The Lunchbox CHSR

What does it take to make a play? Ideas, patience and writing, although coaching and support go far.

My guests today are all involved in elements of the one-act plays, readings and production from this year’s Notable Acts Theatre Festival. Len Falkenstein is the Festival Artistic Director; Monika Rennick is the playwright of Detective Richard; Kat Hall is an actor in Marvin the Man; and Jill Connell is the festival dramaturg, and is presenting her work-in-progress DENNIS at the reading.

They join me to talk about this year’s productions, the role and approach of a dramaturg, and the incredible legacy of 25 years of the festival.

The Notable Acts Theatre Festival runs from July 22 to August 1 in various locations around Fredericton.

The post The Lunchbox Interview: Notable Acts 2026 One Acts and Readings appeared first on CHSR-FM 97.9.

Sometimes, a celebration of life comes from an entire musical…

My guests today are all part of the Notable Acts 2026 mainstage production of The Dog Dies, a comedy-musical-drama production about the life and eventual death of a beloved pooch, Steve. Hannah McKellar is a multi-hyphenate playwright and performer (and vet!), who wrote the musical and stars as “Human”; Naomi McGowan performs as “The Vet”; and Acasha Knowles plays as Human’s bestie. (All three take their own turns portraying “Steve”, the dog at the centre of the story.)

They join me to talk about where this idea came from, Hannah’s experience as a vet and comedian, and how the sad tale of Steve Buscemi (the dog) is funny, heartwarming and a little tear-jerking.

The Dog Dies opened July 23 and ran through July 25 nightly at Memorial Hall.

The post The Lunchbox Interview: Notable Acts presents “The Dog Dies” appeared first on CHSR-FM 97.9.

It’s summertime, when thoughts go to steady work, rock and roll, and inevitable distractions.

My guests today are Len Falkenstein (director), Jake Martin (co-director), Mary Walker (Princess of France) and Alex Macallister (Prince of Navarre), all involved in one of the summer Shakespeare plays being staged by Bard In The Barracks, Love’s Labour Lost. They discuss the 70s prog band overly of the Men of Navarre, the clash of sexes and music, and the staging of one of The Bard’s early plays.

The entire Bard in the Barracks season runs June 18 through July 5. The preview performance of Love’s Labour Lost is on June 20, with the opening on June 21, and it will run on Sunday, Tuesday and Saturday nights at 7:30pm. The play will be staged in five locations around Christ Church Cathedral.

See their website for full details.

The post The Lunchbox Interview: BitB: “Love’s Labour Lost” appeared first on CHSR-FM 97.9.

A case of mistaken jealousy, potential redemption and… a bear? What’s not to like?

My guests today are John Ball (Director), Shannon Munn (Hermione) and Scott Shannon (Leontes) from the Bard in the Barracks production of Shakespeare’s The Winter’s Tale. They join me to talk about the emotional arc and weight of this play, whether or not they saw anyone else perform it before, and why John loves this production so much. Oh, and a bear to watch out for.

The entire Bard in the Barracks season runs June 18 through July 5. The preview performance of The Winter’s Tale is on June 18, with the opening on June 19, and it will run on Thursday, Friday and Monday nights at 7:30pm. The play will be staged in a singular location in Odell Park.

See their website for full details.

The post The Lunchbox Interview: BitB: “The Winter’s Tale” appeared first on CHSR-FM 97.9.

The most dangerous thing is that which you cannot see because it is often too common, like discrimination.

My guest today is author Lemlem Adenech Handome, whose book I Am A Woman Born Of A Woman both celebrates the strength and resilience of the women on whom she has based her name, but takes a critical eye toward systemic and non-obvious sexism, with the goal of making it visible and defeatable. She talks about her own realizations when growing up, her passion to build on the legacy of her mother, and the issues that are still felt today.

The author will be having a book launch on July 23 at the Fredericton Public Library. More details can be found on the EventBrite listing.

The post Interview: Lemlem Adanech Handome (“I Am A Woman Born Of A Woman”) appeared first on CHSR-FM 97.9.

When a person is lost, their impact can be celebrated in the art — and memories — they left behind.

My guest today is Lori Quick, the Exhibitions & Communications Coordinator at the UNB Centre for Learning Futures and the UNB Art Centre. She has spearheaded an exhibition of the works of beloved Fredericton artist and artist supporter, Biff Mitchell, who was unexpectedly lost some time ago. She discusses her memories of Biff and his work, the building of the exhibition, and the special evening of presentation, music and memories planned to be at the UNB Art Centre.

The exhibition in Biff Mitchell’s memory, Silence Says it All runs until June 5th at the UNB Art Centre.

The Celebration of the Life of Biff Mitchell, hosted by the UNB Art Centre, will be held on June 5th, 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m., in the Memorial Hall Auditorium on the UNB Fredericton Campus. This will be a time to celebrate the joy, humour, love, and gratitude we still hold because of Biff’s presence as well as collectively work through how deeply his absence is felt within the community. We will share readings, musical performances, memories, and expressions of love and appreciation for Biff in an interactive art guestbook.

To preserve Biff’s creative legacy, The Biff Mitchell Memorial Collective’s goal is that Biff’s papers, books, and digital ephemera will be housed at UNB Libraries Archives & Special Collections in Fredericton. This archive will be dedicated to preserving the life’s work of this remarkable author for future generations. By donating a book, you will ensure that Biff’s writing will continue to shape conversations, spark readers, researchers, and inspire aspiring writers who will benefit from access to his words and ideas. Together, we can honour Biff, celebrate his imagination, and invest in his legacy – one book at a time.

The link below will take you to the gift registry to select a copy to donate.
Biff Mitchell Legacy Archive Adopt A Book Drive

The post Interview: Lori Quick (Remembering Biff Mitchell) appeared first on CHSR-FM 97.9.

If we really want to know each other, why don’t we just ask?

My guest today is Fae Johnstone, an advocate for queer issues and is travelling across the country along with Victoria Bucholtz for the Trans Canada Tour. With over 60 events planned, they hope to provide a platform for the curious and the concerned to ask questions in a friendly environment, including gatherings such as “Ask a Trans Person Anything”. We spoke about the work being done, the expectations and hopes, and the planned activities.

The Trans Canada Tour stopped by in Fredericton on May 26, and we hope to catch up with them after they’ve experienced the country.

The post Interview: Fae Johnstone (Trans Canada Tour) appeared first on CHSR-FM 97.9.

If you know or find anything that might lead to the discovery of Michael Keetch, please contact the RCMP.

My guest today is Anita Fougere, whose brother, Michael Keetch, went missing over a year ago. Clues have been found, but they lead to more questions than answers. Anita joins me to talk about her brother and what is known so far.

A ground-search is being conducted on the weekend of May 30, and if necessary, future ground searches are being planned. Visit facebook.com/WhereIsMike to contribute or if you find any information.

The post Interview: Looking For Michael Keetch appeared first on CHSR-FM 97.9.

The arts community lost a legendary figure in the past few years in Biff Mitchell, a photographer, writer and multidisciplinary artist — as well as a champion of the arts and the artists who make them.

My guest today is Deanna Musgrave, one of Biff’s friends and a painter who’s portrait of Biff will be part of an upcoming celebration of Biff’s legacy. She joins me to remember Biff, talk about how the portrait was constructed, and many more tales of his work and impact.

The JL Biff Mitchell Creative Education Bursary mentioned is open to emerging artists in New Brunswick who are creating in photographs, writing, and/or pencil drawing. The deadline is coming up on May 10th of this year. Look for the bursary on the Jane Leblanc Legacy Fund website.

An exhibition called Silence Says it All in Biff Mitchell’s memory opens on May 8 at the UNB Art Centre and runs until June 5th. Deanna’s beautiful memorial portrait of Biff, “Biffy”, will be on display at the same time as the display of Biff’s works.

In addition to the exhibition, there will be a Celebration of the Life of Biff Mitchell Ceremony on the closing day of the Exhibition: June 5, 7-9 pm.

The post The Lunchbox Interview: Remembering Biff Mitchell appeared first on CHSR-FM 97.9.

Would you ever give your heart away? No really: actually give your heart away?

My guest today is Naga Abhinav Sujal Kamireddy ( “Abhi”), the director of Theatre UNB’s upcoming presentation of With Love and a Major Organ by Julia Lederer. He joins me to talk about his debut opportunity to direct a play, how the play is open to interpretation and working with the team that made this production possible.

With Love and a Major Organ opens on February 25, and runs nightly at 7:30pm until February 27. They are running a contest for tickets, so if interested, visit the Theatre UNB Facebook page.

The post The Lunchbox Interview: Theatre UNB presents “With Love and a Major Organ” appeared first on CHSR-FM 97.9.