Interviews and Features

An Interview with Film Writer-Director Mike Cramer on ‘Teenage Ghost Punk’ at the Spooky Movie International Horror Film Festival at AFI

The Halloween season is upon us, and for parents looking for a good “family friendly” scare at the movies, be sure to check out Teenage Ghost Punk. Apart from some minor language, this witty and...

Jacques Brel is Alive and Well at Creative Cauldron: Meet Laura Connors Hull and Matt Conner

In a series of interviews with the Co-Directors and the cast of Creative Cauldron’s Jacques Brel is Alive and Well and Living in Paris, we meet Co-Directors Matt Conner and Laura Connors Hull. Joel:...

Charm City Players Turns One: An Interview with Founders Stephen and Chrissy Napp

A short drive on Greenspring Avenue through the autumn trees that leads to the Hannah More Arts Center on the campus of St. Timothy’s School is a hidden gem: Charm City Players. Founded in 2011 as a...

Cinema Speak with Sydney-Chanele: Interview with Macy Gray, appearing at The Birchmere, October 7 with her ‘The Way Tour 2014’

For the past fifteen years, the unique, raspy voice and audacious style of Grammy Award winning Macy Gray has steadily released soulful, jazzy music becoming a beacon in the world of contemporary R&B....

An Interview with Film Director Eduardo Sanchez and Screenwriter Jamie Nash on ‘EXISTS’ at the Spooky Movie International Horror Film Festival at AFI

I got a chance recently to chat with Blair Witch Project director Eduardo Sanchez and screenwriter Jamie Nash about their new found footage horror movie EXISTS which screens Friday, October 10, 2014...

‘Working for Peanuts’: Meet the Cast of Reston Community Players’ ‘You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown’-Part 2: Nina Jankowicz and Patrick Graham

Fall is in the air, and it’s perfect weather for tangling kites in trees, trying to finally win a baseball game, and hoping against hope to finally kick the football without having it pulled away at...

Patti LuPone at ArtSpeak! at Blake High School

Last night I enjoyed an evening with American icon, Tony, Grammy, and Olivier Award winner Patti LuPone at Blake High School at ArtSpeak!. ArtSpeak! has been around 18 years and the 850 people who...

It’s a Bittersweet Homecoming for ‘Evita’ Stars Sean MacLaughlin (Juan Peron) and Caroline Bowman (Evita)

It’s a bittersweet homecoming for Evita stars The final stop on the Evita tour at The Kennedy Center is bittersweet for hometown stars, Sean MacLaughlin (Juan Peron) and Caroline Bowman (Evita). Both...

The Playwright’s Playground: The Lonely and The Brave -‘Marie Antoinette’ Playwright David Adjmi Discusses Audience Engagement and the Rigors of Writing a Memoir by Sydney-Chanele Dawkins

There is great passion and intensity with Award-winning Playwright, David Adjmi. “I want to be able to live up to my ambition. I want to feel that I can be a part of the theater in a significant way.”...

Aquila Theatre Brings ‘Wuthering Heights’ to George Mason University’s Center for the Arts on October 5th and ‘The Tempest’ to Hylton Performing Arts Center on October 11th

Enduring works of live theater continue to be performed; even in this fast-changing digital age, with disruption to so much long-held, accepted wisdom. Classic works of literature and theater keep on...

‘Working for Peanuts’: Meet the Cast of Reston Community Players’ ‘You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown’-Part 1: Alana Sharp and Eric Hughes

In the first in a series of interviews with the cast and director of Reston Community Players’ You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown, meet Alana Sharp, who plays the psychoanalyzing Lucy Van Pelt, and Eric...

A ‘Tiny’ Interview with Director Jessica Aimone of ‘The Tiny House Plays’ and Playwright Danielle Mohlman

I got super-excited when I found out Pinky Swear is doing an immersive theatre piece (or pieces) at DC’s own Tiny House community, Boneyard Studios. I’m a huge fan of tiny houses and what they...

The Playwright’s Playground: The Lonely and the Brave – An Interview with ‘Marie Antoinette’ Playwright David Adjmi

Writing is deeply personal. For David Adjmi, playwright of Marie Antoinette, writing is not only personal it is something that is stirring, deeply passionate, and all encompassing. In the process of...

‘All That Bethesda Jazz’: Meet The Bethesda Blues and Jazz Supper Club Proprietor Rick Brown and Events Manager Karla Rosenfeld Azachi

Meet Bethesda Blues and Jazz Supper Club’s Proprietor Rick Brown You grew up in the DC area. What was the DC area jazz scene like when you were growing up, how has it changed, and how would you...

In the Moment: An Interview with the Fredgren Studio Theater

A place to create is critical to the performing arts and artist. In Northern Virginia available space for emerging performing arts companies can be both difficult to locate and costly. So when a brand...

In the Moment: This Saturday 9/27/14: ‘ARTS by George!’ at George Mason University: An Interview with Co-Chair Mark Shugoll

ARTS by George, a signature event gala that supports scholarships and the Great Performance series at George Mason University, has raised more than $1 million. The co-chairs of this year’s gala are...

The Playwright’s Playground: Michele Shay Discusses the Influence of August Wilson, Her Artistic Journey, and Lessons Learned from a Life in the Theater

For Michele Shay, directing Seven Guitars is not simply directing another play; it’s personal and a vivid part of her story. “We are addicted to ‘story’ and we become inspired by each others lives,”...

A Chat with Patti LuPone on ‘Coulda, Woulda, Shoulda’ on September 27th, 2014 at ‘Arts by George’ at George Mason University

Two-time Tony Award winner Patti LuPone and I had a conversation about her upcoming performance of Coulda Woulda Shoulda coming up at George Mason University’s Arts by George on September 27th at The...

Michele Shay, Director of August Wilson’s ‘Seven Guitars,’ Shares His Philosophy and Wisdom, and Discusses Her Inspired Production at No Rules Theatre Company

“We are addicted to ‘story’ and we become inspired by each others lives,” says Michele Shay, the Director of No Rules Theatre Company’s current production of August Wilson’s Seven Guitars. My...

Magic Time! A Conversation With ‘Yentl’ Playwright Leah Napolin

Leah Napolin’s Yentl would have to be on any short list of best plays about religion and gender—and the production now at Theater J would have to be among its finest incarnations. Based on “Yentl the...

‘Nevermore’ Opens Tomorrow at Pandemonium Theatrical Productions Performing at Workhouse Arts Center in Lorton, VA

Ah, September has come; with it the nights grow longer. Soon enough a cooler nip in the evening air. And then, could it be, really be, Halloween with all its fun and frolic. But there is also the...

Civility Gets Smacked in the Mouth: ‘God of Carnage’ Opens September 19th at Silver Spring Stage by Lennie Magida

If you’re looking for a laid-back get-together with easy-going friends, the foursome of Veronica, Michael, Annette, and Alan might not be your first choice. But if you’re eager for a couple of hours...

‘Making Sparks’: Meet the Managing Director, Cast, and Director of Theater Alliance’s ‘Spark’ Part 2: Sarah Strasser

Spark by Caridad Svich opens this weekend at the Anacostia Playhouse and runs through September 28, 2014. This gritty, powerful drama tells the story of a veteran returning from war, and the ongoing...

‘Making Sparks’: Meet the Managing Director, Cast, and Director of Theater Alliance’s ‘Spark’ Part 1: Elliott Bales

Spark by Caridad Svich opens this weekend at the Anacostia Playhouse and runs through September 28, 2014. This gritty, powerful drama tells the story of a veteran returning from war, and the ongoing...

‘Nevermore’ Comes to Pandemonium Theatrical Productions at the Workhouse Arts Center in Lorton, VA From 9/12-10/10/14

Ah, September has come; with it the nights grow longer. Soon enough a cooler nip in the evening air. And then, could it be, really be, Halloween with all its fun and frolic. But there is also the...

Love The Three Stooges? Pay a Visit to ‘The Stoogeum’ in Ambler, PA

The Three Stooges made over 200 appearances in shorts – those knuckle-headed 15-minute misadventures – and full-length feature films with their usual trademark of hysterical mayhem. And if you are a...

Meet the Cast of Wolf Pack Theatre Company’s ‘Masquerade’ Part 6: Carol V. Calhoun (Emma)

In Part Six of a series of interviews with the cast of Wolf Pack Theatre Company’s production of Masquerade, meet Carol V. Calhoun (Emma). Joel: Where have theatregoers seen you perform on the stage?...

Meet the Cast of Wolf Pack Theatre Company’s ‘Masquerade’ Part 5: Timothy Jansen (Steven)

In Part Five of a series of interviews with the cast of Wolf Pack Theatre Company’s production of Masquerade, meet Timothy Jansen (Steven). Joel: Where have theatregoers seen you perform on the stage?...

Meet the Cast of Wolf Pack Theatre Company’s ‘Masquerade’ Part 4: Sarah Scott (Kelli)

In Part Four of a series of interviews with the cast of Wolf Pack Theatre Company’s production of Masquerade, meet Sarah Scott (Kelli). Joel: Where have theatregoers seen you perform on the stage?...

Meet the Director and Cast of PGLT’s ‘Brighton Beach Memoirs’: Part 4: Casey Baum (Eugene)

In Part Four of a series of interviews with the director and cast of Prince George’s Little Theatre’s Brighton Beach Memoirs, meet Casey Baum (Eugene). Joel: Please introduce yourself, and tell our...

Meet the Cast of Wolf Pack Theatre Company’s ‘Masquerade’ Part 3: Lauren Giglio (Janet)

In Part Three of a series of interviews with the cast of Wolf Pack Theatre Company’s production of Masquerade, meet Lauren Giglio (Janet). Joel: Where have theatregoers seen you perform on the stage?...

An Interview with Broadway’s Pippin: Kyle Dean Massey

Kyle Dean Massey is currently playing the title role in the Tony Award-winning revival of Pippin on Broadway, directed by Diane Paulus. I had the honor of interviewing him last week. Teresa: Last...

A Tribute to Tana Hicken From Friends, Colleagues, and Admirers-Tributes to be Held on Monday, September 15th at Everyman Theatre and on Monday, September 29th at 7 PM at The Studio Theatre

______ Two Tributes are Scheduled for Tana Hicken: on Monday, September 15th at 7 PM at Everyman Theatre – 315 West Fayette Street, in Baltimore, MD 21201. AND and on Monday, September 29th at 7 PM at...

Meet the Director and Cast of PGLT’s ‘Brighton Beach Memoirs’: Part 3: Sophie Speciale (Nora)

In Part Three of a series of interviews with the director and cast of Prince George’s Little Theatre’s Brighton Beach Memoirs, meet Sophie Speciale (Nora). Joel: Tell me a little about yourself and...

Meet the Director and Cast of PGLT’s ‘Brighton Beach Memoirs’: Part 2: Annalie Ellis (Laurie)

In Part Two of a series of interviews with the director and cast of Prince George’s Little Theatre’s Brighton Beach Memoirs, meet Annalie Ellis (Laurie). Joel: Where have local theatregoers seen you...

Interview with Jonny Lang Who is Performing Tonight at The State Theatre

Blues guitarist and singer Jonny Lang has had a blessed life. He was a musical child prodigy. He gets to make a living playing music, has a loving wife and four kids, and gets to travel the world. He...

Meet the Cast of ‘Wolf Pack Theatre Company’s ‘Masquerade’: Part 1: Kelly Richards (Diana)

In Part One of a series of interviews with the cast of Wolf Pack Theatre Company’s Masquerade, by William Leary, meet Kelly Richards. Joel: Where have theatregoers seen you perform on the stage?...

Meet the Director and Cast of PGLT’s ‘Brighton Beach Memoirs’: Part 1: Director Ken Kienas

I have been involved with community theater for a long time. My bio says that I’ve been doing theater productions over 30 years, but it’s not so easy count the years. I was in the cast of two musicals...

Glyndon Area Players’ ‘Les Misérables’: An Interview with Dawn O’Croinin (Fantine), Tom Zepp (Jean Valjean), and Cameron Casey (Javert)

Glyndon Area Players prides itself providing its community with the gift of high-quality musicals while on a community theater budget, and utilizing a cast of volunteers from the surrounding...

An Interview with Playwright Julia Jarcho On Her Play ‘Grimly Handsome’ Staged at George Mason University’s Harris Theatre on 9/12@8 PM

The singular voice of 2013 Obie Award-winning playwright Julia Jarcho is coming to the area. Wait, you haven’t heard of her? Well, she hasn’t yet been produced in the DC area, not even her visionary...

Glyndon Area Players’ ‘Les Misérables’: An Interview with Henry Cyr (Marius)

It’s summer, which for my family means volunteering with our favorite community theatre group – Glyndon Area Players. Under the detailed direction of GAP founder Homero Bayarena, participating in GAP...

An Interview With Director Laurie Nelson on ‘Some Enchanted Evening’ at George Mason University on Saturday, August 9, 2014 at 7:30 p.m

DCMetroTheaterArts (“DCMTA”) is interested in highlighting community performing arts events that focus on emerging musical theater talent and fresh voices. With well over 100 professional and...

The Playwright’s Playground: The Playmakers CATF 2014: Associate Producing Director Peggy McKowen Looks Ahead to the 25th Anniversary and Talks About Contributing to a Culture of “YES,” Motherhood and the Changing Look of Theatre

The curtain closed yesterday, August 3, 2014, on the 24thseason of five plays at the Contemporary American Theater Festival, but the anticipation to next season’s 25th anniversary has already started....

The Playwright’s Playground: The Playmakers CATF 2014: Actress, Daphne Gaines Gives an Insider’s Look at ‘The Ashes Under Gait City’ and Her Simone the Believer Character

This Special Edition of The Playwright’s Playground continues The Playmaker Series: CATF 2014. In a series of in depth conversations, I speak with the artistic teams and talent associated with the...

The Playwright’s Playground: Playwright Aaron Posner Talks About Inspiration, Adaptations and That ‘Stupid Fucking Bird’

Aaron Posner is a director and playwright whose impact is nationwide, and he is one of the hardest working men in theatre. Posner’s Award-wining play Stupid Fucking Bird (Helen Hayes – Outstanding...

The American Century Theater’s Jack Marshall On Closing TACT and His Favorite Productions

When The American Century Theater announced that next season was going to be their last, I knew I had to ask Artistic Director Jack Marshall about his favorite productions and memories. Joel: Why is...

The Playwright’s Playground: ‘Gidion’s Knot’ Playwright Johnna Adams Speaks About Her Process, Discipline, Inspiration, and Playwriting Paranoia

Johnna Adams. The playwriting voice of Johnna Adams is bold and unique and the genre and styles of her plays are an eclectic mix. In 2013, Johnna received a Steinberg/American Theatre Critics...

Renaissance Man Thomas Dolby: Johns Hopkins University Professor of the Arts

In a change that ups the cool factor and vibrancy of Baltimore’s film and music culture exponentially, musician, composer, and digital technology innovator, Thomas Dolby will be moving to the city at...

The Playwright’s Playground: Playwright Johnna Adams Discusses Giving Herself Permission to Write and Reveals ‘Gidion’s Knot’ Challenges and the Gordian Knot Analogy

Johnna Adams.The playwriting voice of Johnna Adams is bold and unique and the genre and styles of her plays are an eclectic mix. In 2013, Johnna received a Steinberg/American Theatre Critics...

Meet The Cast of ‘Gruesome Playground Injuries’ at The Flying Muskrats: Meet Caity Brown

In Part 2 of interviews with the cast of The Flying Muskrat’s Gruesome Playground Injuries, meet Caity Brown. Joel: Where might DC theatre-goers have seen you before? Caity: Most recently, I was in...