Interviews and Features

Liz Filios Takes on Shakespeare in ‘As You Like It’ at Lantern Theater Company in Philadelphia

A multiple Barrymore Award winner, Liz Filios has twice been recognized as Best Actress in a Musical for her lead roles in Midsummer [a play with songs] at Inis Nua Theatre Company in 2014–the same...

An Interview with ‘Collaborators’ Playwright John Hodge by Roberta Alves

Playwright John Hodge fills us in on his play Collaborators which has just extended through March 13th at Spooky Action Theater. How did a film script about Joseph Stalin became the play...

Meet the Cast of Laurel Mill Playhouse’s ‘Man of La Mancha’: Part 2: Alan Barnett

In Part 2 of a series of interviews with the cast of Laurel Mill Playhouse’s Man of La Mancha, meet Alan Barnett. Joel: Please introduce yourself and tell our readers where they may have seen you...

Erik Ransom Discusses his Staged Reading of ‘More Than All the World’ on March 15th at York Theatre Company in New York City

Known for his bold cutting-edge artistry and glam-rock/drag personae, Erik Ransom commands the stage as a singer, musician, and actor, and behind the scenes as a composer, lyricist, and playwright....

Behind the Scenes of Arts Collective @HCC’s Workshop Production of ‘House’: Part 1: Playwright/Director Daniel Johnston

In Part 1 of a series of interviews with the Playwright/Director and cast of Arts Colective@HCC’s play House, meet Playwright/Director Daniel Johnston. Joel: Please introduce yourself. Daniel: My name...

Meet the Cast of Laurel Mill Playhouse’s ‘Man of La Mancha’: Part 1: Fred Nelson

In Part 1 of a series of interviews with the cast of Laurel Mill Playhouse’s Man of La Mancha, meet Fred Nelson. Please introduce yourself and tell our readers where they may have seen you perform on...

In the Moment: Véronneau and Company Danzante at Atlas’ INTERSECTIONS Festival

Having separately followed two of the DC area’s delightful performing arts groups, one a jazz ensemble and the other a dance troupe, I was intrigued to learn they would be performing together at this...

Meet Cast Members, The Director, and Designers of Prince William Little Theatre’s ‘Sherlock Holmes and the West End Horror’ Playing 3/11-20 at Hylton

Meet the designers, some cast members, and the director of Prince William Little Theatre’s Sherlock Holmes and the West End Horror, playing 3/11-20 at Hylton Performing Arts Center. ______ THE...

In the Moment: Gin Dance Company at Atlas’ INTERSECTIONS Festival on March 5th at 5 PM

Gin Dance Company (GDC) is a Metropolitan DC/Northern Virginia based performing arts modern dance company. Founded in Reston, Virginia in 2011 by Artistic Director Shu-Chen Cuff, GDC performs works...

Meet the Cast of The Montgomery Playhouse’s ‘A Grand Night for Singing’: Part 5: Rachel Weisenthal

In Part 5 of a series of interviews with the cast of A Grand Night for Singing at Montgomery Playhouse, meet Rachel Weisenthal. Joel: Please introduce yourself and tell us where we may have seen your...

In the Moment: Reston Community Center Presents ‘If Music Be the Food of Love’ on 2/24 & Washington Chorus Presents ‘New Music for a New Age’ on 2/28 at National Presbyterian Church

Adventurous? Looking for something fresh, uplifting, and yes, even heavenly in contemporary classical music with ethereal, hypnotic voices? There are two upcoming musical events in close-by venues to...

An Interview with Singer Jen Creed-Performing ‘A Night at the Oscars’ This Friday, 2/19@7:30 PM at L’Etage in Philadelphia

Jen Creed, once a mathematician and former recruiter in the investment management industry, now sits on the Board of Directors of The Voice Foundation, and teaches voice, and serves as the head of...

Nick Wyman: Character Actor in a Star Role as LBJ in ‘All the Way’

I talked with Nick Wyman only minutes after his performance as President Lyndon Johnson in All the Way at a matinee on February 13th. We met in the lobby of the stunning Asolo Repertory Theatre in...

Magic Time! A Conversation with Manu Kumasi About ‘Lost in the Stars’

“The situation in 1940s apartheid South Africa is very similar to what was seen in 1940’s America, 1960’s America, 1980’s America, and even what we see in the present day.” I was talking with Manu...

Meet The Cast of Spooky Action Theater’s ‘Collaborators’: Part 1: Paul Reisman

In Part 1 of our series with the cast of Spooky Action’s Collaborators, meet Paul Resiman. Joel: Please introduce yourself and tell our readers where they may have seen you perform on the stage? Paul:...

In the Moment: The Hub Theatre’s Emerging Writers Festival

If we in the theater universe want to nurture new and emerging playwrights, I would think the earlier we are there for them, the more likely we can be helpful. Once again, The Hub Theatre is providing...

Meet the Cast of The Montgomery Playhouse’s ‘A Grand Night for Singing’: Part 4: Danny Santiago

In Part 4 of a series of interviews with the cast of A Grand Night for Singing at Montgomery Playhouse, meet Danny Santiago. Joel: Please introduce yourself and tell us where we may have seen your...

Meet the Cast of McLean Community Players’ ‘1776’: Part 4: Scott Gustaveson

In Part 4 of a series of interviews with the cast of McLean Community Players’ 1776, meet Scott Gustaveson. Please introduce yourself and tell our readers where they may have seen you perform on local...

Jay Gilliam on The Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington, DC’s ‘The Way We Were’ at Atlas on 2/12 & 13

Jay Gilliam tells us about the upcoming performances of The Way We Were at The Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington, DC at Atlas Performing Arts Center’s Lang Theatre this Friday, February 12th at 8 PM and...

‘A Grand Night for Singing’ Opens This Friday at The Arts Barn

Montgomery Playhouse in Partnership with the City of Gaithersburg – Arts on the Green Presents: A Grand Night for Singing Music and Lyrics by Rodgers and Hammerstein Book by Walter Bobbie Directed by...

Meet the Cast of The Montgomery Playhouse’s ‘A Grand Night for Singing’: Part 2: Jennifer Georgia

In Part 2 of a series of interviews with the cast of A Grand Night for Singing at Montgomery Playhouse, meet Jennifer Georgia. Joel: Please introduce yourself and tell us where we may have seen your...

Magic Time! ‘Backstage with the Women of ‘The Sisters Rosensweig’ at Theater J’

When I recently read Wendy Wasserstein’s The Sisters Rosensweig, which opened in 1992, I sensed it was written in response to the women’s movement at the time. Wasserstein’s 1988 The Heidi Chronicles,...

Tim Gillham on The Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington, DC’s ‘The Way We Were’ at Atlas on 2/12 & 13

Tim Gillham tells us about the upcoming performances of The Way We Were at The Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington, DC at Atlas Performing Arts Center’s Lang Theatre on February 12th at 8 PM and on...

Meet the Cast of The Montgomery Playhouse’s ‘A Grand Night for Singing’: Part 1: Brian Lyons-Burke

In Part 1 of a series of interviews with the cast of A Grand Night for Singing at Montgomery Playhouse, meet Brian Lyons-Burke. Please introduce yourself and tell us where we may have seen your work...

Jarrod Bennett on The Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington, DC’s ‘The Way We Were’ at Atlas on 2/12 & 13

Jarrod Bennett tells us about the upcoming performances of The Way We Were at The Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington, DC at Atlas Performing Arts Center’s Lang Theatre on February 12th at 8 PM and on...

An Interview With Isabelle Époque and Bella La Blanc on ‘Bowie and Burlesque’

And the stars look very different today. David Bowie left us poor, mere earthlings behind last month but there are two burlesque shows in his honor happening next week! Philanthrotease is presenting...

J. Ernest Green on Musical Directing and Conducting ‘Finian’s Rainbow’ for Live Arts Maryland on 2/12&13

J. Ernest Green is musical directing Finian’s Rainbow at Live Arts Maryland on Friday and Saturday, February 12th and 13th. He talks here about the decision to mount the recent Broadway revival and...

An Interview with Local DC Musician Kate Moran on The Rainbow Rock Band

Alexandria, Virginia native and musician Kate Moran is a renaissance woman! She started the Del Ray Music Festival, has a Ph.D in Special Education, formed the Kate Moran Band in 2006 and then the...

Interviews With the Cast and Director of Kensington Arts Theatre’s ‘The Laramie Project’: Part 5: Francisco Borja

In Part 5 of a series of interviews with the Director and cast of Kensington Arts Theatre’s The Laramie Project, meet Francisco Borja. Joel: Please introduce yourself and tell our readers where they...

Meet the Cast of McLean Community Players’ ‘1776’: Part 3: Leslie Lewis

Please introduce yourself and tell our readers where they may have seen you perform on local stages and what roles you have played. My name is Leslie Lewis and I am originally from Georgia. I’ve been...

Meet the Cast of McLean Community Players’ ‘1776’: Part 2: James Myers

n Part 2 of a series of interviews with the cast of McLean Community Players’ 1776, meet James Myers. Joel: Please introduce yourself and tell our readers where they may have seen you perform on local...

An Interview with Composer Steven Lutvak on ‘A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder’ and his FREE Masterclass at Young Artists of America on Tomorrow at AMP -Thursday, February 28, 2016 From 7-9:30 PM

Steven Lutvak’s Tony Award-winning musical A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder is bringing a lot of laughs to audiences in The Eisenhower Theater at The Kennedy Center. And he is also in town to...

‘Shaking It Loose With Tom Jones’ at MetroStage

The genesis of this production says much about the innovative creative process at MetroStage. The idea that a new musical could be developed from Tom Jones’ productions was a spark in the mind of the...

Meet the Cast of Avant Bard’s ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ Part 8: Jenna Berk

In Part 8 of a series of interviews with the cast of Avant Bard’s production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, meet Jenna Berk.. Joel: Where have local audiences seen you perform recently on stage? Jenna:...

Meet the Cast of McLean Community Players’ ‘1776’: Part 1: Brent Stone

In Part 1 of a series of interviews with the cast of McLean Community Players’ 1776, meet Brent Stone. Please introduce yourself and tell our readers where they may have seen you perform on local...

Magic Time! An Interview With Kieyontaye D. Johnson-Carter, Author of ‘Love in Time of HIV’

When I first saw Love in Time of HIV in May 2012, I was deeply impressed. Giving voice to a young generation’s encounter with the health crisis left them by their elders, the play by Kieyontaye D....

Interviews With the Cast and Director of Kensington Arts Theatre’s ‘The Laramie Project’: Part 4: Clancey Yovanovich

In Part 4 of a series of interviews with the Director and cast of Kensington Arts Theatre’s The Laramie Project, meet Clancey Yovanovich. Joel: Please introduce yourself and tell our readers where...

Meet the Cast of Avant Bard’s ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’: Part 7: Toni Rae Salmi

In Part 7 of a series of interviews with the cast of Avant Bard’s production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, meet Toni Rae Salmi. Joel: Where have local audiences seen you perform recently on stage?...

Meet the Cast of Avant Bard’s ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ Part 6: Christian R. Gibbs

In Part 6 of a series of interviews with the cast of Avant Bard’s production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, meet Christian R. Gibbs. Joel: Where have local audiences seen you perform recently on stage?...

Meet the Cast of Avant Bard’s ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’: Part 5: Daven Ralston

In Part 5 of a series of interviews with the cast of Avant Bard’s production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, meet Daven Ralston. Joel: Where have local audiences seen you perform recently on stage?...

‘Take One Shot for the Pain: The Characters of ‘Stone Tape Party’ as Cocktails By Angela Pirko

One thing is true about the ladies of the Stone Tape Party house – they love their alcohol. A lot. A lot a lot. As we invite you onstage next week to party with us, why not try some of these fancy,...

In the Moment: Virginia Opera’s Quest for The Youngest Audience in America

“Opera is officially dead.” So read the headline for Christopher Ingraham’s Washington Post Wonkblog. And in “one chart” yet. Ah, yes big data says it all neatly and with great certitude. Maybe. Then...

Meet the Cast of Reston Communty Players’ ‘Master Class’: Part 5: Richard Durkin

Here is Part 5 of a series of interviews with the director, producer, and cast of Reston Community Players’ production of Terrence McNally’s Master Class. Meet Richard Durkin. Maria Callas, one of the...

Meet the Cast of Avant Bard’s ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ Part 4: Linda Bard

In Part 4 of a series of interviews with the cast of Avant Bard’s production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, meet Linda Bard. Joel: Where have local audiences seen you perform recently on stage? They...

Meet the Cast of Reston Communty Players’ ‘Master Class’: Part 4: Molly Pinson Simoneau

Here is Part 4 of a series of interviews with the director, producer, and cast of Reston Community Players’ production of Terrence McNally’s Master Class. Meet Molly Pinson Simoneau. Maria Callas, one...

Meet the Cast of Avant Bard’s ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’: Part 3: Zach Brewster-Geisz

In Part 3 of a series of interviews with the cast of Avant Bard’s production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, meet Zach Brewster-Geisz. Joel: Where have local audiences seen you perform recently on...

Meet the Cast of Avant Bard’s ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ Part 2: Jon Jon Johnson

In Part 2 of a series of interviews with the cast of Avant Bard’s production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, meet Jon Jon Johnson. Joel: Where have local audiences seen you perform recently on stage?...

Meet the Cast of Reston Community Players’ ‘Master Class’: Part 3: David Rohde

Here is Part 3 of a series of interviews with the director, producer, and cast of Reston Community Players’ production of Terrence McNally’s Master Class. Meet Maria Callas, one of the most famous...

Interviews With the Cast and Director of Kensington Arts Theatre’s ‘The Laramie Project’: Part 3: Natalie McManus

In Part 3 of a series of interviews with the Director and cast of Kensington Arts Theatre’s The Laramie Project, meet Natalie McManus. Joel: Please introduce yourself and tell our readers where they...

Meet the Cast of Avant Bard’s ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ Part 1: Annalisa Dias

In Part 1 of a series of interviews with the cast of Avant Bard’s production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, meet Annalisa Dias. Joel: Where have local audiences seen you perform recently on the stage?...