Sandi Klein's Conversations with Creative Women

TD Mitchell, Playwright

TD Mitchell shares her passion and talent for storytelling and advocacy through several channels. She is perhaps best known as a writer and story editor for the acclaimed TV series "Army Wives." TD is also a playwright. The world premier of "Queens for a Year," which opened the 2016-2017 season at Hartford Stages, focuses on four generations of women who served in the Marine Corps. The play is riveting, thought-provoking and sobering. We cover a lot of ground in 30 minutes.

Kristine Bendul, Dancer

Kristine Bendul's career has crossed over from ballet, to Broadway to dance companies, to music videos, film, television and teaching. Oh, she's also a published children's book author. Kristine's journey is a fascinating, heart wrenching and clearly rewarding one that she shares openly and honestly. Tune in for yet another no-holds barred conversation with a multi-dimensional, creative woman.

Jessica Dermody, Off-Broadway Producer

A return appearance for creative and multi-talented Broadway/off-Broadway actress, director, producer, dancer, wardrobe supervisor and co-founder of the not-for-profit Working Artists Theater Project, Jessica Dermody. Even though this is conversation #2, there is no shortage of topics as we discuss Jessica's passion and love of the theater arts. Her enthusiasm, drive and commitment are both contagious and inspirational.

Ilana Levine, Actress

Actress Ilana Levine's stage, film and tv career has spanned more than 25 years. On Broadway she's best known as Lucy Van Pelt in the revival of "You're A Good Man Charlie Brown." Among her film credits: "Confessions of a Shopaholic," "Kissing Jessica Stein" and the "Nanny Diaries." TV appearances include "Seinfeld," "Law and Order" and "NYPD Blue." She's now part of the podcast universe having launched "Little Known Facts with Ilana Levine." Some of her celebrity guests are recent Tony winner Reed Birney, Cynthia Nixon, John Slattery and BD Wong. Ilana's interview style is unfiltered and uniquely funny and so is this conversation.

Lillias White, Singer-Dancer-Actress

You're about to meet one helluva woman. Cabaret singer and actress, Lillias White has been described as a "one-of-a-kind performer who combines the sass of a classic blues mama with the skill of a Broadway star." Her Broadway credits include Barnum, Dream Girls, Cats, Chicago, and The Life, which landed her a Tony award. Lillias is also the recipient of a Drama Desk, Outer Critics Circle Award, Obie and a daytime Emmy. She's sung at Carneige Hall, Lincoln Center as well as The Kennedy Center. She's also been on the big and small screen. Sit back and let Lillias entertain you.

Shonica Gooden

Shonica Gooden moves through life with talent, style and class. A passionate dancer, singer, actress who grew up in Atlanta, Shonica now calls the Big Apple home - performing on and off-Broadway. Her musical theater credits include the mega hit Hamilton, Bring it On: The Musical and Cinderella.  She's gone on the road with that show and Matilda, the Musical. Shonica's also performed with the American Dance Machine for the 21st Century.  She made her film debut in TED 2 in 2015. Shonica is warm, funny, and simply fabulous! 

Nikki Feirt Atkins

Dancer and doctor. Not your typical career path. But it's the one taken by Nikki Feirt Atkins. Learn how this former professional dancer and Founder/Producing Artistic DIrector of the American Dance Theater for the 21st Century manages two seemingly different (although she doesn't think so) disciplines - art and science. Nikki's story - personal and professional - is a fascinating and empowering one.

Shannon O'Neill

Artistic Director Shannon O'Neill takes us behind the curtain at Manhattan's popular and highly respected Upright Citizens Brigade Theater. Home for all things comedy, UCB hosts improv, stand-up, sketch, talk/variety. Shannon's a very funny lady who performs every Friday night with The Stepfathers and then on Sunday nights hosts and performs with UCB Theater's longest running show, ASSCAT3000.

Kathryn Hamilton

Get to know British performance maker Kathryn Hamilton, the founder and director of the New York-based company Sister Sylvester. Kathryn uses theater as a platform to address social issues. Her latest production, They Are Gone, But Here I Must Remain, examines the relationship between art and rebellion. Kathryn spends half the year in New York and the other half in Turkey, where she is a member of Kose, an art space in Istanbul. Listen in - it's a good bet you haven't met anyone like her!

Mary John Frank

Houston native and New York-based artist Mary John Frank's creativity has taken her in several different directions. The choreographer and director has worked in film, on stage, music videos, fashion, multi-media and installation art. Her latest project - Debutaunt, is an inter-active dance-based show that explores the age old tradition of being presented to society. In her adapation, the audience is invited to attend a debutante ball and gets to know 5 VERY different debs. In a time when 'coming out' has taken on an entirely new meaning, the concept of a young woman being formally introduced to society is jarring. Oh, by the way, Mary John is a former deb herself.