Sentimental Men Podcast Episode 72: "Life and All Its ‘Stages’ (with Gloria Estefan)"

Release Date: May 26, 2025
Hosts: Quincy Brown and Kevin Bianchi
Guest: Gloria Estefan

Introduction

In Episode 72 of Sentimental Men, hosted by Quincy Brown and Kevin Bianchi of the Broadway Podcast Network, listeners are treated to an engaging conversation with renowned performer Gloria Estefan. The episode delves deep into Gloria’s illustrious career in musical theater, her experiences with iconic shows like Wicked and The Addams Family, and her latest musical endeavors, including her new album "Stages".

Gloria Estefan’s Journey in Musical Theater

Gloria begins by sharing her early aspirations and initial forays into musical theater. She recounts her involvement with Disney World, performing roles such as Ariel, Belle, and Nemo in live shows during 2008. This period was pivotal, as she simultaneously participated in the "Legally Blonde: The Musical" MTV search for Elle Woods, showcasing her versatility and dedication to the craft.

Notable Quote:
"Wicked felt like joining an elite club. I remember traveling with Wicked luggage tags on my bag and feeling like a part of something incredibly special."
[Timestamp: 28:42]

Experience with Wicked

Gloria details her Wicked experience, highlighting her journey from auditioning multiple times for the role of Elphaba to ultimately securing the understudy position for Glinda on the second national tour. She describes the intense preparation required and the challenges of learning two roles simultaneously.

Notable Quote:
"Learning Glinda on the road was super intense, and I was in my early 20s with all the energy I had to focus on the role."
[Timestamp: 31:22]

Despite not landing the lead role, Gloria emphasizes the invaluable lessons and the sense of camaraderie she developed during her time with Wicked.

Transition to The Addams Family and Evita

Shortly after her stint with Wicked, Gloria transitioned to "The Addams Family" on Broadway, replacing the role of Wednesday. She passionately shares her love for the show and the challenges of stepping into a beloved character.

Following The Addams Family, Gloria took on the role of the mistress in the 2012 revival of Evita. She praises the cast recording of the show, describing it as one of the most beautiful performances she has ever been part of.

Notable Quote:
"The Evita cast recording is like pitch perfect—so delicate and pretty. The emotion in every note was palpable."
[Timestamp: 16:03]

Creating the "Stages" Album

Gloria transitions to discussing her latest project, "Stages", an album that bridges her Broadway experiences with her musical storytelling roots. She expresses a desire to create a legacy through this album, featuring covers of beloved Broadway songs arranged with full orchestras.

Notable Quote:
"I wanted to capture what I’ve been working on for so long. This album is my way of ensuring that my musical theater legacy lives on."
[Timestamp: 60:09]

The album includes collaborations with esteemed artists such as Ali Stroker, Natalie Weiss, and Marty Thomas, reflecting Gloria’s deep connections within the Broadway community.

Intersections Between Broadway and Nashville

Gloria offers insightful commentary on the overlap between Broadway artists and Nashville musicians. She believes that both fields require a high level of musical proficiency and storytelling ability, making transitions between them natural for many performers.

Notable Quote:
"Broadway and Nashville both demand a storyteller’s heart. The ability to convey emotion through song is central to both genres."
[Timestamp: 55:44]

Personal Reflections and Life Choices

Gloria candidly discusses her decision to move from New York's bustling theater scene to Nashville, balancing her career aspirations with personal life changes, including motherhood. She reflects on the "what ifs" of her career choices but remains grateful for the life she has built.

Notable Quote:
"Leaving Broadway was a loaded decision, but it allowed me to have my three wonderful children and pursue other passions."
[Timestamp: 38:01]

Conclusion

The episode wraps up with heartfelt thanks from Gloria to the hosts and the Broadway community. Quincy and Kevin express their admiration for her work and look forward to her continued contributions to musical theater.

Notable Quote:
"It was a labor of love, and I hope my kids think it's worth it because they didn’t see me much while I was working on it."
[Timestamp: 67:17]

Key Takeaways

• Gloria Estefan’s Extensive Career: From Disney World performances to major Broadway roles in Wicked and The Addams Family, Gloria's journey is marked by dedication and versatility.
• "Stages" Album: A significant project that melds Broadway classics with full orchestral arrangements, featuring collaborations with top Broadway artists.
• Broadway and Nashville Synergy: Gloria highlights the natural synergy between musical theater and Nashville’s music scene, emphasizing the shared storytelling essence.
• Personal Growth: Balancing career ambitions with personal life, Gloria offers a relatable perspective on making life-altering decisions.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• "Wicked felt like joining an elite club." — Gloria Estefan
  [28:42]

• "Learning Glinda on the road was super intense." — Gloria Estefan
  [31:22]

• "The Evita cast recording is like pitch perfect." — Gloria Estefan
  [16:03]

• "I wanted to capture what I’ve been working on for so long." — Gloria Estefan
  [60:09]

• "Broadway and Nashville both demand a storyteller’s heart." — Gloria Estefan
  [55:44]

• "Leaving Broadway was a loaded decision." — Gloria Estefan
  [38:01]

• "It was a labor of love, and I hope my kids think it's worth it." — Gloria Estefan
  [67:17]

Final Thoughts

Episode 72 of Sentimental Men offers a profound look into Gloria Estefan’s multifaceted career in musical theater and her latest artistic endeavors. Her insights into the interplay between Broadway and Nashville, coupled with her personal reflections, provide listeners with both inspiration and a deeper understanding of the dedication required in the performing arts.

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