Ann Harada is one of Broadway's favorite utility players for a reason

Ann Harada is the only lead from the Apple TV+ series “Schmigadoon!” to reprise her role (Florence Menlove, the mayor’s wife) in the Broadway version, and we couldn’t be happier — she’s particularly well tuned to Cinco Paul’s wacky world. Ann’s been a fan favorite since her breakthrough as Christmas Eve in “Avenue Q” but we’re also longtime fans of her turn as Trina in the National Asian American Theater Company’s revival of William Finn’s “Falsettoland.” And remember her as the harried stage manager in the series “Smash? Few play harried as expertly as she does. She also talked to us about her experience in shows like “M. Butterfly.”We had to overcome some technical gremlins for this episode but it was well worth it, because Ann was funny and candid as she talked about journey, including the obstacles she faced as an Asian American performer in an industry that for a long time was not hospitable. Happily, she’s proof that there’s more in the repertoire than “The King and I.”Gift link to Elisabeth’s review of “Schmigadoon!”Thanks to Christian Huygen for our theme music. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit marksvincentelli.substack.com/subscribe