August 28, 2025 • 18 mins
Christine Nagy chats with Christine Sherrill, who’s making her Broadway debut as Donna Sheridan in Mamma Mia! at the Winter Garden Theatre. From teaching fifth grade to performing across the country, Christine shares her inspiring journey, the joy of the cast, and the magic of bringing ABBA’s music to life. A must-listen for theater lovers and dreamers alike!
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:02):
iHeartRadio Broadway presents Inside Broadway, the podcast about Everything Theater.
It's where you hear what happens from the ticket window
to the stage door, with the stars and creative forces
that make it all come alive. Here's your host, light
FMS Christine Naggy.
Speaker 2 (00:22):
Well, welcome to Inside Broadway. I'm Christine Aggy. Today we're
joined by a truly inspiring talent, Christine Cheryl. This is
kind of the meeting of the Christines. Today, Christine Cheryl
is making her long awaited Broadway debut as Donna Sheridan
in the Return of Mama Mia at the Winter Garden Theater.
From Chicago stages to Las Vegas residencies and even a
(00:43):
classroom teaching fifth grade, Christine's journey is as rich and
layered as the character she brings to life. Christine, Welcome,
so nice to meet you.
Speaker 3 (00:52):
Good morning, Christine. Thank you for having me.
Speaker 2 (00:55):
And I was lucky enough to see one of the
previews of Mama Mia and we apply loved your show.
You're wonderful in it.
Speaker 3 (01:03):
Oh, thank you so much. Yeah, we've been really lucky
to have some incredible preview audiences and now after our opening,
we're still enjoying sold out crowds. Yesterday we had a
Wednesday matinee and it was just beyond what we ever expected.
Speaker 2 (01:19):
So when we were there, we gave you a standing
out because we just felt that joy and loved you
so much in the entire cast. Is that what you
were experiencing yesterday as well? And has that been what's happening?
Speaker 3 (01:30):
Yeah, I'm not sure that bloom will fade. We are
all so joyous, you know. One of my friends had
just messaged me and said, I haven't seen that sort
of energy in so long. Not only is the show
so joyous, but you can tell the cast is so joyous.
(01:53):
Were all, there's so many of us that feel so
grateful to be making our Broadway debut. And she said,
I just sat there the whole time thinking, these people
have been on the road for twenty months. I mean, now.
Speaker 2 (02:07):
Wears you out right right, and we.
Speaker 3 (02:11):
Just don't feel it that the pride we have to
be on Broadway is just superseding any sort of exhaustion. Yeah.
Speaker 2 (02:21):
I wanted to get an idea from you as to
what that feeling is like, because of course you've done
some incredible theater in other parts of the country. You're
coming from Chicago. We talked about Vegas being on the road.
Is there something super special about being on Broadway? And
how does it feel.
Speaker 3 (02:38):
There is something super special? I always felt really satiated
and content in my life. I've been really careful to
have a really balanced life. I have three children, and
so I enjoyed working in Chicago because it really allowed
me to have a balanced life. But my children are
grown now, and I think that that makes this even
(02:59):
more poignant for me. You know, you raise your family
to do what they love and to do what makes
them happy, and I feel like this is a part
of It's another chapter in raising my children and sort
of showing, you know, putting my money where my mouth is,
(03:20):
I guess, and showing them that it takes effort and
it can take some sacrifice, but you know, it's really
well worth it and it can happen whenever.
Speaker 2 (03:28):
And it looks like your family probably your biggest cheerleaders too, right.
Speaker 3 (03:33):
Yes? Yes, three boys and a wonderful husband, and they
are incredibly supportive.
Speaker 2 (03:41):
Are they in Chicago or did they come to New
York with you there?
Speaker 3 (03:44):
My twins live in DC, and my youngest son and
my husband live in Chicago still, So how are you doing?
Speaker 2 (03:53):
Are you okay with the separation?
Speaker 3 (03:57):
Well, it's only been twenty four hours a separation. They
came out for all of opening just to kind of
help me get settled in, and the last one just
went back to DC on an Amtrak yesterday. Yesterday was
a little bit weepy, but I'm okay.
Speaker 2 (04:16):
Imagine. But you talk about the joy and what we're
seeing on stage and feeling, because, as you said, your
friends were saying, the cast seems so joyful. I felt
the same thing. I know it's a joyous show, but
it feels to me like this cast really loves each
other and that you guys must have so much fun.
I feel like behind the scenes you're having fun too.
Speaker 3 (04:38):
Yeah, listen. I think that actors, and rightfully so, feel
a responsibility to proclaim that their cast is happy in
a unit. But I mean, if you're honest, you know
that that sort of magic doesn't always happen. I think
(04:59):
the creatives of Mama Mia. I can honestly say every
time I've been in Mama and Mia, that has happened.
And I think that it's an ability that the creatives
have to sit in a room and say that person
has great energy, that person will contribute to the joy
and the heart of this company. So there are a
lot of folks in our company that just have extremely
(05:20):
huge hearts. And it is absolutely truthful that we all
love each other. You know. I'll have family or friends come.
My son's coworkers came last week and they were like,
let's go get a drink so you could give us
the tea and they were like, who doesn't like each other? Like,
(05:41):
honest to god, everyone supports and loves each other. There's
no drama, there's no tea, and it just saves our
energy for the stage and really keeps us going.
Speaker 2 (05:55):
And you didn't always play Donna this is this is fun.
You started with the production as Tanya, one of Donna's
best friends.
Speaker 3 (06:03):
Yeah, and.
Speaker 2 (06:05):
I'm sorry, Tanya is the it's the rich friend. Is
I want to make sure that I have this Okay.
Speaker 3 (06:10):
Yes, yes, the Christine Baranski.
Speaker 2 (06:14):
Okay, I Christine.
Speaker 3 (06:19):
I started as that, and at the time that was
sort of in my wheelhouse. What's interesting about that is
when I first went out on the road with Mama Mia,
my twins were the age that my youngest is now.
So this show has been a part of my family,
raising all three of my children, and we had an
(06:40):
alumnight and it was absolutely, absolutely magical. And you consider
that everyone that was in the Mama Mia alum audience
has had the same experience, this legacy of a show
has been a part of their family and raising their families.
A lot of sophies there that have since had children
(07:02):
of their own. So I mean, it's just backed by joy.
Speaker 2 (07:06):
It is. It's an incredibly special show. I mean here
in New York, you're back at the Winter Garden Theater
where it had opened, but it opened during you know,
a difficult time for New York. We were facing tough times,
and again back in two thousand and one again bringing
that joy to the city. I feel like you're doing
the same thing today. It's you know, people are full,
(07:29):
We're going through a lot and this show is just
a place, just a place to just get an escape
and hear music that you love and see performers that
are wonderful. I mean are Yeah.
Speaker 3 (07:39):
I think that we're at a point in our country
where there's a lot of division, and the one thing
about Mama Mia is that it unites everybody. Everyone thinks
the same thing is funny. Everyone enjoys the score. You know,
we're seeing a lot of gen Zers who are just
absolutely in love with with this show. For a lot
(08:02):
of them, it's the first musical they've seen. They know
the music from social media, which is incredible, and they're
coming with their parents and their grandparents who listened to Abba.
But I think that what we're seeing is that it
really allows the city to come together and unite in
something that's happy. And for me, something that I didn't
(08:25):
expect was the stage door and meeting a lot of
tourists from outside of the country and really feeling proud
and being like, this is who we are.
Speaker 2 (08:36):
I'm so happy to hear that, and I'm sure they're
so happy to meet you. How is it for you
at the stage door, because a lot of people do
gather around, and I'm sure you want to meet everybody,
But does that get a little overwhelming.
Speaker 3 (08:50):
It has been overwhelming for me, and I've had to
really sort of manage it for myself, especially because I'm
a four her teacher. If I see a young kid,
I have to sign for them. I'm just compelled, you know,
I feel like such a responsibility. I think I've been
(09:10):
doing pretty good. I also try to keep up with
my dms, and you know, in the in the wake
of the situation with Audre McDonald this weekend, and actually
since we've opened, the Shuberts have been really great about
organizing the stage door making us feel safe so that
(09:31):
we can, you know, see as many people as we
possibly can. Right.
Speaker 2 (09:36):
Uh. Audra McDonald, who's had been starring in Gypsy, was
actually followed home by an over zealous van. Is that
how we should put it?
Speaker 3 (09:44):
Yeah? Yeah, enthusiastic, Yeah.
Speaker 2 (09:47):
Overly enthusiastic, wanted an autograph, followed her to her building
and was waiting in the lobby. And I know Audra
McDonald had said yeah on her Instagram that we want
to meet fans. We love meeting the fans, but sometimes
as actors you're just so drained after a show that
you just can't. And she's like, please give actors a break,
(10:09):
Please understand.
Speaker 3 (10:11):
Yes that it's not a slight right or any sort
of you know, there's no message behind it. I'll usually
say I'm sorry, but year New Jersey transit's not waiting
for me.
Speaker 2 (10:23):
I have to go so and that's very true. But yeah,
we've all experienced that one just trying to catch our
train or our bus or whatever it is. So you
mentioned being a teacher. Can you please tell us how
you got the news that you were cast as Donna
on Broadway. Were you in the middle of a of
a school day.
Speaker 3 (10:44):
It's so interesting. I have gone back and forth, especially
post COVID. I went back to teaching. We had left
my family had left New Jersey and moved back to Chicago.
One of the intentions for me to go back to
teaching was to help my youngest acclimate to a new academy.
So the best way to do that was for me
(11:05):
to teach there and sort of, you know, get be
comfortable in the community and become a part of that
community in the school. I knew I wasn't done with performing,
but I also really enjoyed teaching. I came in for
the call, and the amount of people that I saw
in that studio, I sort of as soon as I
(11:26):
got off the elevator, I said to myself, well, I'll
get to see the creatives and that'll be the positive
part of this. But boy, there are some talented folks
in here, and this is a fun experience. Never expected
to hear anything in my fifth grade classroom. I believe
he left a message on a Friday in the mid morning,
(11:48):
which means I would have been teaching algebra, and sure enough,
I had my phone on Do not Disturb forgot to
ever go back and check my voicemails. The following week,
I was like, hey, I just you know, just out
of curiosity, did you get any feedback? Is this finished?
Should I put it away? And he said, I left
you a message about four days ago.
Speaker 2 (12:11):
Four days okay.
Speaker 3 (12:12):
Because I wondered what in the world why you weren't
calling back?
Speaker 2 (12:17):
That is incredible.
Speaker 3 (12:19):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (12:20):
So, Christine, you have said that even though your journey's
been complex, your path has been perfect. What advice would
you like to give to performers who feel like their
time hasn't come yet.
Speaker 3 (12:34):
When you find the role that you're supposed to debut
with it is not of your doing. You can continue
to work and be persistent and love what you do.
But ultimately, I had to have the life experience to
tell to tell this story, and I certainly would not
(12:59):
have told this story the same way when I was
in my thirties. And I think to just trust that
there are so many talented people in this world, and
they all have unique paths, and that's for a reason.
This is art and it speaks to people, and it's
a huge responsibility to tell these stories and to sing
(13:22):
these songs for audiences every night, and your whole heart
better be in it, and the universe has a hand
in that, and to just trust and do what you
love and it will all work out the way it
was intended.
Speaker 2 (13:38):
We're really happy to see you doing what you love
again because you bring us so much joy. So Christine,
thank you for sharing your heart your story with us.
And again you are a shining example that it's never
too late to follow your dreams. But I still think
it's early on in your biography, so thank you. Audiences
can catch Christine Cheryl as Donna Sheridan an Mama Mia,
(14:00):
now playing at the Winter Garden Theater through February first,
twenty twenty six. For tickets, visit Mamamia bway dot com.
Don't miss this joyful celebration of love, family, and abba.
It is so much fun. And Christine, there is a
segment that we like to do if you have a
few more minutes, if you could go behind the scenes
with us. We could do Behind the scenes with Christine
(14:22):
Cheryl on Inside Broadway. So it's a yes, okay, thank you,
so we'll be right back. That's coming up next on
Inside Broadway and welcome to Behind the Scenes, where we
get up close and personal with some of Broadway's brightest stars.
Today we're joined by Christine Cheryl, who's making her Broadway
debut in the iconic role of Donna Sheridan and Mama
(14:44):
Mia at the Winter Garden Theater. And Christine's journeyed Broadway
anything but typical, from teaching fifth grade to starring on
stages across the country and now center stage in one
of the most beloved musicals of all time. And our
audience is always curious Christine about the unique routines and
inspirations for our favorite performers. So a couple of questions
(15:05):
we'd love to ask you, who are some of your
biggest inspirations in the theater world.
Speaker 3 (15:11):
I believe that when I was young what first turned
me on to wanting to sing and perform. I spent
a lot of time with my grandma, who was wheelchair bound,
and we mostly watched the Carol Burnett Show and The
Share Show. And when the show was over. She enjoyed
(15:32):
it so much that then I found myself doing the
same thing, mimicking the show, you know, and I became
just a huge fan of Carol Burnett. But I will
say that as of late, I have been really inspired
by Jeane Smart. I've met her a couple times now.
(15:55):
She came to see us in LA she came to
see us last week, and I've seen some social media
things about her at the stage door, and I also
know that she went through some physical challenges while she
was doing her play. I believe she had to have
knee surgery or something like that. She had an issue,
an injury. I see these moments of her at the
(16:19):
stage door, and as busy as she is, she is
just and she's probably in pain most of the time.
She assault of the earth. She just couldn't be kinder
or smarter, No pun intended, but I'm just I just
am really inspired by her. I also had the fortune
(16:42):
of working with the writer from Designing Women, and she
would often say that we reminded each other, we reminded
her of each other, and I consider that a huge honor.
Thinks she's a truthful storyteller. She has a huge heart,
(17:03):
and a really intriguing soul and I just am very,
very inspired by her.
Speaker 2 (17:08):
And it's wonderful you're both on Broadway at the same time.
I know, you know that's pretty incredible. So what songs
from the musical theater would we find on your playlist?
Speaker 3 (17:18):
Oh, I don't know if it's musical theater. I've had
you know who's flooding my playlist. She She's with me
on my commute every day. I have been a big
Renee Rap fan lately. If I'm not playing Renee Rap,
I'm listening to Maybe Happy Ending and I'm I'm still
(17:41):
into the sixth soundtrack. I can't get it off there.
Speaker 2 (17:45):
But yeah, those are incredible.
Speaker 3 (17:47):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (17:47):
Is there something you play to kind of like pump
you up before you go out on stage?
Speaker 3 (17:52):
I do. Renee Rap is an included and is included
in that. And I'm also listening to a new artist.
Her name is Alison and need Ei d E and
I'm really enjoying her as well. Jack kind of remind
she her music reminds me to be really grateful to
be where I am.
Speaker 2 (18:10):
Well, it's always a pleasure. Thank you so much, Christine.
Thanks for taking us behind the scenes. On Inside Broadway.
Thank you for listening. Be sure to follow iHeart Radio
Broadway on all your favorite social media platforms. Check out
the iHeartRadio Broadway channel to hear all your favorite Broadway
hits on the free iHeartRadio app and add it to
(18:30):
your presets and keep the music and magic of Broadway
with you wherever you go. Once again, Christine Cheryl starring
in Mom and Mia on Broadway. It's been a pleasure.
Thank you so much.
Speaker 3 (18:40):
Thank you, Christine, and.
Speaker 2 (18:41):
Until next time, I'm Christine Aggy. This is Inside Broadway.
iHeartRadio Broadway presents Inside Broadway, the podcast about Everything Theater.
It's where you hear what happens from the ticket window
to the stage door, with the stars and creative forces
that make it all come alive. Here's your host, light
FMS Christine Naggy.
Speaker 2 (00:22):
Well, welcome to Inside Broadway. I'm Christine Aggy. Today we're
joined by a truly inspiring talent, Christine Cheryl. This is
kind of the meeting of the Christines. Today, Christine Cheryl
is making her long awaited Broadway debut as Donna Sheridan
in the Return of Mama Mia at the Winter Garden Theater.
From Chicago stages to Las Vegas residencies and even a
(00:43):
classroom teaching fifth grade, Christine's journey is as rich and
layered as the character she brings to life. Christine, Welcome,
so nice to meet you.
Speaker 3 (00:52):
Good morning, Christine. Thank you for having me.
Speaker 2 (00:55):
And I was lucky enough to see one of the
previews of Mama Mia and we apply loved your show.
You're wonderful in it.
Speaker 3 (01:03):
Oh, thank you so much. Yeah, we've been really lucky
to have some incredible preview audiences and now after our opening,
we're still enjoying sold out crowds. Yesterday we had a
Wednesday matinee and it was just beyond what we ever expected.
Speaker 2 (01:19):
So when we were there, we gave you a standing
out because we just felt that joy and loved you
so much in the entire cast. Is that what you
were experiencing yesterday as well? And has that been what's happening?
Speaker 3 (01:30):
Yeah, I'm not sure that bloom will fade. We are
all so joyous, you know. One of my friends had
just messaged me and said, I haven't seen that sort
of energy in so long. Not only is the show
so joyous, but you can tell the cast is so joyous.
(01:53):
Were all, there's so many of us that feel so
grateful to be making our Broadway debut. And she said,
I just sat there the whole time thinking, these people
have been on the road for twenty months. I mean, now.
Speaker 2 (02:07):
Wears you out right right, and we.
Speaker 3 (02:11):
Just don't feel it that the pride we have to
be on Broadway is just superseding any sort of exhaustion. Yeah.
Speaker 2 (02:21):
I wanted to get an idea from you as to
what that feeling is like, because of course you've done
some incredible theater in other parts of the country. You're
coming from Chicago. We talked about Vegas being on the road.
Is there something super special about being on Broadway? And
how does it feel.
Speaker 3 (02:38):
There is something super special? I always felt really satiated
and content in my life. I've been really careful to
have a really balanced life. I have three children, and
so I enjoyed working in Chicago because it really allowed
me to have a balanced life. But my children are
grown now, and I think that that makes this even
(02:59):
more poignant for me. You know, you raise your family
to do what they love and to do what makes
them happy, and I feel like this is a part
of It's another chapter in raising my children and sort
of showing, you know, putting my money where my mouth is,
(03:20):
I guess, and showing them that it takes effort and
it can take some sacrifice, but you know, it's really
well worth it and it can happen whenever.
Speaker 2 (03:28):
And it looks like your family probably your biggest cheerleaders too, right.
Speaker 3 (03:33):
Yes? Yes, three boys and a wonderful husband, and they
are incredibly supportive.
Speaker 2 (03:41):
Are they in Chicago or did they come to New
York with you there?
Speaker 3 (03:44):
My twins live in DC, and my youngest son and
my husband live in Chicago still, So how are you doing?
Speaker 2 (03:53):
Are you okay with the separation?
Speaker 3 (03:57):
Well, it's only been twenty four hours a separation. They
came out for all of opening just to kind of
help me get settled in, and the last one just
went back to DC on an Amtrak yesterday. Yesterday was
a little bit weepy, but I'm okay.
Speaker 2 (04:16):
Imagine. But you talk about the joy and what we're
seeing on stage and feeling, because, as you said, your
friends were saying, the cast seems so joyful. I felt
the same thing. I know it's a joyous show, but
it feels to me like this cast really loves each
other and that you guys must have so much fun.
I feel like behind the scenes you're having fun too.
Speaker 3 (04:38):
Yeah, listen. I think that actors, and rightfully so, feel
a responsibility to proclaim that their cast is happy in
a unit. But I mean, if you're honest, you know
that that sort of magic doesn't always happen. I think
(04:59):
the creatives of Mama Mia. I can honestly say every
time I've been in Mama and Mia, that has happened.
And I think that it's an ability that the creatives
have to sit in a room and say that person
has great energy, that person will contribute to the joy
and the heart of this company. So there are a
lot of folks in our company that just have extremely
(05:20):
huge hearts. And it is absolutely truthful that we all
love each other. You know. I'll have family or friends come.
My son's coworkers came last week and they were like,
let's go get a drink so you could give us
the tea and they were like, who doesn't like each other? Like,
(05:41):
honest to god, everyone supports and loves each other. There's
no drama, there's no tea, and it just saves our
energy for the stage and really keeps us going.
Speaker 2 (05:55):
And you didn't always play Donna this is this is fun.
You started with the production as Tanya, one of Donna's
best friends.
Speaker 3 (06:03):
Yeah, and.
Speaker 2 (06:05):
I'm sorry, Tanya is the it's the rich friend. Is
I want to make sure that I have this Okay.
Speaker 3 (06:10):
Yes, yes, the Christine Baranski.
Speaker 2 (06:14):
Okay, I Christine.
Speaker 3 (06:19):
I started as that, and at the time that was
sort of in my wheelhouse. What's interesting about that is
when I first went out on the road with Mama Mia,
my twins were the age that my youngest is now.
So this show has been a part of my family,
raising all three of my children, and we had an
(06:40):
alumnight and it was absolutely, absolutely magical. And you consider
that everyone that was in the Mama Mia alum audience
has had the same experience, this legacy of a show
has been a part of their family and raising their families.
A lot of sophies there that have since had children
(07:02):
of their own. So I mean, it's just backed by joy.
Speaker 2 (07:06):
It is. It's an incredibly special show. I mean here
in New York, you're back at the Winter Garden Theater
where it had opened, but it opened during you know,
a difficult time for New York. We were facing tough times,
and again back in two thousand and one again bringing
that joy to the city. I feel like you're doing
the same thing today. It's you know, people are full,
(07:29):
We're going through a lot and this show is just
a place, just a place to just get an escape
and hear music that you love and see performers that
are wonderful. I mean are Yeah.
Speaker 3 (07:39):
I think that we're at a point in our country
where there's a lot of division, and the one thing
about Mama Mia is that it unites everybody. Everyone thinks
the same thing is funny. Everyone enjoys the score. You know,
we're seeing a lot of gen Zers who are just
absolutely in love with with this show. For a lot
(08:02):
of them, it's the first musical they've seen. They know
the music from social media, which is incredible, and they're
coming with their parents and their grandparents who listened to Abba.
But I think that what we're seeing is that it
really allows the city to come together and unite in
something that's happy. And for me, something that I didn't
(08:25):
expect was the stage door and meeting a lot of
tourists from outside of the country and really feeling proud
and being like, this is who we are.
Speaker 2 (08:36):
I'm so happy to hear that, and I'm sure they're
so happy to meet you. How is it for you
at the stage door, because a lot of people do
gather around, and I'm sure you want to meet everybody,
But does that get a little overwhelming.
Speaker 3 (08:50):
It has been overwhelming for me, and I've had to
really sort of manage it for myself, especially because I'm
a four her teacher. If I see a young kid,
I have to sign for them. I'm just compelled, you know,
I feel like such a responsibility. I think I've been
(09:10):
doing pretty good. I also try to keep up with
my dms, and you know, in the in the wake
of the situation with Audre McDonald this weekend, and actually
since we've opened, the Shuberts have been really great about
organizing the stage door making us feel safe so that
(09:31):
we can, you know, see as many people as we
possibly can. Right.
Speaker 2 (09:36):
Uh. Audra McDonald, who's had been starring in Gypsy, was
actually followed home by an over zealous van. Is that
how we should put it?
Speaker 3 (09:44):
Yeah? Yeah, enthusiastic, Yeah.
Speaker 2 (09:47):
Overly enthusiastic, wanted an autograph, followed her to her building
and was waiting in the lobby. And I know Audra
McDonald had said yeah on her Instagram that we want
to meet fans. We love meeting the fans, but sometimes
as actors you're just so drained after a show that
you just can't. And she's like, please give actors a break,
(10:09):
Please understand.
Speaker 3 (10:11):
Yes that it's not a slight right or any sort
of you know, there's no message behind it. I'll usually
say I'm sorry, but year New Jersey transit's not waiting
for me.
Speaker 2 (10:23):
I have to go so and that's very true. But yeah,
we've all experienced that one just trying to catch our
train or our bus or whatever it is. So you
mentioned being a teacher. Can you please tell us how
you got the news that you were cast as Donna
on Broadway. Were you in the middle of a of
a school day.
Speaker 3 (10:44):
It's so interesting. I have gone back and forth, especially
post COVID. I went back to teaching. We had left
my family had left New Jersey and moved back to Chicago.
One of the intentions for me to go back to
teaching was to help my youngest acclimate to a new academy.
So the best way to do that was for me
(11:05):
to teach there and sort of, you know, get be
comfortable in the community and become a part of that
community in the school. I knew I wasn't done with performing,
but I also really enjoyed teaching. I came in for
the call, and the amount of people that I saw
in that studio, I sort of as soon as I
(11:26):
got off the elevator, I said to myself, well, I'll
get to see the creatives and that'll be the positive
part of this. But boy, there are some talented folks
in here, and this is a fun experience. Never expected
to hear anything in my fifth grade classroom. I believe
he left a message on a Friday in the mid morning,
(11:48):
which means I would have been teaching algebra, and sure enough,
I had my phone on Do not Disturb forgot to
ever go back and check my voicemails. The following week,
I was like, hey, I just you know, just out
of curiosity, did you get any feedback? Is this finished?
Should I put it away? And he said, I left
you a message about four days ago.
Speaker 2 (12:11):
Four days okay.
Speaker 3 (12:12):
Because I wondered what in the world why you weren't
calling back?
Speaker 2 (12:17):
That is incredible.
Speaker 3 (12:19):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (12:20):
So, Christine, you have said that even though your journey's
been complex, your path has been perfect. What advice would
you like to give to performers who feel like their
time hasn't come yet.
Speaker 3 (12:34):
When you find the role that you're supposed to debut
with it is not of your doing. You can continue
to work and be persistent and love what you do.
But ultimately, I had to have the life experience to
tell to tell this story, and I certainly would not
(12:59):
have told this story the same way when I was
in my thirties. And I think to just trust that
there are so many talented people in this world, and
they all have unique paths, and that's for a reason.
This is art and it speaks to people, and it's
a huge responsibility to tell these stories and to sing
(13:22):
these songs for audiences every night, and your whole heart
better be in it, and the universe has a hand
in that, and to just trust and do what you
love and it will all work out the way it
was intended.
Speaker 2 (13:38):
We're really happy to see you doing what you love
again because you bring us so much joy. So Christine,
thank you for sharing your heart your story with us.
And again you are a shining example that it's never
too late to follow your dreams. But I still think
it's early on in your biography, so thank you. Audiences
can catch Christine Cheryl as Donna Sheridan an Mama Mia,
(14:00):
now playing at the Winter Garden Theater through February first,
twenty twenty six. For tickets, visit Mamamia bway dot com.
Don't miss this joyful celebration of love, family, and abba.
It is so much fun. And Christine, there is a
segment that we like to do if you have a
few more minutes, if you could go behind the scenes
with us. We could do Behind the scenes with Christine
(14:22):
Cheryl on Inside Broadway. So it's a yes, okay, thank you,
so we'll be right back. That's coming up next on
Inside Broadway and welcome to Behind the Scenes, where we
get up close and personal with some of Broadway's brightest stars.
Today we're joined by Christine Cheryl, who's making her Broadway
debut in the iconic role of Donna Sheridan and Mama
(14:44):
Mia at the Winter Garden Theater. And Christine's journeyed Broadway
anything but typical, from teaching fifth grade to starring on
stages across the country and now center stage in one
of the most beloved musicals of all time. And our
audience is always curious Christine about the unique routines and
inspirations for our favorite performers. So a couple of questions
(15:05):
we'd love to ask you, who are some of your
biggest inspirations in the theater world.
Speaker 3 (15:11):
I believe that when I was young what first turned
me on to wanting to sing and perform. I spent
a lot of time with my grandma, who was wheelchair bound,
and we mostly watched the Carol Burnett Show and The
Share Show. And when the show was over. She enjoyed
(15:32):
it so much that then I found myself doing the
same thing, mimicking the show, you know, and I became
just a huge fan of Carol Burnett. But I will
say that as of late, I have been really inspired
by Jeane Smart. I've met her a couple times now.
(15:55):
She came to see us in LA she came to
see us last week, and I've seen some social media
things about her at the stage door, and I also
know that she went through some physical challenges while she
was doing her play. I believe she had to have
knee surgery or something like that. She had an issue,
an injury. I see these moments of her at the
(16:19):
stage door, and as busy as she is, she is
just and she's probably in pain most of the time.
She assault of the earth. She just couldn't be kinder
or smarter, No pun intended, but I'm just I just
am really inspired by her. I also had the fortune
(16:42):
of working with the writer from Designing Women, and she
would often say that we reminded each other, we reminded
her of each other, and I consider that a huge honor.
Thinks she's a truthful storyteller. She has a huge heart,
(17:03):
and a really intriguing soul and I just am very,
very inspired by her.
Speaker 2 (17:08):
And it's wonderful you're both on Broadway at the same time.
I know, you know that's pretty incredible. So what songs
from the musical theater would we find on your playlist?
Speaker 3 (17:18):
Oh, I don't know if it's musical theater. I've had
you know who's flooding my playlist. She She's with me
on my commute every day. I have been a big
Renee Rap fan lately. If I'm not playing Renee Rap,
I'm listening to Maybe Happy Ending and I'm I'm still
(17:41):
into the sixth soundtrack. I can't get it off there.
Speaker 2 (17:45):
But yeah, those are incredible.
Speaker 3 (17:47):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (17:47):
Is there something you play to kind of like pump
you up before you go out on stage?
Speaker 3 (17:52):
I do. Renee Rap is an included and is included
in that. And I'm also listening to a new artist.
Her name is Alison and need Ei d E and
I'm really enjoying her as well. Jack kind of remind
she her music reminds me to be really grateful to
be where I am.
Speaker 2 (18:10):
Well, it's always a pleasure. Thank you so much, Christine.
Thanks for taking us behind the scenes. On Inside Broadway.
Thank you for listening. Be sure to follow iHeart Radio
Broadway on all your favorite social media platforms. Check out
the iHeartRadio Broadway channel to hear all your favorite Broadway
hits on the free iHeartRadio app and add it to
(18:30):
your presets and keep the music and magic of Broadway
with you wherever you go. Once again, Christine Cheryl starring
in Mom and Mia on Broadway. It's been a pleasure.
Thank you so much.
Speaker 3 (18:40):
Thank you, Christine, and.
Speaker 2 (18:41):
Until next time, I'm Christine Aggy. This is Inside Broadway.
Popular Podcasts
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
NFL Daily with Gregg Rosenthal
Gregg Rosenthal and a rotating crew of elite NFL Media co-hosts, including Patrick Claybon, Colleen Wolfe, Steve Wyche, Nick Shook and Jourdan Rodrigue of The Athletic get you caught up daily on all the NFL news and analysis you need to be smarter and funnier than your friends.