Sandi Klein's Conversations with Creative Women

Melissa Weisz and Malky Goldman, Part 2

Join us for Part 2 of our conversation with Malky Goldman and Melissa Weisz, two working actresses who abandoned the insular, cloistered, tight-knit Jewish community in which they were raised, to live, work and experience life in modern-day New York.

Melissa Weisz and Malky Goldman, Part 1

Malky Goldman and Melissa Weisz grew up in Brooklyn's Hasidic Satmar community - an extremely insular world that has very little to do with secular society. They knew next to nothing about theater, film, tv - all of which fall under the heading of sacrilegious. Both women broke away from the only life they knew - went to college, graduated and eventually became actresses. They also joined forces to form their own film company. Stop what you're doing, and listen in as Malky and Melissa share what it was and is like to follow their dreams.

Betty Buckley, Entertainer

Betty Buckley in a word - omigod! The Tony award-winning Broadway legend, whose stage, screen, television and concert career has spanned more than 5 decades, talks about life in the limelight and away from the maddening crowd at her Texas retreat. You won't want to miss our conversation with the woman dubbed "The Voice of Broadway."

Julie Halston, Actress

Conversations with Creative Women just can't seem to get enough of the incomparable, delightful, no-holds-barred Julie Halston. She was our VERY FIRST GUEST when the show premiered on May 22, 2013. Julie made a return appearance on November 22, 2015. She's back for a 3rd time and for good reason. As we hone in on 200 episodes, who better to have a conversation with than this wonderful, engaging, funny woman? There's always lots to talk about, so join as we riff and reminisce.

Tina Chen, Actress

The credits that follow actress Tina Chen's name are long and varied. A Golden Globe, Emmy and Drama Desk Award nominee, she's been featured on the big and small screens and on stage. She's also a director, producer and composer and is currently working on a musical. There's more. Tina's a lecturer. Heroes of History: Legacy of My Chinese Family chronicles 3 generations of her mother's family and their contributions to the history of China. Needless to say, we cover a lot of ground during our conversation.

Gabrielle Stravelli, Singer/Songwriter

Celebrated pop/jazz singer and songwriter Gabrielle Stravelli has been on the receiving end of glowing and well deserved reviews: "a stellar singer of rare depth and intuition," "hotter than the equator," "the real deal." Gabrielle began performing as a soloist with orchestras when she was just 15 and in the years since, has appeared at such iconic venues as Feinstein's/54 Below, Lincoln Center, Carneige Hall and Birdland. We cover a lot of ground in this entertaining conversation, including the release of "Dream Ago," Gabrielle's first major collection of original songs.

Jennifer Tepper, Broadway Producer

It's been all about Broadway for Florida native Jennifer Tepper. She grew up devouring Playbill magazines, listened endlessly to musical cast albums, highlighting shows she'd see once she came to the Big Apple. At 18, Jennifer moved to the city to attend NYU. She's been here since. Jennifer parlayed her passion into a career - working for Broadway and Off-Broadway producers, directors and today this 30-something is a musical theater historian, write and producer and....is also the Director of Programming at the esteemed Feinstein's 54/Below and author of The Untold Stories of Broadway book series. Needless to say....Jennifer's got plenty to say!

Alexandra Vassilaros, Playwright

Alexandra Vassilaros has acted on stage, in film, and on television, but her passion is playwriting. Her most recent work, "Big Sky," about a well-to-do family, had its world LA's Geffen Playhouse in the spring of 2016. Her other plays include "Omnium Gatherum," a 9/11-born collaboration with Theresa Rebeck. It was a 2004 Pulitzer Prize finalist.

Alex shares what it's like to be on stage and to write for the stage. There's a plenty to learn from this frank and fascinating conversation. 

Amy Shoremount-Obra, American Soprano

Internationally known American soprano Amy Shoremount-Obra made her debut at The Met in 2014 as "First Lady" in Mozart's "The Magic Flute." She's been back since and this year performs in two new operas. Amy's sung in venues in the States and Europe. Tune in as Amy takes us on her impressive 'operatic' journey. 

Kristin McCarthy Parker, Theatrical Director

Kristin McCarthy Parker is one busy, creative woman. She's a freelance director in New York City and a founding member of the theater group, Recent Cutbacks. Her niche? Directing top-notch theatrical parodies of blockbuster films. They include, in no particular order: KEVIN!!! (Home Alone), Fly You Fools (Lord of the Rings) and Hold On To Your Butts (you may recall that was the line Samuel Jackson spoke not once, but twice in Jurassic Park). It was named the #3 Comedy of 2014 by Time Out New York Magazine. Kristin is smart, funny and breath of fresh air.