Embracing Arlington Arts Talks

The Academy-award nominated Playwright Jose Rivera appeared on the "Embracing Arlington Arts Talks" podcast to talk about the premiere of his new play "Your Name Means Dream" at the Contemporary American Theater Festival (CATF). Hear details about the show (that focuses on growing older and AI), the phenomenal two actors appearing in the production, and what he really thinks of AI. Also Jose regales us with interesting stories about his Oscar nomination and attending the awards ceremony, including the very famous singer his son was flirting with (and she flirting back) on the red carpet. And get the scoop on some upcoming work and which playwrights influenced him the most.

The Director of the Keegan Theatre's production of "Seussical" Kurt Boehm joined us to chat about the show. Find out how he became involved with Keegan, what the show is about, some teasers about what folks will see on stage, some of the Seuss characters we will see, and who is in the cast. Also hear his thoughts about tickets sales and subscription trends and the many shows he and his wife Maria Rizzo have been in together.

New York Playwright Lynn Rosen joined us on the "Embracing Arlington Arts Talks" podcast to talk about her new play "The Overview Effect" premiering at the Contemporary American Theater Festival (CATF) that focuses on the space race. Find out how she came up with the idea for the story, hear teasers about some twists in the show and what she would like patrons to feel and say after seeing the show. Also learn about her process for writing plays and what is next on her writing agenda.

The Contemporary American Theater Festival (CATF) Artistic Director Peggy McKowen appeared on the Embracing Arlington Arts Talks podcast to talk about the five shows being presented this summer. From a race to space to Artificial Intelligence to a self journey to find the meaning of life to a murderer meeting the sister of his victim to a gun, this year will please everyone's taste. Also learn about other events happening in addition to the theatrical productions to the many wonderful restaurants and attractions in and around Shepherdstown. Get your tickets today.

Media Projections Manager Zavier Taylor joined our roster of guests talking about unique behind the scenes job and careers in the theater industry. Find out what a media projections designer does for productions, how he approaches each job from premieres to plays that have been seen numerous times, how the projections industry has evolved over the last 10 years and the huge impact COVID had on this component of theatrical productions. Also get information on the design services his company ZALT provides, his exciting project at the Apollo Theater and how exactly one makes a ghost appear on stage.

VERONNEAU principals Lynn Veronneau and Ken Avis came back on the show to catch us up on the many, many gigs they have coming up. From being one of the first Artist in Residence at Blues Alley to the free outdoor Lubber Run concert on June 17th to the release of their new CD "Live from Blues Alley" to a June 30 tribute to Burt Bacharach, they are gong non-stop. Also hear about their concert "Blue Tapestry" performing songs from Joni Mitchell's "Blue" and Carole King's "Tapestry" albums and why these were so important to the music industry at that time. Ken also has a new "Walking Tours of the DC Music History" initiative and he tells us the real story behind the song "Afternoon Delight."

Michelle Kozlak, the Founder and Producing Artistic Director of Arts on the Horizon talked about the  unique production of theater for very young audiences. Learn the impetus behind her founding of the theater, how do the actors keep 0-6 year-old children enthralled, and the upcoming show "Arco Iris" written by Elena Velasco. Also get the details about their Emerging Artist Program for theater personnel to get experience in theater for young audiences, as well as their summer camps and a sneak peek into next year's season.

Right on the heels of receiving his "Outstanding Lead Performer" Helen Hayes Award for "There's Always the Hudson" performed at Woolly Mammoth Theatre, the extraordinary actor Justin Weaks appeared on the "Embracing Arlington Arts Talks" podcast. We talked about how he ended up in the theater industry, what types of roles he gravitates towards, and what is on his bucket list. Also get all the details about his upcoming role(s) in Mosaic Theater's production of "One in Two" and how the audience has a direct role in the evening! Congrats to Justin on a wonderful career so far and Helen Hayes win!

Fight Director Casey Kaleba came on the "Embracing Arlington Arts Talks" podcast to talk about his unique craft within the theater industry. From his very interesting story about he ended up as a fight director to what show he has worked on over 50 times to his process of developing the fight choreogrpaphy for a show, listeners will develop a new understanding of this important behind-the-scenes role. Also learn about some of his more interesting projects as well as his most challenging first direction scene. And what exactly happened to his staging of the "best sword fight ever" that torpedoed it?

Music Director and Percussionist Manny Arciniega appeared as a guest on the "Embracing Arlington Arts Talks" podcast to talk about his work as a percussionist in the DMV theater and music world. Learn about his circuitous route to the percussion genre, how his mother seriously impacted his life, some of his more memorable music experiences in the theater and learn about several very unique "instruments" he uses. Also hear how his Helen Hayes nomination for Music Director impacted him, as well as get details about his important movement workshops for those suffering from dementia.