Everything Theater Podcast

With theaters closing their doors to keep everyone safe from the Coronavirus pandemic, we have a lot to talk about! Owen Smith from Park Playhouse and Martin Bonventre (on tour with "A Bronx Tale") join us to talk about the impact of shows and tours being postponed or cancelled in these difficult times. Then Kat Koppett from Mopco Improv Theatre and Sean Baldwin from WVCR 88.3 the Saint radio station discuss things they are doing to provide an outlet to the arts while the theatres are closed.

Brian Sheldon joins us to talk about all the great programming at the Sand Lake Center for the Arts. From educational outreach to the Circle Theatre Players, SLCA provides a variety of opportunities for artists. And since it is season announcement time, hear about what goes into the thought process of putting a successful theatre season together.

We're talking to Carol Max and Steve Fletcher from Curtain Call Theatre. From dinner theatre, to small theatres, to their current gorgeous stage, Curtain Call has a rich history of providing top quality theatre in the Capital Region for almost 30 years. Hear about their journey and what they have coming up next season!

Theater Voices provides free staged readings in the Capital Region. Tony Pallone and John Romeo join us to talk about Theater Voices' performance style, the unique experience of a staged reading, and what Theater Voices has coming up soon!

Jackson Murphy (Lights Camera Jackson), film critic and entertainment columnist, joins us to talk about plays that have been adapted into Oscar award-worthy movies. Hear stories about past Oscar winners and predictions for the upcoming 2020 Oscars!

Molly Hennighausen, Executive Director of the New York State Summer School of the Arts, talks about the amazing month-long intensive summer programs for theatre, ballet, choral studies, modern dance, media arts, orchestral studies, and visual arts funded through the New York State Education Department. High schoolers, take a look! Auditions are in January and February - http://www.oce.nysed.gov/nysssa

Benita and Ellen got a sneak peek at Schenectady Civic Players' fabulous production of "Frost/Nixon." Director Evan Jones joins us to chat about the real events behind the Frost/Nixon interviews and presenting non-fictional characters onstage.

"Workin' 9 to 5, what a way to make a livin'" - well, we're talkin' "9 to 5" with director Stephen Foust and actress Erica Buda Doran. Schenectady Light Opera Company (SLOC) presents this classic Dolly Parton musical January 17th - 26th, 2020. Hear about the show and community theatre at its best!

Ronnie Malley chats with Benita about his connection with the Tony award winning show, "The Band's Visit",  and all the amazing instruments he plays in the show, including a Darbuka, Frame Drum, Riq, and El Oud. This musician, ethnomusicologist, and teacher has fascinating insight about the impact of music.  In Ronnie's words... "music is the vehicle on which the story rides."

As we wrap up 2019, Chris Foster and Patrick White join us to chat about... everything theater! From acting to directing, and seeing around 300 plays a year, these guys have tons to talk about! Bonus question for this episode - how many plays did YOU see in 2019? Let us know on our Facebook page!