 25. 1:12:30 Floyd Collins NOW ON BROADWAY/Lizzy McAlpine 26. 1:14:30 The Lyrics of Michael John LaChuisa vs Adam Guettel 27. 1:17:50 Dream Guest Manifestation! 28. 1:19:00 Theresa’s I Wanna Be Like You NOW!

I Wanna Be Like You with Elbi Cespedes

I Wanna Be Like Peter Van Dam!

I Wanna Be Like Jess LeProtto!

BONUS: I Wanna See Rolling Thunder!

I Wanna Be Like Jim Walton!

I Wanna Be Like Gary Lloyd!

I Wanna Be Like Kevin Metzger-Timson!

I Wanna Be Like Annbritt DuChateau!

I Wanna Be Like Cara Rose DiPietro!

I Wanna Be Like Brad Oscar!

I Wanna Be Like Josh Bergasse!

I Wanna Be Like Thom Sesma!

I Wanna Be Like Jack Noseworthy!

I Wanna Be Like Andy Karl!

I Wanna Be Like Jerry Mitchell!

I Wanna Be Like Brittany Conigatti!

I Wanna Be Like Kris Kyer!

I Wanna Be Like Lee Roy Reams!

I Wanna Be Like Sean McManus!

I Wanna Be Like Mark Hoebee!

I Wanna Be Like Theresa McCarthy!