And... Scene. with Laci Urcioli

Roni Mahler is a former ballerina that began her career with the Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo and then went on to perform principal roles with American Ballet Theatre and the National Ballet of Washington.  Her career also led her to spend six years as Director of Dance at Kansas State University and gifted the world of dance with several educational recordings and manuals devoted to ballet technique.  Her career and life has been rich with experiences and people that have shaped the dance community in many ways.   In my opinion, she is one of the last true ballerinas sharing the pure and uncensored techniques of what ballet was designed to be.

Have you ever met someone in high school and always wondered what happened to them? You know the one I'm talking about… the uber talented, good looking, unattainable future superstar that left you and everyone else speechless when they walked out of the room. Today’s guest is that guy. In this interview, we catch up on what happened after high school and finally find out what he decided to do with all of that talent.   Paul Johnson is currently playing the role of Drew in Rock of Ages at the Rio Hotel. He’s a long-term resident of Las Vegas, attending the Las Vegas Academy, and has appeared in Peepshow, Vegas: The Show, Bite, and performed with the band, Generation. Additionally, he’s been seen on Holland America Cruise Lines and at Tuacahn Regional Theater. When not performing, Paul owns his own custom carpentry business: MC-MD.com   I had a great time chatting with Paul and hope you enjoy hearing his story, too!

Phillip James Randall…Mr. Randall…Phil…holds a special place in the hearts of any student that has had the pleasure of experiencing his passion for theater education. He changed my life in more ways than I can express with his larger than life, no bullshit, raw, overwhelming personality.  This incredibly talented human held every single one of us, his students, to a standard of greatness that I didn’t know existed. This kind of teaching, engagement, and accountability is what stuck with all of us as we went on with our lives after high school.   While I believe education is his true calling, OBIE nominee, Phil Randall, has led a full life in the theater. He worked on stages in on and off-Broadway productions in 42 of the 50 states as well as England. He performed on television as a regular in two series, produced four motion pictures, directed theater productions, and oversaw the entertainment of the 1984 Olympics. In Las Vegas, Phill Randall production stage managed the Rockettes, Second City, de la guards, and served as Production Manager for Robert Goulet for twelve years. He recently concluded ten years as Production Stage Manager for Menopause the Musical and also serves on the Board of Arts Management College at Oklahoma City University.   Phil Randall represents a true educator and mentor and I am proud to welcome him as my first guest for this show.

And, Scene!, hosted by Laci Urcioli, brings you insightful conversations with the most talented individuals from all areas of show business. With a deep focus on celebrating the process and journey of each guest, Laci sheds light on the importance of what happens before the cameras are rolling, the curtain rises, lights turn on, the music is queued, and the audience is watching. Show business is filled with a wide array of characters from actors, educators, and musicians, to make-up artists, comedians, choreographers, and dancers - all of whom will be invited to join the conversation.  If you love the arts and enjoy hearing stories from behind the scenes, you’ll surely enjoy this show.