What do you have to be thankful for this year? I asked four Broadway performers to reflect on their year and tell us what they’re most thankful for, what their favorite Thanksgiving tradition is, and what their favorite food at Thanksgiving dinner is!

Kara Lindsay (Newsies, Wicked, Beautiful: The Carole King Musical)

What are you most thankful for this Thanksgiving?
I am most thankful for a community in NYC that feels like family.  Each year Kevin [Massey, Kara’s husband] and I have been unable to travel home for the Thanksgiving holiday because of the quick turnaround.  Our newest Thanksgiving tradition has been a sensible “Friendsgiving”.  It’s been such a wonderful gift to have that day to give love and thanks to our NYC family and spend quality time with them!  Also, I’m always thankful for the mashed potatoes.

What is your favorite part of Thanksgiving? Do you have a favorite tradition?
Favorite part of Thanksgiving?  I think the Thanksgiving Day parade!  That was a family tradition from childhood and my mother always calls to make sure I’m watching it.

What are you most thankful for this Thanksgiving?
I don’t discriminate, I love all of it!

Desi Oakley (Annie, Wicked, Les Misérables, Waitress National Tour)

What are you most thankful for this Thanksgiving?
This Thanksgiving I am grateful for so much, but this year particularly, I am blessed to be doing what I love every single day. I am telling a story that hits close to home and singing Sara Bareilles’ music that she mentored me through. I am grateful for a healthy body + mind, and the opportunity to share the gifts I’ve been given. It is so fulfilling to be trusted as an artist and to bring a hopeful and relevant story to audiences now – during what can feel like a dark and difficult time.

What is your favorite part of Thanksgiving? Do you have a favorite tradition?
For the last three years, I have spent Thanksgiving with my best friend Caroline Bowman and her family. Her family has always welcomes me like I’m part of their family. I always take the family photo and we always play fun games. This year will be even more special because I am the Maid of Honor in her wedding on Thanksgiving weekend. We will be together on Thanksgiving and then celebrate the marriage between her and the love of her life!

What is your favorite food at Thanksgiving dinner?
Mashed potatoes! I always fill my plate with small tastings of every dish, but I usually only go back for second helpings of the potatoes. And if they have cheese on them? It’s a done deal.

Hannah Shankman (Hair, Side Show, Les Misérables, Wicked)

What are you most thankful for this Thanksgiving?
I am most thankful for my family. My dog and my fiancé are always there for me no matter what — even if it’s just my dog snuggling me when he knows I’m upset, or my fiancé picking me up from work when he knows I have had a long day. They make life happy, easy, and full.

What is your favorite part of Thanksgiving? Do you have a favorite tradition?
My favorite part of Thanksgiving is definitely watching all the incredible performance on the Thanksgiving Day Parade. I love being able to support my friends. I also love being able to sit at home with my family with nowhere to be. I love cooking and as I’ve gotten older it’s been so wonderful to help make Thanksgiving dinner for others when I’m out of town, or help my mom when I’m home.

What are you most thankful for this Thanksgiving?
This is horrible to admit, but, I’m a vegetarian but I make an exception for turkey on Thanksgiving, and it’s ALWAYS worth it!

Clay Thomson (Newsies, Matilda, Wicked)

What are you most thankful for this Thanksgiving?
I’m most thankful for the love and support I receive from the people I love and support!

What is your favorite part of Thanksgiving? Do you have a favorite tradition?
The past couple years, my mom has come to New York City and we have hosted, a kind of “orphans Thanksgiving” for some of my friends who don’t have the opportunity to leave NY for the holiday! I love spending time with great friends while enjoying/sharing my mom’s delicious cooking with them!

What are you most thankful for this Thanksgiving?
My favorite parts of the Thanksgiving meal are the dinner rolls and my mom’s mac and cheese!!

Hungry for more interviews? Check out our other stories below!

• How I Got the Job: Interview with Broadway Actor Zurin Villanueva
• Interview with 2017 Jimmy Award Winners: Dan LoBuono Interviews Sofia Deler and Tony Moreno
• Portrait of a Teacher: Nadine Love
• Portrait of a Teacher: Janine Papin
• 6 Questions with Kenny, Featuring Laura Osnes
• 6 Questions with Kenny, Featuring Kerry Butler
• 6 Questions with Kenny, Featuring Claybourne Elder