Interviews and Features

Director Ryan White on his film ‘Good Ol’ Freda’ by Teresa McCormick Ertel

In Good Ol’ Freda, Director Ryan White documents life with The Beatles, through the unique perspective of their long time secretary, and charismatic figure in her own right, Freda Kelly. Teresa: How...

Hope Operas Video Recap of Week #2-Monday, October 14th With Ally Jenkins & Lucrezia Blozia

Watch hosts Ally Jenkins and Lucrezia Blozia (aka Chris Griffin) as they bring us a video recap of the second week – Monday, October 14, 2013 – of Hope Operas. Each week the audience votes for their...

Preparing for Extremities-Part 2: How I Achieved Quiet Comic Relief by Jennifer Osborn

Playing Terry in Molotov Theatre Group’s Extremities is a challenge for two reasons. First, Terry is very often told to shut up. She mostly sits in a corner having a really messed up day. If you know...

Alex Bryce on Playing Ty in Dominion Stage’s ‘Sordid Lives’ by Joel Markowitz

Alex Bryce is giving a powerful performance as Ty Williamson in Dominion Stage’s production of Del Shores’ popular play Sordid Lives. Alex explains how he works ‘side-by-side’ with Shawn g. Byers, who...

Reflections by The Producer & Cast of Reston Community Players ‘A Tribute to the Music of Rodgers & Hammerstein & Andrew Lloyd Webber’ by Joshua Redford

We typically open with a big musical in fall, but due to rights restrictions we had to adjust our typical format for our season. Our big musical (and it will be big) is now slated for January. We...

Behind the Barricade at Toby’s: Part 7: Katie Grace Heidbreder and MaryKate Brouillet, (Cosette and Eponine) by Amanda Gunther

Every epic musical has a broad range of characters, including the love-struck ingénue type. Les Misèrables at Toby’s Dinner Theatre of Columbia is no exception. Continuing on as the 7th installment in...

Hope Operas Video Recap of Week #1-Monday, October 7th With Ally Jenkins & Lucrezia Blozia

For the next 3 weeks Hosts Ally Jenkins and Lucrezia Blozia (aka Chris Griffin) will be bringing DCMetroTheaterArts readers a special weekly recap video of Hope Operas, and will be interviewing some...

An Interview with Jason Downs on ‘Why I Am Not Famous?’ at Howard Community College This Friday and Saturday 10/11&12@8 pm by Carolyn Kelemen

Multi-talented Jason Downs deliberates ‘Why Am I Not Famous?’ Howard County Community College alum/actor/singer recently discussed his touring production of Why Am I Not Famous,” slated at HCC’s...

Matt Williams on Playing Seymour in ‘Little Shop of Horrors’ at Providence Players of Fairfax by Joel Markowitz

Matt Williams is having bloody-good time playing the nebbishy Seymour in Providence Players of Fairfax’s production of Little Shop of Horrors. I fed him these questions. Joel: Tell our readers about...

Toby Nelson on Playing Audrey in ‘Little Shop of Horrors’ at Providence Players of Fairfax by Julia L. Exline

It was so much fun interviewing Toby Nelson, who is starring as Audrey in Providence Players of Fairfax’s production of Little Shop of Horrors. Julia: Hi Toby! Why don’t you tell us something about...

Paata Tsikurishvili on Directing ‘The Picture of Dorian Gray’ at Synetic Theater by Joel Markowitz

Synetic Theater’s Artistic Director Paata Tsikurishvili talks about his new production of The Picture of Dorian Gray. What makes this production so new and exciting? Why is The Picture of Dorian Gray...

Adapting ‘The Picture of Dorian Gray’ for Synetic Theater’s Production by Nathan Weinberger

My first instinct when adapting Dorian Gray was that it would be easy—never a good sign. That being said though, come on: Synetic and all the creepy, gothic elements that everyone associates with...

Guitarist Gregg Hammond on ‘Guitars Not Guns’ by Marlene Hall

Musician and guitar teacher Gregg Hammond works with the nonprofit Guitars Not Guns in Washington, DC. According to Guitars Not Guns the theme of Guitars Not Guns is “Changing the World, One Kid at a...

An Interview with ‘Apartment 213’ Playwright Joseph Ritsch by Amanda Gunther

After seeing Iron Crow Theatre’s grotesquely fascinating piece Apartment 213 about Jeffrey Dahmer and going back to familiarize myself with the Dahmer case, I was not satiated in my thirst for...

Preparing for ‘Extremities’: What I Learned by Being Hogtied, Blindfolded and Stuffed in a Fireplace by Alex Zavistovich

The best qualities an actor can have (besides being real in the moment) are physical specificity, stillness and body confidence. It’s not for nothing that one of the classic one-liners of good acting...

Behind the Barricade at Toby’s: Part 6— David James and Theresa Cunningham (Master and Madame Thènardier) by Amanda Gunther

Everybody raise a glass! Now, raise it up the master’s ass! The cheers go around for the comic relief— the master of the house! Or in this case…masters. Continuing on in my “Behind the Barricade at...

An Interview with Washington National Opera’s ‘Tristan and Isolde’s’ Alwyn Mellor by Leslie Weisman

British soprano is making her debut with the Washington National Opera in the role of Isolde in Wagner’s Tristan and Isolde, sharing the role with Swedish soprano Iréne Theorin. Leslie: You’ve...

Bruce Randolph Nelson, Jonathan Brody, and Brad Aldous on Playing Groucho, Chico, and Harpo at CENTERSTAGE by Amanda Gunther

Groucho. Harpo. Chico. They are best known together as The Marx Brothers and for their madcap comedy, setting the standard by which modern comedy is now compared. This 2013/2014 season at CENTERSTAGE...

Meet The Cast of 1st Stage’s ‘The Pitmen Painters’ Part 3: Alden Michels by Joel Markowitz

In Part 3 of a series of interviews with the cast of The Pitmen Painters, we meet Alden Michels. Why did you want to become a member of the cast of this production at 1st Stage? I’ve been looking for...

Interview with Ian Storey of ‘Tristan and Isolde’ at Washington National Opera by Leslie Weisman

British tenor Ian Storey plays Tristan in Washington National Opera’s Tristan and Isolde Leslie: You’ve performed the role of Tristan in opera houses from Berlin to Glyndebourne, under the baton of...

Meet Director Stevie Zimmerman of 1st Stage’s ‘The Pitmen Painters’ by Joel Markowitz

In Part 3 of a series of interviews with the cast of The Pitmen Painters, we meet Director Stevie Zimmerman. Joel: Why did you want to direct this show and do it at First Stage? Stevie: I had been...

Behind the Barricade at Toby’s: Part 5—An Interview with Jeffrey Shankle (Marius) by Amanda Gunther

Continuing on in the ‘Behind the Barricade at Toby’s’ interview series, I sat down with veteran actor Jeffrey Shankle to discuss the role of Marius. Find out what it’s like for the lovesick ingenue of...

Meet The Cast of 1st Stage’s ‘The Pitmen Painters’ Part 2: MiRan Powell by Joel Markowitz

In Part 2 of a series of interviews with the cast of The Pitmen Painters, we meet MiRan Powell. Joel: Why did you want to become a member of the cast of this production at 1st Stage? MiRan: I didn’t...

Meet The Cast of 1st Stage’s ‘The Pitmen Painters’ Part 1: James Miller

In Part 1 of a series of interviews with the cast of The Pitmen Painters, we meet James Miller. Joel: Why did you want to become a member of the cast of this production at 1st Stage? James: The script...

An Interview with the Director and Cast Members of Silver Spring Stage’s ‘The Baltimore Waltz’ by Lennie Magida

Bob Scott says that when he first read The Baltimore Waltz, “it shouted, ‘Direct this one, Bob!’” Scott heeded that inner voice, and now he’s directing Waltz as it opens the Silver Spring Stage...

Dallas Tolentino on Playing Dorian Gray at Synetic Theater by Joel Markowitz

As he is preparing to star as Dorian Gray at Synetic Theater, Dallas Tolentino takes us behind the scenes of preparing for his role. Joel: Why did you want to play the role of Dorian Gray? Dallas: The...

Two More Saturdays to See Storytellers Anne Thomas and John Donvan by Ellouise Schoettler

SOLO SERIES Double Feature – Two more Saturdays to see this Outstanding Performance by two Fine Storytellers. (For Adults). SpeakeasyDC, the leading storytelling organization in the DC area,...

Behind the Barricade at Toby’s: Part 4: An Interview with Ben Lurye (Enjolras) by Amanda Gunther

He is their sign, that rallies the people, that calls them to order, that brings them in line. In the fourth installment of the interview series, Behind the Barricade at Toby’s, we’re pleased to...

Backstage in Preparation for ‘The Václav Havel Project’ by Susan Galbraith

Backstage in Preparation for The Václav Havel Project Director Miřenka Čechová and Actress Susan Galbraith talk about their collaborative process and the themes and ideas they are wanting to explore...

‘Inventing “Bell” at National Geographic: A Q&A with Rick Foucheux and MJ Jacobsen’ by John Stoltenberg

National Geographic has been thinking outside its trademark yellow box a lot lately. The Society’s mission is “Inspiring people to care about the planet.” Adventure and exploration are its DNA. Still,...

‘Portraying an Icon: An Actor’s Reflection on Playing Don Juan’ By Sun King Davis

When Matthew R. Wilson offered me the role of Don Juan, my first thought was, “Hell, yeah!” It’s a chance to work with Faction of Fools, an amazing company that was recognized in 2012 with the Helen...

Margo Moorer on Playing Nella in ‘Gee’s Bend’ at MetroStage by Joel Markowitz

She’s been involved with Gee’s Bend since its first reading and now Margo Moorer will be reprising the role of Nella in MetroStage’s new production of Gee’s Bend, which opens on September 12th. Margo...

Donna McKechnie Performs ‘Same Place, Another Time’ at Olney Theatre Center This Sunday at 7 PM

While A Chorus Line is being performed at Olney Theatre Center Donna McKechnie, the Tony Award-winning Cassie from the original Broadway cast, is bringing her one-woman cabaret Same Place, Another...

Magic Time! ‘Now That ‘Bradass87’ Is Chelsea: A Q&A With Playwright Claire Lebowitz’ by John Stoltenberg

Claire Lebowitz conceived a documentary theater piece called Bradass87 and crafted the script from primary sources—including Bradley Manning’s own online chats and instant messages, in which he used...

An Interview with Playwright Eric Coble on His Play ‘The Velocity of Autumn’ at Arena Stage by Joel Markowitz

The Velocity of Autumn is about to open at Arena Stage on September 6th, starring Estelle Parsons and Stephen Spinella. Playwright Eric Coble talked to me about the journey of the play from its...

“Bringing ‘A Chorus Line’ to Olney” Part One: Auditions, Rehearsals, and ‘Opening Night’ by Stephen Nachamie

Director/Choreographer Stephen Nachamie takes us behind the scenes of Olney Theatre Center’s production of A Chorus Line.’ Here is Part 1. OLNEY THEATRE CENTER ASKS STEPHEN TO DIRECT AND CHOREOGRAPH A...

‘Meet The Plaids’ at Olney Theatre Center Part 2: Chris Rudy by Joel Markowitz

Here’s Part Two of a series of interviews with the cast of Olney Theatre Center’s production of Forever Plaid. Meet cast member Chris Rudy: Joel: How did you get involved wit the the Olney production...

Culture, Class, and Morality in a Whimsical ‘Don Juan’ at Faction of Fools by Matthew R. Wilson

“When will you do Molière?” we at Faction of Fools have been asked since our founding in 2009. The answer is “Now!” and the play is Don Juan! Molière’s connections to Commedia dell’Arte are legion....

An Interview with Styx’s Lawrence Gowan by Mike Spain

Styx is in town Friday night to perform with REO Speedwagon at Baltimore’s Pier Six Pavilion in Baltimore. I talked to Lawrence Gowan the lead singer and keyboard player from the band. We talked about...

‘Meet The Plaids’ at Olney Theatre Center Part 1: Austin Colby and Brandon Duncan

Here’s Part One of a series of interviews with the cast of Olney Theatre Center’s production of Forever Plaid, which opens Friday night on the Historic Stage. Meet cast members Austin Colby and...

Behind the Barricade at Toby’s: Part 3: Lovely Ladies: Heather Marie Beck, Coby Kay Callahan, and Dayna Marie Quincy by Amanda Gunther

Lovely ladies so many in this show! Come in and read about them, so you’ll know before you go! Lovely ladies, doubling up their roles, read all of their reactions, hopes and dreams, and hear their...

‘Much To Learn About’ Annapolis Shakespeare Company’s ‘Much Ado About Nothing’ Part 6: Grayson Owen (Benedick) by Amanda Gunther

“If her breath were as terrible as her terminations, there were no living near her; she would infect to the north star.” Says Benedick of Beatrice in the Annapolis Shakespeare Company’s production of...

‘Much To Learn About’ Annapolis Shakespeare Company’s ‘Much Ado About Nothing’ Part 5: Chandish Nester (Beatrice) by Amanda Gunther

Any man that hath no beard she be too much a woman for him, and the man that hath a beard he be too much a man for her. That’s Beatrice of Much Ado About Nothing in a nutshell as presented by the...

Interview With Musician Matthew Sweet by Marlene Hall

Matthew Sweet is a musician, composer, and art collector. He burst onto the music scene in 1991 with his highly acclaimed and popular album Girlfriend. I had the honor of interviewing Mr. Sweet about...

‘Much To Learn About’ Annapolis Shakespeare Company’s ‘Much Ado About Nothing’ Part 4: Alex Foley (Dogberry) by Amanda Gunther

Oh that someone were here to write him down an ass! Annapolis Shakespeare Company’s Alex Foley is far from being an ass, but getting to embody one of the most backwardly hilarious characters in the...

‘Behind the Barricades at Toby’s’-Part Two: An Interview with Les Misèrables’ Music Director Christopher Youstra by Amanda Gunther

If you hear the people sing -singing the song of angry men, and hearts full of love, and one day more — then you’re hearing the musical genius of Music Director Christopher Youstra as Toby’s Dinner...

Derek Tatum on Playing Don Kerr in Olney Theatre Center’s ‘A Chorus Line’ by Eric Denver and Joel Markowitz

The very talented Derek Tatum is a member of ‘the line’ in Olney Theatre Center’s production of the Tony Award-winning A Chorus Line. Derek takes us behind-the-scenes of his audition, rehearsals, and...

The Glyndon Area Players’ Production of ‘The King and I’ Features Actress From the 1984 Broadway Production by Teresa McCormick Ertel

The Glyndon Area Players has been a summer tradition for my family for many years, whether we are in the audience, onstage, or helping behind the scenes. G.A.P. has been entertaining Baltimore County...

‘Much To Learn About’ Annapolis Shakespeare Company’s ‘Much Ado About Nothing’ Part 3: Michael Ryan Neely (Claudio) by Amanda Gunther

Silence is the perfectest herald of joy, so might I say how joyful I am that in this case breaking the silence is going to herald all the answers to the questions asked of Michael Ryan Neely as he...

‘Much To Learn About’ Annapolis Shakespeare Company’s ‘Much Ado About Nothing’ Part 2: Alyssa Bouma (Hero) by Amanda Gunther

Speak low if you speak love, unless thy name be Shakespeare! Never one to leave love in the lurch, the comedies are ripe with them and Much Ado About Nothing is no exception. Annapolis Shakespeare...