Some of Broadway’s most influential notables from Micaela Diamond to Joe Iconis publicly share who they’re shouting out this Valentine’s Day. Patti LuPone and Sarah Jessica Parker have some admirers this year.
Micaela Diamond (Parade)
I was 15 years old playing Nellie Forbush in Kidz Theater’s production of South Pacific so I obviously went to see the King and I for some field work. I don’t remember how I got backstage. Perhaps I melted the stage door with my tears. But Kelli O’Hara hugged me and signed my playbill. I dreamed I could be in a Broadway show one day. I never forgot that. Crush doesn’t cut it. Happy Valentine’s Day Kell 😉
Nasia Thomas (SIX)
My Broadway valentine will have to be Jhanae Bonnick, stage manager extraordinaire and friend. Nae! I LOVE YOU GIRL. I want to thank you for your constant kindness, support, humor, and being a safe and open space for your casts, friends, family, and loved ones. We are LUCKY to know you and even luckier to call you a friend, a sister, and showmate. Cheers to you and Happy Valentine’s Day! I love you SO BIG!
Sami Gayle (Bad Cinderella)
I am sending this valentine to my forever “Momma Rose,” Patti LuPone. Working with you in Gypsy offered me a true master class in both musical theater and life and shaped the actor and human being that I am today. I am so grateful for your friendship throughout my career, and I hope to make you proud (and “Sing Out!”) in Bad Cinderella.
Matthew Sklar (Composer, The Prom)
I would like to send a Broadway valentine to two of my favorite music directors: Mary-Mitchell Campbell and Meg Zervoulis. They are not only outrageously talented, but they’re also wonderful people. I can’t wait to be back in the room with them!
Michael James Scott (Aladdin)
My Broadway valentine is going to my GGS (Genie Glam Squad)! My dresser, Cathy Cline, and my make-up artist, Cheryl Thomas. These two divas are beacons of light who REALLY make the magic happen off-stage. They both are FIERCE seasoned veterans of Broadway who I love dearly, who laugh and dance and Kiki and put up with all my shenanigans all while never missing a beat and getting me ready and out on the stage in all my Genie glory! GGS for life! Happy Valentine’s Day Boos!
Kevin Cahoon (Shucked)
Tommy Tune, will you be my Valentine? As a kid in Houston, Texas, I watched this kid also from Houston, Texas, take Broadway and the world by storm with his dazzling talent and unparalleled direction and choreography. From The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas to Grand Hotel to Nine to The Will Rogers Follies you opened my mind and my heart to what was possible for my life. And the heart is where it’s all at. I love you Tommy Tune. And thank you.
Angie Schworer (Some Like It Hot)
I’d love to send some Broadway valentine love to our unsung hero, Production Stage Manager, Karen Moore! Thank you for keeping this Some Like It Hot train on its tracks and keeping the cast, crew, and wonderful swings and wonderstudies safe! Her Broadway career spans a couple of decades but her integrity, kindness, patience and grace are endless! Happy Valentine’s Day, Karen! You are the best.
Taylor Trensch (Camelot)
I would like to pretty please send a valentine to (you know him, you love him) Tony Award WINNER Gavin Creel. Now, I’m attaching a picture of me at the stage door of Hair in 2009 looking like an iron-deficient Johnny Lawrence from The Karate Kid. I once showed this photo to Gavin backstage at Hello, Dolly! and he didn’t immediately push me out of a window. For that reason: Happy Valentine’s Day bb!
Adam Petherbridge (The Play That Goes Wrong)
My Broadway valentine is addressed to two legends: John Christopher Jones and the late great Elizabeth Kemp. I learned so much from Elizabeth in the classroom and from Chris in the theatre (and at the after party). They instilled in me the conviction that the work we do creates a light that can illuminate our darkest days, and without them I’d be nowhere close to where I am today.
Lisa Goldberg (Publicist)
I’m sending my Broadway valentine to one of my idols, Mikhail Baryshnikov. I’ve had the honor of taking class alongside him when I was a kid, worked with him as an adult, ran into him randomly on elevator rides at the Baryshnikov Arts Center and gushed over him at events at the White House. (subtle White House drop – haha!). I probably watch his videos online at least once a week for inspiration. There’s so many videos of his to recommend, but watch Sinatra Suites immediately. His personal story of defecting from Russia, to his willingness to publicly speak out on immigration and the threat on democracy and the current situation in the Ukraine, is next-level inspiration. He’s truly the greatest dancer of all time and my heart skips a beat every single time I have the honor to be around him. Happy Valentine’s Day Mr. Baryshnikov!
A.J. Shively (Tony Award Nominee, Paradise Square / A Man of No Importance)
Nate Stampley, we spent a whole year making art together in two wildly different shows. You kept both experiences full of light and love. And you’re the only one who would laugh at my amazing jokes in the dressing room. For that, will you be my valentine?
JoAnn M. Hunter (Choreographer, Bad Cinderella)
I’m sending my valentine to two personal heroes, Fred Astaire and Susan Stroman. Fred Astaire: where do you begin? Style, style, style and dedication. When you watch Fred Astaire in the movies, he used very few camera shots. That means he did the entire dance from start to finish, over and over. He did not rely on the edit room to make it look better. He made it better by dancing the entire piece again. Not unlike theater, you get one chance per performance to get it right. Susan Stroman: she’s a personal hero for her grace, her humor, her generosity, and of course her talent.
Joe Iconis (Composer, Be More Chill)
I’d love to send a Broadway Valentine to Sarah Jessica Parker. My talent crush on her is very real. She is dripping in the strangest, most specific kind of charisma, she is a gorgeous actor, and is the quintessential New Yorker. Who could ask for anything more? Writing her a Valentine is sweet but I would kill to write a musical just for her. Call me, SJP!
Amanda LaMotte (The Music Man)
I’m sending my Valentine to Bernadette Peters. In high school, when someone asked who my Broadway hero was, I always answered Bernadette. They say to never meet your heroes, but I want to thank Bernadette for living up to all of my starry eyed thoughts about her, and for being the most supportive and wonderful role model…and for always giving our pup a treat when he came to visit!
Charlotte d’Amboise (Chicago)
I’m in love with Rachel Bay Jones. She not only is an incredible talent, but I just love cooking, cleaning, and gardening with her. She saved my garden and even sang while doing it. Therefore she is the greatest singing gardener I’ve ever known. She is just luscious in every way.
Looking for a show to share with your Valentine? Check out our list of Broadway shows to see here.
