If you're looking for a fresh new take on a theatrical pop culture classic, the iconic rock & roll musical Grease is making its debut tonight on Purdue Fort Wayne's Williams Theatre stage. It's not only the first time the show has been produced there, it's also the first time that either Craig Humphrey, head of PFW's Design Technology Program or assistant professor of Musical Theater, James Stover have tackled the piece. The plot thickens, you might say, as the two are passing the torch with this theatrical adventure--Craig is preparing to retire from teaching as James is making his directorial debut here. For the back stage perspective of it all, WBOI's Julia Meek sat down with Humprhey and Stover to discuss the play itself as well as the collaboration they enjoyed during its production, and how they view the time they've enjoyed working together in the School's Department of Theater. WBOI Artcentric is brought to you by WBOI’s own Julia Meek and Ben Clemmer. Our theme music is “Me voy pal campo” by KelsiCote. Our administrative assistants are Keegan Lee and Brittany Smith. Our production assistants are Monica Blankenship and Mikaela Veltum.

While nearly all of the areas' spring and summer festivals have been cancelled due to COVID-19 restrictions and health risks, New Haven, Indiana has managed to keep its citizens engaged and connected in a variety of socially distanced communal activities.

And most recently, its new mayor, Steve McMichael, has responded to the community's need for a safe and responsible way to socialize by devising a brand new Independence Day celebration for its entire community. WBOI's Julia Meek spoke with Mayor McMichael by phone to learn how he is adapting to his new role in these unprecedented times, how the community is faring as it works toward getting back on track and what this new way of coming together will look like. WBOI Artcentric is brought to you by WBOI’s own Julia Meek and Ben Clemmer. Our theme music is “Me voy pal campo” by KelsiCote. Our administrative assistants are Keegan Lee and Brittany Smith. Our production assistants are Monica Blankenship and Mikaela Veltum.

Three Rivers Music Theatre's show, The Wild Party, is a jazzy 1920's whodunit thriller that literally comes alive onstage at the Philmore on Broadway each Thursday through Saturday evening until March 14th. WBOI's Julia Meek got lead actors Jessica Butler and Andy Planck into the studio between performances to discuss their own passion for their profession, the company's place in the local theater scene and the immersive nature of this edgy, site specific production. WBOI Artcentric is brought to you by WBOI’s own Julia Meek and Ben Clemmer. Our theme music is “Me voy pal campo” by KelsiCote. Our administrative assistants are Keegan Lee and Brittany Smith. Our production assistants are Monica Blankenship and Mikaela Veltum.

The temporary "outdoor gallery' lining storefronts in downtown Fort Wayne and the attention it has attracted all stems from the first response by the Alyssum Montessori School to the vandalism of its building caused by protest marchers on the night of Friday, May 29th. Alyssum, located at 916 South Calhoun Street, is part of the Wildflower Schools network, and was founded by Suzy Ulmer and Sara Gensic in 2018. It embraces the philosophy that education is a natural process carried out by the child and is not acquired by listening to words but by experiences in the environment.

For insight on how that mission translates into the message being shared with the community, WBOI's Julia Meek invited Ulmer into the studio to discuss the power of art and the universal language it speaks. WBOI Artcentric is brought to you by WBOI’s own Julia Meek and Ben Clemmer. Our theme music is “Me voy pal campo” by KelsiCote. Our administrative assistants are Keegan Lee and Brittany Smith. Our production assistants are Monica Blankenship and Mikaela Veltum.

If you find yourself stressing more and more over life's ups and downs, you're not alone. Statistics indicate that chronic stress is linked to the six leading causes of death and is affecting more lives than ever before. Thanks to Abby Greutman and Brianna Dailey, Fort Wayne's first rage room, appropriately called All the Rage, offers a fun and creative way to de-stress and continues to gain momentum in its 2nd year of operation. WBOI's Julia Meek invited them into the studio to discuss their operation’s point and purpose, how it works and just how satisfying this form of relief can be. WBOI Artcentric is brought to you by WBOI’s own Julia Meek and Ben Clemmer. Our theme music is “Me voy pal campo” by KelsiCote. Our administrative assistants are Keegan Lee and Brittany Smith. Our production assistants are Monica Blankenship and Mikaela Veltum.

First Wayne Street United Methodist Church sits at a crossroads, as its Senior Pastor, Cheryl Garbe explains, "a key location both geographically and historically," which she maintains, "is no accident." And finding new ways to maintain and strengthen its connections there in the heart of downtown Fort Wayne continues to be the priority, despite the challenges of the past few months. For a look at what that involves, WBOI's Julia Meek spoke with Reverend Garbe by phone to learn how the congregation is keeping the faith as it turns problems into possibilities. WBOI Artcentric is brought to you by WBOI’s own Julia Meek and Ben Clemmer. Our theme music is “Me voy pal campo” by KelsiCote. Our administrative assistants are Keegan Lee and Brittany Smith. Our production assistants are Monica Blankenship and Mikaela Veltum.

New Haven funeral director David Rousculp is taking his passion for theater to work with him at the Harper's Community Funeral Home on the days leading up to St. Patrick's Day with an on-premise production of Flanagan's Wake. Everyone is family here in the parlor, and guests are invited to join in the fun of the celebration as they warm up to the customs of the day and build the storyline that accompanies Flanagan's passing. WBOI's Julia Meek sat down with Rousculp and one of the play's lead actors, Scott McMeen, to discuss the reasons for celebrating in such a fashion, as well as the blarney and the blessings this interactive comedy will offer the community. WBOI Artcentric is brought to you by WBOI’s own Julia Meek and Ben Clemmer. Our theme music is “Me voy pal campo” by KelsiCote. Our administrative assistants are Keegan Lee and Brittany Smith. Our production assistants are Monica Blankenship and Mikaela Veltum.

Fort Wayne's freelance arts and culture writer Steve Penhollow is keeping himself and his followers entertained these days with a Facebook group he started that's devoted solely to Lockdown Humor. It's intentionally officious title, Quartantribulational Sequestrophe 2020, as Penhollow explains, doesn't mean anything, but is designed to sound like it does--and it's attracting members from coast to coast. For a look at the project's purpose and somewhat unexpected popularity, WBOI's Julia Meek connected with Penhollow by phone to discuss why laughter just may be the best medicine in these challenging times. WBOI Artcentric is brought to you by WBOI’s own Julia Meek and Ben Clemmer. Our theme music is “Me voy pal campo” by KelsiCote. Our administrative assistants are Keegan Lee and Brittany Smith. Our production assistants are Monica Blankenship and Mikaela Veltum.

Fort Wayne musician Hope Arthur, now based in Chicago, is currently performing with Mucca Pazza, a 30 or so piece, gender bending instrumental music group with street theater experience that will be performing at the Brass Rail on Saturday, March 14th. The mismatched marching band’s uniforms, silly dance routines and general circus atmosphere the group has become known for is backed by a dedicated musicianship and a serious repertoire that includes classical tunes and an impressive line up of original music, featuring a blend of styles from balkan pop to punk rock. But the musical opportunities don't stop there, and Hope is eagerly pursuing her love of the 1920's jazz styles, including "stride piano," as she continues to hone her own signature sound. For an inside look at the group's scope as well as Arthur's own musical persuasions, WBOI's Julia Meek invited her into the studio to discuss how this journey is taking shape, the vistas her new home provides and what her fans can expect from the upcoming concert. WBOI Artcentric is brought to you by WBOI’s own Julia Meek and Ben Clemmer. Our theme music is “Me voy pal campo” by KelsiCote. Our administrative assistants are Keegan Lee and Brittany Smith. Our production assistants are Monica Blankenship and Mikaela Veltum.

Now that Stage 2 of the Governor's Back on Track Indiana plan is in effect, retail businesses are scurrying to meet new standards and retrain employees, and some local restaurants have already modified their operations and opened their doors. While larger venues and gathering spaces like the Clyde Theatre must remain closed until at least July 4th, The Club Room at the Clyde has been able to add dine-in service back into its newly perfected carryout and delivery business while the staff continues to make sure everything is "delivered with love." For a look at the scope of such an undertaking, WBOI's Julia Meek spoke with the Club Room at the Clyde's executive director, Gregg Coyle by phone to learn how this Coronavirus pandemic has impacted the team spirit and strengthened its community connections. WBOI Artcentric is brought to you by WBOI’s own Julia Meek and Ben Clemmer. Our theme music is “Me voy pal campo” by KelsiCote. Our administrative assistants are Keegan Lee and Brittany Smith. Our production assistants are Monica Blankenship and Mikaela Veltum.