Interviews and Features

Part 1 of ‘Monty Python’s Spamalot at Toby’s: The Series of Interviews That Goes On and On’: Director/Choreographer Mark Minnick by Amanda Gunther

While I may not be Arthur, King of the Britains, I am on a noble quest to discover as many incredible details as I can as I take you behind-the-scenes at Toby’s Dinner Theatre’s newest production of...

An Interview with Director Sherrionne Brown on Directing ‘Harvey’ at Vagabond Players by Amanda Gunther

A Pooka is coming! And a Pooka is here! The Vagabond Players production of Harvey is going strong; an incredibly fascinating look at the people in our lives and how we respond to them, whether they’re...

Inside the Music: An Interview with David Dubal, Guest Host of National Chamber Ensemble’s Feb 8th “Schubert and Champagne” Concert by Jane Coyne

Internationally celebrated pianist, author, teacher, writer, and broadcaster David Dubal is set to host National Chamber Ensemble’s “Schubert and Champagne” concert on Saturday, February 8, 2014 at...

An Interview with La-Ti-Do’s DonMike Mendoza and Regie Cabico by Rick Westerkamp

On Monday nights for the past two years, the DC/MD/VA area’s artists and arts enthusiasts alike have been packing the Black Fox Lounge in DuPont Circle, eager to take in that week’s set list of...

The Playwright’s Playground: Part II: ‘Creative Consciousness: An Interview with – Anu Yadav’ by Sydney-Chanele Dawkins

Female theatre artists make up more than 50 percent of those involved in the theatre, yet the number of female playwrights being produced is dramatically lower. Welcome back to the conversation, and...

Janet Luby on Starring in ‘Bad Dates’ and What’s Happening at Bay Theatre Company by Amanda Gunther

It is always difficult to hear that a theatre is closing down regardless of the reason, but especially when the cause is economical. And in May of 2013 Bay Theatre Company announced that their...

The Playwright’s Playground: Part 1: ‘Meena’s Dream – Process and Performance: An Interview with Anu Yadav’ by Sydney-Chanele Dawkins

Female theatre artists make up more than 50 percent of those involved in the theatre, yet the number of female playwrights being produced is dramatically lower. Welcome back to the conversation, and...

An Interview with Filmmaker Gabriel DeLoach on his Double Dagger Documentary ‘If We Shout Loud Enough’ by Teresa McCormick Ertel

Filmmaker Gabriel DeLoach follows Baltimore underground punk band Double Dagger and intimately explores the experience of their final tour in his latest documentary, If We Shout Loud Enough. Teresa:...

‘Musicians of Mercy’ Holds a Benefit Concert for The American Heart Association This Friday 1/10@7:30 PM by Teresa McCormick Ertel

This Friday, January 10th at 7:30 PM, The Musicians of Mercy, will present an evening of live music – Celebrating a Life of Love – in Baltimore City to benefit the American Heart Association. The...

An Interview with Singer/Songwriter Margot MacDonald by Marlene Hall

Margot MacDonald is an acclaimed loop pedal vocalist and songwriter based in DC who recently celebrated the release of her fourth album, Canvas. She is in excellent company with loop pedal vocalists...

Making Some Noise: Behind the Scenes of 1st Stage’s ‘Noises Off’: Part 7: Zachary Fernebok (Freddy) by Joel Markowitz

This is Part 7 and our final interview in a series of interviews with the cast and director of 1st Stage’s production of Noises Off. Meet Zachary Fernebok. Joel: Why did you want to become a member of...

The Playwright’s Playground: Part 2 – ‘Process, Autobiography, and Responsibility: An Interview with Pulitzer Prize-Winner, Suzan-Lori Parks’ By Sydney-Chanele Dawkins

Female theatre artists make up more than 50 percent of those involved in the theatre, yet the number of female playwrights being produced is dramatically lower. Welcome back to the conversation, and...

The Playwright’s Playground: Part I: ‘Adapting Porgy and Bess: An Interview with Pulitzer Prize-Winner Suzan-Lori Parks’ by Sydney-Chanele Dawkins

Female theatre artists make up more than 50 percent of those involved in the theatre, yet the number of female playwrights being produced is dramatically lower. Welcome back to the conversation, and...

Making Some Noise: Behind the Scenes of 1st Stage’s ‘Noises Off’: Part 6: Jason Glass (Tim) by Joel Markowitz

This is Part 6 in a series of interviews with the cast and director of 1st Stage’s production of Noises Off. Meet Jason Glass. Why did you want to become a member of the cast of Noises Off? I love...

‘Best of Burlesque(er): Down and Dirty Holigay Blues’ at the Black Cat by Lucrezia Blozia

Do the holidays give you the blues? The deep down dirty blues deep down there? Then you should have been at the Best of Burlesque(er)’s Down and Dirty Holigay Blues show on December 6th at the Black...

What’s New at No Rules Theatre Company This Season by Artistic Director Joshua Morgan

Artistic Director Joshua Morgan introduces us to the exciting 2014 season for No Rules Theatre Company. Joel: Why did you select these shows for your upcoming season? Why are these shows important for...

Artistically Speaking: Part One: An Interview with Venus Theatre’s Deborah Randall by Cate Brewer

Deborah Randall is the founder of Venus Theatre. Deb has been producing and performing around the DC area professionally since 1985. In 2012, Deb was the recipient of the Alumna of the Year Award for...

Meet the Director and Cast of Annapolis Shakespeare Company’s ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’: Part 5: Ashlyn Thompson (Helena) by Joel Markowitz

This is the Part 5 in a series of interviews with the director and cast members of Annapolis Shakespeare Company‘s A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Meet Ashlyn Thompson. How did you become involved with...

An Interview with Bruce Dow on Playing Pseudolus in ‘A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum’ at Shakespeare Theatre Company by Joel Markowitz

Bruce Dow is wowing DC audiences with his high-energy and funny performance of the slave Pseudolus in Shakespeare Theatre Company’s production of A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum. Joel:...

Making Some Noise: Behind the Scenes of 1st Stage’s ‘Noises Off’: Part 5: Blair Bowers (Brooke) by Joel Markowitz

This is Part 5 in a series of interviews with the cast and director of 1st Stage’s production of Noises Off. Meet Blair Bowers. Joel: Why did you want to become a member of the cast of Noises Off?...

Meet the Director and Cast of Annapolis Shakespeare Company’s ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’: Part 4: Joel DeCandio (Lysander) by Joel Markowitz

This is the Part 4 in a series of interviews with the director and cast members of Annapolis Shakespeare Company‘s A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Meet Joel DeCandio. How did you become involved with this...

Linda Eder on Her McDonogh School Master Class by Teresa McCormick Ertel

McDonogh School in Owings Mills, Maryland is known for its well respected music and choral program. Today several vocal students at the school were given the opportunity to perform for and receive...

‘Shall We Schmooze?’ Paolo Montalban on Playing The King in ‘The King and I’ at Olney Theatre Center by Joel Markowitz

I love Olney Theatre Center’s production of The King and I and I am thrilled to have a royal schmooze with the King . Here is my interview with Paolo Montalban. Joel: How did you get cast in Olney’s...

Meet the Director and Cast of Annapolis Shakespeare Company’s ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’: Part 3: Amanda Forstrom (Hermia) by Joel Markowitz

This is the Part 3 in a series of interviews with the director and cast members of Annapolis Shakespeare Company‘s A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Meet Amanda Forstrom (Hermia). Joel: How did you become...

Making Some Noise: Behind the Scenes of 1st Stage’s ‘Noises Off’: Part 4: Kate Karczewski (Poppy) by Joel Markowitz

This is Part 4 in a series of interviews with the cast and director of 1st Stage’s production of Noises Off. Meet Kate Karczewski. Why did you want to become a member of the cast of Noises Off? Mostly...

Meet the Director and Cast of Annapolis Shakespeare Company’s ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’: Part 2: Nick DePinto (Puck) by Joel Markowitz

This is the Part 2 in a series of interviews with the director and cast members of Annapolis Shakespeare Company‘s A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Meet Nick DePinto. How did you become involved with this...

Meet the Director and Cast of Annapolis Shakespeare Company’s ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’: Part 1: Director Kristin Clippard by Joel Markowitz

This is the first interview in a series of interviews with the director and cast members of Annapolis Shakespeare Company‘s A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Meet Director Kristin Clippard. Joel: How did you...

Making Some Noise: Behind the Scenes of 1st Stage’s ‘Noises Off’: Part 3: Matthew Pauli (Lloyd) by Joel Markowitz

This is Part 3 in a series of interviews with the cast and director of 1st Stage’s production of Noises Off. Meet Matthew Pauli. Joel: Why did you want to become a member of the cast of Noises Off?...

‘Shall We Schmooze?’ Eileen Ward on Playing Anna in ‘The King and I’ at Olney Theatre Center by Joel Markowitz

I love Olney Theatre Center’s production of The King and I and I am thrilled to have a chance to schmooze with the King and his School Teacher. Here is my interview with Eileen Ward who is playing...

Making Some Noise: Behind the Scenes of 1st Stage’s ‘Noises Off’: Part 2: Mario Baldessari (Selsdon) by Joel Markowitz

This is Part 2 in a series of interviews with the cast and director of 1st Stage’s production of Noises Off. Meet Mario Baldessari. Joel: Why did you want to become a member of the cast of Noises Off?...

Making Some Noise: Behind the Scenes of 1st Stage’s ‘Noises Off’: Part 1: Director Doug Wilder by Joel Markowitz

This is the first in a series of interviews with the cast and director of 1st Stage’s production of Noises Off. Meet Director Doug Wilder. Why did you want to direct this show at 1st Stage? Sometimes...

An Interview with Musician Scott Kurt by Marlene Hall

Scott Kurt is a local musician – make that a hard working local musician – who is on his way up to the big leagues. He has opened for Huey Lewis and the News at Wolf Trap this summer to earning four...

Directing ‘The King and I’ At Olney Theatre Center By Mark Waldrop

Wow, what a big, exciting job it’s been mounting The King and I. This is a story that demands the most of every department – a massive, opulent set (big enough to do that polka around), sumptuous...

20 Questions with The Cast of WSC Avant Bard’s ‘King John’: Part 1: Kim Curtis (Essex) by Christopher Henley

Kim Curtis is, other than me, the King John actor with the longest history with WSC Avant Bard. In King John, he plays the murderous monk Essex. His first show with us was Edward II at Church Street...

An Interview with ‘The Dancing Rogues’ Hayley Cutler, Sara Herrera-Kopetchny, and Sylvana Christopher by Rick Westerkamp

The Dancing Rogues: Who are they and what do they have up their creative sleeves? DC-based choreographers Sylvana Christopher, Hayley Cutler, and Sara Herrera-Kopetchny have teamed up and formed The...

‘Tappin’ Thru Time with a Legend: An Interview with Maurice Hines’ by Joel Markowitz

When you sit down with Maurice Hines you are schmoozing with the ‘Master of Tap.’ I have interviewed Maurice several times and every time I meet him I feel like I am reminiscing with my best friend....

Composer Daniel Felsenfeld, Director Beth Greenberg, and Principle Artist Emily Pulley on UrbanArias’ ‘She, After’

UrbanArias’ She/After opens this Saturday, November 9th at Artisphere. It consists of two short operas: Nora, in the Great Outdoors (Music by Daniel Felsenfeld and Libretto by Will Eno) [This moving...

Michael Goldsmith on Playing Romeo at Folger Theatre by Joel Markowitz

Michael Goldsmith talks about playing Romeo in Folger Theatre’s production of Romeo and Juliet, directed by Aaron Posner. DCMetroTheaterArts’ reviewer Emily Caio wrote in her review of the show that...

Introducing the Cast of ‘If/Then’ at The National Theatre-Part 4: Jerry Dixon by Joel Markowitz

In Part 4 of a series of interviews with the cast of the new Tom Kitt/Brian Yorkey musical If/Then, which is about to open at The National Theatre on November 5th, Jerry Dixon introduces us to the...

Interview with Army Sergeant First Class Julie Boehler, Principal Timpanist of the US Army Band-“Pershing’s Own” by Marlene Hall

Sergeant First Class Julie Angelis Boehler is the Principal Timpanist of The United States Army Band “Pershing’s Own.” In 2003, she became the first female Timpanist to serve in The U.S. Army Band....

Introducing the Cast of ‘If/Then’ at The National Theatre-Part 3: James Snyder by Joel Markowitz

In Part 3 of a series of interviews with the cast of the new Tom Kitt/Brian Yorkey musical If/Then, which is about to open at The National Theatre on November 5th, James Snyder introduces us to the...

‘Behind the Barricade at Toby’s’ Part 9—An Interview with Daniel Felton (Jean Valjean) by Amanda Gunther

“Now bring me prisoner 24601!” The time is up—well, nearly anyhow (they close on November 10th), as the end of the epic run of Les Misèrables at Toby’s Dinner Theatre of Columbia approaches. How...

Directing ‘Twelfth Night’ at The George Washington University Tonight Through Sunday by Bill Largess

After working as an actor and director in the DC area for more than 30 years, and after teaching at both Catholic University and Howard Community College for years, I joined the George Washington...

Introducing the Cast of ‘If/Then’ at The National Theatre-Part 2: Jenn Colella by Joel Markowitz

In the second of a series of interviews with the cast of the new Tom Kitt/Brian Yorkey musical If/Then, which is about to open at The National Theatre on November 5th, Jenn Colella introduces us to...

Introducing the Cast of ‘If/Then’ at The National Theatre-Part 1: Jason Tam by Joel Markowitz

In the first of a series of interviews with the cast of the new Tom Kitt/Brian Yorkey musical If/Then, which is about to open at The National Theatre on November 5th, Jason Tam introduces us to the...

Hope Operas Video Recap of Week #3-Monday, October 21st With Ally Jenkins & Lucrezia Blozia

Watch hosts Ally Jenkins and Lucrezia Blozia (aka Chris Griffin) as they bring us a video recap of the third week – Monday, October 21, 2013 – of Hope Operas. Each week the audience votes for their...

Liesl Tommy on Directing ‘Appropriate’ at Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company by Amanda Gunther

Gearing up for the second show of the Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company’s 34th season, Appropriate, written by Branden Jacobs-Jenkins. Fitting into their season’s theme, “America’s Tell-Tale Heart,” the...

Behind the Barricade at Toby’s Part 8: An Interview With Larry Munsey (Javert) by Amanda Gunther

He is the law and the law is not mocked. He has done his duty and nothing more; the man with black and white convictions, Inspector Javert. In the penultimate piece of the “Behind the Barricade at...

Interviews With Indie Filmmakers: Zach Clark by Teresa McCormick Ertel

With his third feature film, writer and director Zach Clark delivers an unconventional dark comedy of a wife’s search for Christmas spirit in the wake of an unbearable tragedy in White Reindeer. Tell...

Preparing for Extremities-Part 3:-Rape Culture – We’ve Come a Long Way in 30 Years…or Have We? by Alexia Poe

The first time I read Extremities I kind of fell in love with it. It’s always difficult to find truly interesting characters written for women. So often we are in the mix simply to support the...