Happy Thanksgiving from 半岛体育! We gathered some of Broadway's best and brightest to share the moments from this year that they're grateful for. Whether it's spending time with family, cooking a good meal (or buying one), or having a dance party鈥攆or these actors, there's always a place to find a little gratitude.
Sit back, grab a glass of apple cider, and reflect with the theatrical community below.
Kevin Cahoon (Shucked)
鈥淚 am grateful that on Wednesday, August 6, 2014, at 12:30pm, I walked into The Ripley Grier Studios, Room #5, to audition for what was then called Hee Haw The Musical. One song, sides packed to the brim with 鈥業 Think...鈥� jokes, and what I would soon discover, was a room filled with the friends of a lifetime.鈥�
Taran Killam (Spamalot)
"I am grateful for friends who vouch for me. Family who sacrifice for me. Creative colleagues who inspire me. And audiences who laugh without abandon."
Caesar Samayoa (How To Dance in Ohio)
鈥淚鈥檓 deeply grateful to stand on a Broadway stage with How to Dance in Ohio and actively see the needle moving forward on accessibility and representation. This company refuses to do it any other way! I鈥檓 grateful to be surrounded by unbelievable Hispanic talent in every aspect of this industry鈥攐ur voices are finally starting to make a huge difference. This year, my priorities shifted to a calmer work-life balance. My time with my family, husband, and mom is what I鈥檓 grateful for most. Happy Thanksgiving!鈥�
Allison Semmes (Harmony)
鈥淚 am so incredibly grateful for my supportive parents! From taking me to Chicago children鈥檚 choir concerts at 6 years old, flying in to see me perform on tour/regional openings, and my Broadway opening at Harmony鈥攖hey are my biggest supporters and my greatest blessing.鈥�
Montego Glover (Into The Woods)
鈥淚'm grateful for so many things from last season. What stands out is the incredible beating heart that seemed to shine through in every single piece I saw, heard, and (lucky, lucky me!) got to be part of. I'm most grateful for the humanizing, galvanizing beauty of art.鈥�
Heather Alicia Simms (Purlie Victorious)
鈥淚 am thankful for my family and my friends who have become family. I am so grateful that I have enough for myself so that I can be, even if small, a blessing to others.鈥�
McKenzie Kurtz (Wicked)
"This year I am especially grateful for my mother, who shows me what is to be a fierce, hard-working woman and exemplifies that love does; for my father who has always supported me and inspired me to pursue my dreams; for my sister who is my soulmate and I would not be complete without鈥鈥檓 grateful for my incredible friends who make me laugh until I cry. And most of all, I鈥檓 grateful to be living my dream!"
Jimmy Smagula (Spamalot)
"This year, I am so very thankful to have the greatest friends and family, and to be back on Broadway (after a 12 year hiatus!) with this beautiful, supportive and hysterical cast and crew in Spamalot!"
Danny Kornfeld - Harmony
"This year I continue to think on how grateful I am for my parents who allowed me to dream at such a young age, and pursue that dream fully. They encouraged me to have such passion for life- in any form I wanted- and for me it was acting. They drove me to rehearsals at our community theatre. Signed me up for classes at the JCC. Took me to New York to see shows when we could. They dared me to dream big, and this year my dream came true. I owe so much to them."
Kristin Piro (Spamalot)
"I鈥檓 grateful for a cast that makes coming to work so joyous and hilarious, a husband who supports me and loves me every day, and a perfect little boy, Cooper, who makes being his mommy the best job in the world!"
Anju Cloud (Spamalot)
"This year, I鈥檓 incredibly grateful for my family鈥檚 health and safety. They鈥檙e all the way on the West Coast, but I know they鈥檙e so proud of me for living my dream this holiday season!"
Shina Ann Morris (Spamalot)
"I'm so grateful to be back onstage with an insanely funny and talented group of people in Spamalot, grateful to live in the 'greatest city in the world,' for my health, and for the incredible love and support of my family."
Bill Timoney (Purlie Victorious)
"I'm thankful for the opportunity to participate in introducing this generation of theatre-goers to the wonderful work of Ossie Davis, and to do so while sharing the stage with a remarkable group of artists!"
Jake Pedersen (Wicked)
"Many of my dreams have come to fruition in 2023. I can鈥檛 even begin to describe my gratitude for the incredible artists and creators I have been able to work with this past year. 2023 continues to be a wave of excitement and new experiences, and I am fortunate to have a support system I can always count on. I am eternally grateful for my parents, Susie and Dan Pedersen, and my partner Will Jewett. Their love and support means the world to me."
Darrell T. Joe (Spamalot)
"This year I鈥檓 grateful to have my mother in town visiting from Houston, Texas. Hoping she cooks for me!"
