By Andrew Gans
24 Sep 2010

	Ann Harada

ANN HARADA
Question: How did you get involved in My Mother's Lesbian Jewish Wiccan Wedding?
Ann Harada: They approached me about it, and I was excited about working with (director) Stafford Arima and about the fact that it was based on a true story. It felt fresh and the songwriting had a highly personal and distinctive voice.

Question: How would you describe the character you're playing?
Harada: Jane is a free-spirited, politically active Wiccan lesbian. So, typecasting. But seriously, she is spiritual, open, loving and supportive – just what I would like to be.

Question: Why do you think audiences should come see MMJLWW?
Harada: It’s funny, moving and relevant. What the heck more do you want in a musical? Also, for those of you who love Canada, this is your show.

Question: Why do you think NYMF is important?
Harada: Not to be nutty about it, but I sort of think NYMF, NAMT and the Fringe are the most important events of the year for those of us who are obsessed with musical theatre because they encourage new work and provide a valuable showcase. I’m not saying I think the set up is perfect, but it is tremendously difficult for new writers to get their shows produced in any way, so to have an organization devoted to development and production is very important. They always have amazing people involved. Last year was my first year doing NYMF, and I couldn’t have asked for better colleagues or more fun.

Question: Do you have other projects in the works?
Harada: Well, I have a lot of benefits coming up, but the one closest to my heart is Christmas Eve with Christmas Eve that benefits Broadway Cares. My favorite therapist gets to live out her dream of singing with dreamy Broadway leading men. It’s a giddy mashup of Broadway, holiday tunes, comedy and dance. And, of course, I get to put on the wacky top again.

	Liz McCartney

LIZ McCARTNEY
Question: How did you get involved in Nighttime Traffic?
Liz McCartney: I got involved with this particular show, I think, from the director, although the writer told me "I was the only one they thought of." Thank you, that's very nice, it's always good to pump up an actor's ego – but Michael was directing another NYMF show a few years ago that he asked me to do and I couldn't because of my schedule at the time, so I think he thought of me when this one came along.

Question: How would you describe the character you're playing?
McCartney: The character I play is a nurse...period. She does her job to the best of her ability. We've all dealt with loss in our lives, and she deals with hers and the loss she sees around her in a most unusual and timely way.

Question: Why do you think audiences should come see this particular NYMF production?
McCartney: Well, again, we all deal with loss, and everyone has his or her own way of coping with it or avoiding it, but this show dares to ask, "What would we do if we [were] given the gift of time to understand it?"

Question: Why do you think NYMF is important?
McCartney: I just started writing myself, and getting people to pay attention when you're not Sondheim is difficult, to say the least. So, I think any outlet to allow producers who actually have a creative vision, to see works in their infancy is important.

Questionp: Do you have other projects in the works?
McCartney: In November I will be doing the second workshop of Ballroom, with Tyne Daly. I am so excited!

	Dee Roscioli

DEE ROSCIOLI
Question: How did you get involved in Therapy Rocks?
Dee Roscioli: I've always wanted to be a part of NYMF. When I saw the description for Therapy Rocks, I knew it was going to be a piece with a lot of heart...and cake, and I am not a girl who turns down dessert. Also when I auditioned for the show, I felt a connection with the creatives in the room, and that always makes for a positive experience.

Question: How would you describe the character you're playing?
Roscioli: My character is Jess, Leah's best friend/unpaid therapist. She is a fashion editor for a top magazine, juggling career and trying to have a family...and of course her bestie's crazy manic life. She is just at the point where she is forced to set aside Leah's problems to tend to her own. In my personal life I find myself lending an ear or advice to my best friends, which makes this character so relatable.

Question: Why do you think audiences should come see this particular NYMF production?
Roscioli: Karen Bishko has written some stunning music. I also think there is a character or an issue for everyone to relate to. I would also say it's a show off the beaten path and deserves its time in the sun!

Question: Why do you think NYMF is important?
Roscioli: NYMF plays a great role in helping new works, composers and new producers. It also provides a haven for smaller, more intimate shows that without NYMF might not have a chance to be seen by an audience of both industry professionals and theatregoers. Plus, it's a hell of a lot of fun!

Question: Do you have other projects in the works?
Roscioli: I recently did a sold-out show at Birdland that I really loved working on. I'm itching to do another one and also to try and bring it to Chicago. My manager has been trying to push me to do an album, so maybe he'll be able to convince me soon...

For tickets and more information, visit NYMF.

Well, that's all for now. Happy diva-watching! E-mail questions or comments to agans@playbill.com.