New York-based musical theatre writing team Bird & Mirabella are pleased to announce two new episodes of their free, family-friendly musical podcast “What Will She Do Next?,” celebrating key moments in the lives of history's greatest women.
In collaboration with #GivingTuesday, “What Will She Do Next?,” is pleased to introduce a new series of monthly episodes called #GivingTuesdaySpark: Ladies Who Lead! Each month, the podcast will highlight the incredible journey of one young woman who is currently creating positive change in her community. The inaugural episode, featuring co-creators Gabrielle Mirabella and Ernie Bird, follows the journey of #GivingTuesdaySpark leader Khloe Thompson, an international philanthropist on a mission to end homelessness. For more information on her initiative, Khloe Kares, visit www.khloekares.com. For additional information on the #GivingTuesdaySpark program and how you can become a youth leader in your own community, visit givingtuesdayspark.org.
Also streaming, co-creator Gabrielle Mirabella (National tours: Mamma Mia!, Elf The Musical) stars as Bertha Benz, the first person in history to drive an automobile over a long distance. Co-creator Ernie Bird guest stars in this tale of how science, progress and technology allow one woman the adventure of a lifetime.
“What Will She Do Next?” podcasts can be streamed free of charge at whatwillshedo.com, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeartRadio or anywhere you get your podcasts. Donations, which go directly to the performers, are accepted at whatwillshedo.com/donate. To help keep the show running, become a Sustaining Member by visiting patreon.com/whatwillshedonextpodcast. The podcast is also seeking corporate sponsors.
Past podcasts, featuring a talented line-up of Broadway, film and TV stars, are available for free streaming:
- Episode #1 – Gabrielle Reid (Broadway: Beautiful, Hairspray) as American engineer and physician Dr. Mae Jemison, the first black woman to travel into space.
- Episode #2 – Gabrielle Mirabella (National tours: Mamma Mia!, Elf The Musical) as American socialite and philanthropist The “Unsinkable” Margaret “Molly” Brown.
- Episode #3 –Cassandra Murphy (Frozen Live at the Hyperion) as Maria Tallchief, America’s first prima ballerina. Special guest stars Marina Vinogradova and Ernie Bird.
- Episode #4 –Kara Lindsay (Broadway: Newsies, Wicked, Beautiful) as American journalist, businesswoman and inventor Nellie Bly. Special guest star Matt Lucas (Co-Host The Great British Bake Off).
- Episode #5 – Niki Badua (National tour: Mamma Mia!; Miss Saigon, Titanic at Serenbe Playhouse) as teenage warrior leader Xun Guan. Special guest star Austin Ku (Soft Power at The Public Theater).
- Episode #6 – Georgia Kate Haege (National tour: Mamma Mia!) as Mary Shelley, English novelist and author of “Frankenstein.” Special guest stars T.J Newton (National tour: Spamilton), Sarah Smith and Jacob Hoffman.
- Episode #7 – Gabrielle Mirabella (National tours: Mamma Mia!, Elf The Musical) narrates the story of Victoria Woodhull, an American leader of the women's suffrage movement who ran for President of the U.S. in the 1872 election.
- Episode #8 – Yasmeen Sulieman (Broadway: Beautiful) as Shirley Chisholm, the first Black woman elected to the U.S. Congress. Special guest stars Jonathon Timpanelli (National tour: School of Rock), Gabrielle Reid (Broadway: Beautiful, Hairspray) and C.E. Smith (Broadway: Leap of Faith, The Full Monty).
- Episode #9 – Gabrielle Mirabella (National tours: Mamma Mia!, Elf The Musical) as Captain Annie G. Fox of the Army Nurse Corps, the first woman to receive the Purple Heart for heroism at Pearl Harbor.
- Episode #10 – Indian American performer, dancer and writer Vaibu Mohan as Padma Bandopadhyay, the first woman Air Marshal in the Indian Air Force. Recording artist and Emmy-nominated TV personality Annette Philip guest stars.
About the Creators
Gabrielle Mirabella is an actor and musical theatre writer. Graduate of the NYU Graduate Musical Theatre Writing Program, recent writing credits include: Theater Now New York’s 10-Minute Musical Festival at Merkin Hall with her musical RISE, in collaboration with Ernie Bird. As a performer; (National Tours) Mamma Mia!, Elf The Musical, and You Say Tomato, I Say Shut Up! (Regional Premiere) First Date, the musical (Professional Premiere) Bubble Boy, the musical (World Premiere) Stranger Sings! A musical parody by Cinco Paul presented by Wolfbane Productions. Graduate of Manhattan School of Music and proud member of Actors’ Equity, Maestra Music and Dramatists Guild. www.gabriellemirabella.com
Ernie Bird is a musical theatre composer, writer, performer, and audio engineer living in New York City. His musical RISE, in collaboration with librettist Gabrielle Mirabella, will be produced as part of Theatre Now New York's Sound Bites Festival. Bird & Mirabella are also currently co-producing and writing the Musical Women’s History Podcast, What Will She Do Next?. Ernie has received numerous writing accolades, including; The International Songwriting Competition (Finalist 2012 & Semi-Finalist 2013, 2017, 2018), and The Curtain Up Musical Theatre Songwriting Competition (2017, 2020). He has also worked more than six years in audio engineering, music production and live sound. After receiving a competitive Graduate scholarship, Ernie attended the New York University Tisch School of the Arts where he received an MFA in Musical Theatre Writing. Thesis projects include: Return to Grace; book by Gabrielle Mirabella, and lyrics by Jessie Field; and Soroka, libretto by Trinity Chen. A graduate of Berklee College of Music, Ernie received a Bachelor of Music degree while double majoring in Music Production & Engineering and Music Management. As an actor, international voice-over work includes; Goofy Movie (Max), Hercules, Bad Teacher. Regionally; The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (The Pit, NYC), Legally Blonde, Cabaret, Midsummer Night’s Dream (BPC, Boston). He is a proud member of the Dramatist Guild and the Audio Engineering Society. www.imerniebird.com