I am thrilled to be talking with Marcie Gorman, the founder of Florida's MNM Theatre and Producer of the DISENCHANTED! National Tour.

One of the main reasons I am excited to be chatting with Marcie is because of our Weight Watcher's connection. While we didn't work there at the same time, I used to be one of their customer service reps and Marcie is one of their former CEO's. When I found out that detail, I felt an immediate connection to her.

Prior to Weight Watchers, Marcie was also an elementary school teacher, so I was also very inspired by her journey of career changes to get to where she is today.

In this interview, Marcie answered my call to share:

• Why she wanted to produce the National Tour of DISENCHANTED!
• What advice she would give someone who was looking to switch careers
• What made her want to run her own theatre company
• How her time at Weight Watchers fostered her Theatrical Life
• So much more

Connect with Marcie: MNM Theatre Website, Facebook, Instagram

DISENCHANTED! kicks off its National Tour right here in NYC at Queens Theatre from October 11-12, 2024, for three performances only!

The National Tour is being produced by Marcie Gorman, MNM Theatre, and Jonathan Van Dyke (who's also directing the National Tour & whom I got to interview in 2012 & 2020).

DISENCHANTED! tells the story of how Snow White and her posse of disenchanted princesses are none-too-happy with the way they’ve been portrayed in today’s pop culture. They’ve tossed their tiaras and have come to life to set the record straight. Forget the princesses you think you know – these royal renegades are here to comically belt out the truth in the hilarious hit musical that’s anything but Grimm.

1. You are the Producer for the current DISENCHANTED! Tour, which will be coming to Queens Theatre this October. What made you want to be a producer on this show? DISENCHANTED! is one of the funniest, right in the political mainstream, and most “on target” shows I have seen in years. It is very female-empowering and full of double-entendre dialogs/songs without being anti-male. The show mirrors my deepest feelings since I have tried to be a female role model for most of my life. I love producing funny musical shows...that is all that I have ever produced. I am a “Musical Comedy Queen,” and this show is totally in my wheelhouse.

2. What do you feel audiences should know about this show before attending? The show is funny, snarky, beautifully written, politically “sassy,” and just plain fun!! It is not meant for young children—there is very funny language and sexy, snappy innuendos meant for late teens and adults.

3. After seeing the show yourself, which Princess did you want to be and why? I am a cross of sassy Snow White with bits of sweet Cinderella, a tad of the Little Mermaid’s comedy and acceptance of her errors, Sleeping Beauty’s acceptance of herself, and some of Frog Princess’s acknowledgment that she has finally arrived!

I strive to have that slight edge of quick, funny sarcasm from Snow White, the bold, comedic acceptance of making and accepting an error from the Little Mermaid, the resolution of total acceptance of who I am (and that I’m perfect - just the way I am) from Sleeping Beauty, the sweetness of Cinderella (without the ditzy - because I am really a blonde), and the bold acceptance of what I represent from the Frog Princess.

Marcie Gorman on the set of DISENCHANTED!
Kravis Center 2023

4. For those who don't know, can you explain what it means to be a producer on a theatrical show? I love being a Producer! The Producer oversees EVERYTHING!!!! The Producer not only “produces the money” but oversees all aspects of the show, from choosing cast members to set building to choosing musical directors and band members, sound and light people, choosing venues, advertising the shows, and every other thing that happens—some planned and some just popping up!!!

I appreciate how live theatre makes you think and challenges you to see situations through someone else’s eyes while watching the show's story unfold. I LOVE seeing the show repeatedly since the shows are always slightly different depending on the Princesses’ personalities at the moment and how the audience responds to each part of the show—that is the fun of producing live theatre!!

5. You founded Florida's MNM Theatre. What made you want to run your own theatre company? I have been involved in theatre as a singer/actress all of my life in one way or another since I was very young. I went to the American Academy of Dramatic Arts when I was probably age 6, took singing lessons, and performed from about that same age. I performed, directed, and produced shows in my neighborhood at age 7 or 8 just because I loved it. I wrote parodies of shows and songs at camp each summer. I also went to the High School of Music & Art until we moved to Hollywood, Florida, where we found a lovely lady who taught drama from her home. While I was in High School, I was involved in every musical activity I could—from Glee Club, Chorus, Talent shows, Drama Clubs, the yearly “show” produced each year by the school’s Theatre Department, and every kind of show ever done.

6. What has been the best part of this venture for you? Collaborating with such talented people. From the wonderfully talented multiple casts of Princesses to the directorial talent of our Director, Jonathan Van Dyke, to our talented costumer, Daisy McCarthy, our Agent and Tour Manager, Kristen Ernst, to our technical and production team of Johnbarry Green and Jordon Armstrong and just on and on. I love working with talented and creative people! I feel so creative when I can “blue sky” various aspects of the show with the respective talent putting this all together.

7. What is the most challenging part? Getting audiences to see this terrific show and feel empowered to be the woman who “can do anything she wants to do.” The writing of this show is so creative, brilliant, and charming (with overwhelming thanks to Dennis Giacino and Fiely Matias)!

Marcie Gorman Outside the Kravis Center in 2023

8. What have you learned about yourself from running MNM Theatre that you didn't know about yourself beforehand? I have learned that I can share responsibilities and trust with excellent people at their jobs without fearing they will not understand my dilemmas. I learned to trust the talented people I hire and let them do their jobs. They understand all of the issues, can bring multiple solutions to me, and allow me to choose from their immensely creative ideas. I do not have to know or make every decision alone since I can trust those people to use each of their creative processes to take a situation apart and think it through to an inspired conclusion.

9. Prior to starting MNM Theatre you were an elementary school teacher and you worked at Weight Watchers eventually becoming CEO and the owner of two franchises. As someone who has switched careers a few times in their life, what would you tell someone who was looking to do the same thing? Trust yourself and be bold enough to open the doors in your life journey as they appear. You will make a few mistakes but learn from each one, so you never make the same mistake twice. Have faith that each step is a learning and is part of your life journey. Always remember, especially when those doubts come, YOU CAN HANDLE THIS! Take a deep breath, exhale slowly, and make that decision. There will always be more decisions to be made and some corrections to what you thought was correct. Grow from those mistakes and those scary situations. You can do anything you want to do!!!

10. One thing we have in common is Weight Watchers. From 2021-2022 I was a customer service rep for them. I would love to find out more about you by mashing up Weight Watchers and Theatre. Based upon your experience at Weight Watchers and knowing the demands of what it takes to put a show together, how are the two ventures similar? It is always fun to cross paths with someone who has walked on the same trail as you have. I am delighted to meet you!

Weight Watchers meetings are also live theatre!!!! Running a business requires certain skills for every kind of business to succeed. Doing my own Weight Watchers meetings, commercials, and print ads allowed me to still be a professional actor, model, and public speaker and keep those skills actively practiced. (Okay, so my singing talent went into my shower and my car, but I got to practice the rest!)

Whether it is a Weight Watchers meeting or a theatrical production, you still must put on the “face you keep in the jar by the door,” pick yourself up, and know that you have more information on any topic than your audience does!!! It is okay if you do not KNOW the answer. Say so in your charming way, and then find out the answer.

Marcie Gorman acting in Murder on the High Seas
(center, Pink Cowboy Hat)

11. What would you recommend to an actor or actress to help them keep their energy up during tech week, rehearsals or a performance? Whenever you feel down or lack energy, remember that you are doing something YOU love doing and that this is the place you really want to be. How exciting it is to show off your talents to an upcoming audience. It takes work to be good at anything and always needs practice. 

12. If you could create a health program called the "DISENCHANTED! Life," what kind of exercises and foods do you think that would consist of? Well, one of our most creative and truthful songs is “All I Want to Do Is Eat.”  The message is that starving yourself only makes you want to eat more of that food --- so allow yourself to eat a serving of what you crave. Balance your diet to eat healthy, everyday foods - proteins, lots of vegetables, fruits, and some carbs...but you have to have those little indulgences, so you do not feel deprived. Know that IF you feel deprived, a “binge” is lurking. Do not let that happen...curb those crazy hankerings by allowing yourself a portion of what you crave. Portion is the keyword here.

There is no diet that will work unless you eat correctly and never feel deprived! And... make sure you exercise too - not necessarily at a gym, but at home or work/rehearsal. Exercise can be a walk at lunch or at a break—walk anywhere for the break. A 10-minute walk at every break adds up! Take a friend to chat with during that walk. It is much more fun when you have a companion, and then it does not feel like “exercise,” and the time flies by.

13. If the Princesses in Disenchanted! created a healthy drink, what do you think they would call it and what would be in it? Eye of newt, wing of bat...only kidding.  The Princess Posse would share their favorite fruit and vegetable juices - or just water - over ice and drink healthy during the day...but at night, when the lights are low, and they are all together, they would probably add little alcohol to their healthy juices, blend in some crushed ice, and it would be called, “PERFECT”!  

11. What is something we didn't get to talk about in this interview that you'd like my audience to know about you? I love being part of a creative process—any creative process, like a “think tank” or a “blue sky” group.  

I love “giving back’ to the community I live and work in. I donate time and money to many causes I feel strongly about.

I am also highly passionate about women being able to do or be anything they choose to be.

Some women are born leaders, just as some men are, and no one should be pre-judged because of the way they look, their race, gender, size, or shape of their skin (tall or short, man or woman, fat or thin).

 Thank you for asking me about all these things, Adam. I appreciate your questions.

Marcie Gorman

More about Marcie Gorman:

Marcie Gorman is the Artistic Director, CEO, and Founder of MNM Theatre. Since the company’s debut in 2014, MNM has been delighting audiences with their productions of beloved American musicals and has been recognized for its excellence with numerous ‘recommendations’ and nominations for Carbonell Awards, South Florida’s most prestigious award for professional theatre, and has received a Silver Palm Award for Outstanding New Theatre Company and a Carbonell Award for Outstanding Ensemble.

Prior to founding MNM Theatre, Marcie Gorman was a successful entrepreneur, educator, and philanthropist.

A graduate of South Broward High School, Marcie earned her Bachelor of Science in Education from Memphis State University in Tennessee. After graduation she taught elementary school, but began her career at Weight Watchers shortly thereafter, eventually becoming CEO and the owner of two franchises (Weight Watchers of Palm Beach County and Weight Watchers of Southern Alabama and the Florida Panhandle), managing 300 employees and overseeing over 300 meetings every week.

After leaving Weight Watchers, Marcie focused her energies on the Dreyfoos School of the Arts where she served on the Foundation Board of Directors, initiated the Theatre for Young Audiences program, and worked with the school’s theatre department on all their mainstage productions.

With MNM Theatre, Marcie nourishes her passion for theatre, while continuing her commitment to local economic development and professional independence; MNM places emphasis on creating jobs in the arts for Floridians both in front of and behind the curtain. As of June 2023, MNM has created over 900 employment opportunities in the arts which would not have otherwise been available.