SCERA Spotlight Podcast

We are SO excited for the great stuff coming at the end of The SCERA Shell's season ... and SO sad it's almost over! We'll review the great events you can still catch before we button-up for the winter, and ...

If you spend even a minute with Becca Boberg, you will see why she is the perfect Kim McAfee in Bye Bye, Birdie! and also why she is a perfect addition to SCERA cast and staff. She's a born performer, but also a natural teacher whose enthusiasm for fun and showmanship is obvious five seconds after you've met her. And you DO get to meet her on this episode of SCERA Spotlight!

Cover Photo: Rebecca Boberg (Kim), Ian Webb (Birdie), and Jack Brannelly (Hugo)

We meet two of the cast members of Cries of Freedom, a locally-written and produced patriotic musical that celebrates the idea of freedom in the infancy of the United States, and throughout the world. We also talk about many of the activities you can find at and around SCERA this week!

Guests: Spencer Baldwin and Presten Stevens

Spencer Baldwin

Presten Stevens

Cries of Freedom runs July 2-3 at 1, 4 and 7 p.m., and July 4 at 1 and 4 p.m.

Visit criesoffreedom.com for more information.

Don't miss the Brent Ashworth National Treasures exhibit and immigration simulation at the SCERA Center for the Arts, and the 2018 Colonial Festival in SCERA Park.

It's opening weekend for Shrek The Musical! We've been eagerly awaiting Shrek and Fiona's return to SCERA for the last few years, and the wait is over! We'll introduce you to Josh Needles (Donkey), James Marden (Pinocchio) and Preston Harmon (Peter Pan), and find out how they found themselves at auditions, how they beat the heat, and 'What makes them special...'

We also want you to meet Melanie Holdaway, our master of popcorn, churros, nachos and hot dogs. She takes great care of our guests and our volunteers ... we are so fortunate to have her!

This episode's guests:

Josh Needles, playing Donkey

James Marden, playing Pinocchio

Preston Harmon, playing Peter Pan

Melanie Holdaway and her son Braeden,
at the SCERA Shell Concession Stand

On the last week of Sister Act, The Musical at the SCERA Center, we share with you a few conversations from the talented people behind the show: Cast members Becca Rose (Deloris Van Cartier), Cristina Bean and Deborah Bowman (Ensemble), and DeLayne Dayton (Music Director). Don't miss this fun episode, or this heavenly show!

Guests: Becca Rose, Cristina Bean, Deborah Bowman and DeLayne Dayton

Host: Quin Swallow

Photography: Rachael Gibson and Quin Swallow

Pictured, after a performance: Cristina Bean and Becca Rose

We're BACK! After a bit of a break, we have a new episode for you this weekend, with the talented and generous SCERA Star Awards winners, including Lindsey Stirling and Ryan Shupe! We are thrilled that you get to 'meet' them! Here they are:

• Bonnie Busco (Cries of Freedom), Volunteer 
• Brent and Mary Kelly (Heber Valley Western Music & Cowboy Poetry), Advocate of the Arts 
• James & Andrea Clarke, Friends of the Arts
• Jessica Salazar and The Utah Hispanic Dance Alliance, Dance
• Bill and Marilyn Brown, Lifetime Achievement
• Angela Johnson, Visual Arts
• Aubrey Wilde and Nick Grossaint (Grassroots Shakespeare), Theatre
• Ryan Shupe, Music
• Lindsey Stirling, The Star Award

Plus, we talk with master Gala detail organizer and general SCERA wizard, April Berlin (SCERA Operations Manager), and the evening's host, Brian Carlson of KTVX Television / Good4Utah.

The Clarke Family

Honorees Heber Valley Western Music & Cowboy Poetry

Honorees Ryan Shupe (Music) and Angela Johnson (Visual Arts)

Honorees Marilyn and Bill Brown

 
Kim Delgrosso of Center Stage Performing Arts Studio and
Lindsey Stirling, 2018 Star Award honoree

The SCERA Staff

Martha Glissmeyer, wife, mother, SCERA performer and musical director, and a legend of the arts in our community, passed away on February 2. On and off the stage, she changed the lives of hundreds of people, through her talent, love, and joy.

We had to take some time to remember our amazing friend, Martha. Today's episode is an informal chat as we talk about what we love ... and what we'll miss ... about this magnificent lady of the stage and community.

Guests: Jerry Elison, Cristina Bean, Mark Buchannan

Hosts: Rachael Gibson, Kelly Cook, Quin Swallow

Music: "How Can I Keep From Singing" Performed by the BYU Singers; Ronald Staheli conducting; Martha Glissmeyer, soloist

Today is a rather interesting day ... This is a recording we made one year ago, during the Utah Dance Film Festival. We meet Katie Bruce Sorensen with the Utah Dance Film Festival, taking place at the SCERA Center for the Arts February 23 and 24. Even if dance is already a part of your life, you may be new to this event and the work that is being exhibited here.

Guest: Katie Bruce Sorensen

Link: The Utah Dance Film Festival

Program note: You have heard us mention we will be talking about marvelous Martha Glissmeyer, a dear member of the SCERA family who passed away a few weeks ago, on a future episode. We DID get together to record some wonderful stories, and that episode will be released in a few days.

FIELD TRIP!!!! We get to visit Right On Cue Services and meet Jeremy Showgren, stage director of many SCERA shows, and behind-the-curtain musical wizard. What exactly does he do? We can't possibly tell you here ... You'll have to listen to the podcast!

Also, we have LOTS of news, including summer plans for the Shell.

Finally, and most sadly and importantly, we would very much like to collect from you your memories of the remarkable Martha Glissmeyer, another amazingly talented SCERA friend who passed away this past week. Please send your messages about Martha to [email protected], or leave a voice message at (385) 429-2787.

Guest: Jeremy Showgren

Hosts: Rachael Gibson, Kelly Cook, Kelsey and Jake Thompson, Quin Swallow

Today's super-short episode has a quick run-down of the news, including films and concerts: Star Wars- The Last Jedi, Mark Masri, and A Crescent Christmas. We also have our final interview with cast members from Miracle on 34th Street. And Quin explains why SCERA means so much to him, and to his family.

Music clips: The Crescent Super Band
See them perform at SCERA December 22-23:
Information about A Crescent Christmas

Guests: Emille Moffitt and Jaron Young, of Miracle on 34th Street

Host: Quin Swallow

Program note: SCERA Spotlight Podcast will return with bi-weekly episodes in January, 2018. Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and we'll join-up with you in the new year!

- Rachael, Kelsey, Jake, Kelly and Quin, and everyone at SCERA

At SCERA, we love Mark Masri so much, we're having him back! Masri's stunning voice will be entertaining SCERA audiences for two nights next week, and we are thrilled to have him! Today, get a sample of his singing and learn why this night is going to be so special.

Also, we talk to more folks from the Miracle on 34th Street cast, and we'll talk about Disney/Pixar's Coco, playing at the SCERA Center for one more week!

Hosts: Rachael Gibson and Quin Swallow