Survival Jobs: A Podcast

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Episode 95 | Kecia Lewis: "Teacher"

May 23, 2024

Guest

Kecia Lewis

Kecia Lewis, a Broadway veteran and Tony Award nominee known for her roles in ‘Dreamgirls’ and ‘Once On This Island’, discusses her vibrant 40+ year career. She shares insights about her current role in ‘Hell’s Kitchen’, its powerful female cast, and the exciting Tony Awards buzz. Kecia reflects on her journey from auditions to original cast member, the significance of mentorship in the arts, and the joys of storytelling. The conversation culminates with a fun game honoring Alicia Keys, highlighting her passion for music and theater.

50:32

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Episode notes

insights

INSIGHT

Value of Original Cast Experience

Being in original cast allows actors to help create the show and have input while writers are eager.
Initial doubts about elements like "a tree" can lead to iconic, beloved moments.

insights

INSIGHT

Right Role Feels Like Privilege

The right role at the right time feels like a privilege when the story resonates personally.
Kecia was drawn to 'Miss Eliza Jane' for her mentorship and strength despite personal trauma.

insights

INSIGHT

Personal Experience Inspires Role

As a single mother of a Black son, Kecia relates deeply to the role and its depiction of real dangers.
Her personal experience of teaching her son how to navigate a biased world informs her performance.

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Vibrancy and Aspirations in NYC

02:11 • 14min

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The Journey from Auditions to Original Cast Member

16:23 • 4min

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Theater, Identity, and Motherhood

20:46 • 5min

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The Power of Mentorship and Female Storytelling

26:15 • 9min

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Stories, Struggles, and Songs

Hell's Kitchen is a vibrant and contemporary musical set in New York City, inspired by the life and music of Alicia Keys. The story revolves around a young girl named Ali, who navigates the challenges and dreams of growing up in the gritty, vibrant neighborhood of Hell's Kitchen. As Ali discovers her passion for music, she grapples with her relationship with her mother and the search for her own identity. The musical explores themes of family, community, and the transformative power of art, set against a backdrop of dynamic urban life. Featuring a mix of original songs and Alicia Keys' hits, Hell's Kitchen captures the energy and spirit of New York City. The musical showcases diverse characters and their struggles, celebrating the resilience and creativity that thrive in the face of adversity. Through its powerful music and heartfelt storytelling, Hell's Kitchen offers a compelling and uplifting portrayal of self-discovery and the importance of community.

Once on this island

Gloria Whelan

Once on This Island is a Caribbean-infused musical that tells the story of Ti Moune, a peasant girl who falls in love with Daniel, a wealthy boy from the other side of the island. Set in the French Antilles, the musical explores themes of love, class, and the power of storytelling through vibrant music and dance. Ti Moune's journey is guided by the island's gods, each representing different aspects of nature and human experience. As she pursues her love for Daniel, she faces numerous obstacles and tests of her devotion, ultimately sacrificing herself to save him. The musical celebrates the resilience and spirit of the island people while also examining the social inequalities that divide them. Once on This Island is a poignant tale of love, sacrifice, and the enduring power of community.

Marie and Rosetta

George Brant

Marie and Rosetta is a dynamic and soulful musical that celebrates the life and music of Sister Rosetta Tharpe, often hailed as the

Dreamgirls

Michael Bennett

Dreamgirls is a Broadway musical that follows the story of a young female singing trio, loosely based on The Supremes, as they navigate the music industry in the 1960s and 1970s. The musical explores themes of ambition, success, and the personal sacrifices required to achieve fame. The plot centers around the Dreams, a group consisting of Effie White, Deena Jones, and Lorrell Robinson, and their manipulative manager Curtis Taylor Jr. As the group rises to stardom, their relationships are tested, and they grapple with issues of creative control, betrayal, and the changing landscape of American music. Dreamgirls celebrates the Motown era while also critiquing the darker side of the entertainment industry. The show is known for its dynamic musical numbers, powerful performances, and its exploration of the complexities of fame and identity.

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The Passage

Justin Cronin

The Passage is set in a near-future world where a government experiment involving a virus from a South American bat species leads to an apocalyptic outbreak. The virus transforms people into superhuman, vampire-like creatures known as 'virals'. The story follows FBI agent Brad Wolgast and six-year-old Amy Harper Bellafonte as they navigate this new world. The novel spans over a century, beginning with the origins of the virus and its immediate aftermath, and then jumping forward 93 years to follow a colony of survivors in California. The narrative is rich in character development and uses various storytelling devices such as emails, journal entries, and newspaper reports to paint a vivid picture of a world in collapse and the resilience of its survivors.

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• Mentioned in 3 episodes

Ragtime

E. L. Doctorow

Join your favorite podcast hosts Jason A. Coombs and Samantha Tuozzolo , on the latest episode of Survival Jobs, as they chat with the iconic Broadway veteran and Tony Nominee Kecia Lewis in the hit Broadway musical ‘Hell’s Kitchen’, which is nominated for thirteen Tony Awards including Best Musical this season. Kecia shines a spotlight on her 40+ year career which includes starring in the original Broadway runs of ‘Dreamgirls’, ‘Once On This Island’ and ‘The Drowsy Chaperone’ to such iconic television shows such as ‘Mad About You’, ‘Law and Order: SVU’, ‘The Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, “Passages” and more! Kecia also dives into the joy of working with her powerful female co-stars Shoshana Bean and Maleah Joi Moon and Lead Producer and Composer Alicia Keys in ‘Hell’s Kitchen’ and why audiences and critics are praising the production!

Before closing out with a fun game of Fill in the Lyric…Alicia Keys Edition, Kecia dives into the many surprising gigs she’s had over the years as a working actor! Tickets for ‘Hell’s Kitchen’ are available at the Shubert Theatre or online here.

The episode opens with Samantha and Jason chatting about the Stephen Sondheim Awards at the Shubert Theatre in New Haven, Connecticut where Jason was a presenter!

Lastly, the exclusive video interview can be found here on Broadway World, while the audio-only version of the episode is available on popular platforms such as Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Audible or any of your other favorite podcast apps. Tune in now for insights, inspiration, and entertainment!

Info on Your Hosts:

Broadway World Article on our Season 3 Launch Party
Follow Samantha: Instagram | Samantha's Official Website here
Follow Jason on Instagram | Twitter.
Check out Jason's Official Website here
Check out and support The Bridgeport Film Fest

Info on Guests:

Follow Kecia on Instagram
Tickets to 'Hell's Kitchen' on Broadway
"Mad About You" Revival Trailer
"The Passage" on Fox Trailer

Mic Check Links:

Info on the Bridgeport Film Fest [save 30% by using the code: BFFSURVIVALJOBS2024]
Tony Award Nominations article by Broadway World

Important Links:

Support the citizens of Gaza
CAIR Shares Resources to Support Students Protesting the War and Genocide in Gaza
Native Land Map
US Interior Indian Affairs
NPR: "How To Help Puerto Rico" Article
How to Help the People of Florida Article
Abortion Funds Website
Plan C Pills Website
National Write Your Congressman Link
How to help Uvalde families NPR Article
Where to Donate to Support Access to Abortions Right Now

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Opening and Closing Theme Music: "One Love" by Beats by Danny | Game Music: "Wake Up" by MBB.

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