Interviews and Features

Our Marians: Josie Weinberg & Tobi Baisburd of Bravo@KAT’s ‘The Music Man Jr.’ by Joel Markowitz

Part One: Meet the cast of Bravo@KAT’s The Music Man Jr. Introducing our Marians: Josie Weinberg & Tobi Baisburd. Hi! My name is Josie Weinberg, I’m twelve years-old, and I play Marain Paroo in...

Musicians of Mercy ‘Prelude to Peace” Response to Gun Violence’ Benefit on 1/11/13 by Teresa McCormick Ertel

Musicians of Mercy has been performing themed benefit concerts for worthy causes and inspiring community members to action since 2010. Under the direction of Robin Fay Massie, the group is coming...

Part 5: “The Tempest: Such Stuff as Dreams are Made on”: ‘Checkmate’ by Caroline Brent

You have heard from The Tempest: Such Stuff as Dreams are Made on’s director, designers, board members, artistic directors…but what about the actors? This cast has had their work cut out for them: on...

Michael Mainwaring: Dancing up a Storm in Signature Theatre’s ‘Dreamgirls’

I have been watching Michael Mainwaring perform since I saw him ‘steal the show’ at Ford’s Theatre in Shenandoah. I admire his talent, enthusiasm, and showmanship and I was so glad to be able to catch...

Interview with Director and Filmmaker Jay Taylor on ‘Masse’ by Teresa McCormick Ertel

Director and filmmaker Jay Taylor speaks to Teresa McCormick Ertel about his latest project, Massé – a feature length contemporary film noir described as “Old Hollywood meets the modern era.” Teresa:...

Ann Lowe on Directing Prince George’s Little Theatre’s ‘Moon Over Buffalo’ by Teresa McCormick Ertel

Prince George’s Little Theatre is in production for Ken Ludwig’s Moon Over Buffalo, which is a hilarious farce/comedy that takes the audience into the world of a theater company. It’s being produced...

Tonight at 8 PM: ‘Finishing the Hat: A Tribute to Stephen Sondheim’ at Signature Theatre by James Gardiner

This is my second semester as an adjunct professor of theatre at George Mason University, where I teach a Musical Theatre Workshop. Edward Gero, Professor of Theatre, and Ken Elston, Chair of the...

James Gardiner and the Cast on ‘Finishing the Hat: A Tribute to Stephen Sondheim’

This is my second semester as an adjunct professor of theatre at George Mason University, where I teach a Musical Theatre Workshop. Edward Gero, Professor of Theatre, and Ken Elston, Chair of the...

Lauren ‘Coco’ Cohn on Playing Rosie in ‘Mamma Mia!’ on Broadway by Joel Markowitz

There is one performance that I will always remember and that’s Coco Cohn’s performance of three kooky characters in Glimpses of the Moon at MetroStage. I was really happy to find out that Lauren...

Jennifer Knapp & Margaret Becker on “The Hymns of Christmas” Tour at Birchmere on Dec. 17th by Jennifer Perry

Growing up as pretty much a ‘church kid,’ I was certainly exposed to more than my share of Christmas music around this time of year. When I found out that two of my favorite singer-songwriters,...

Andrew Varela on Playing Javert in ‘Les Miserables’ at The National Theatre by Joel Markowitz

The 25th Anniversary production of Les Misérables will be playing at The National Theatre from December 13-30th. I am a Les Miz fanatic and have the seen the show over 20 times and one of my all-time...

Daniel Cooney on Playing Bill Austin in ‘Mamma Mia!’ on Broadway by Joel Markowitz

I have been a big fan of Daniel Cooney since I saw him play Edgar Allan Poe and The Baker in Signature Theatre’s productions of Nevermore and Into the Woods. Recently, I was happy to learn that Daniel...

An Interview with E. Faye Butler on Playing Sister Juba in “Pullman Porter Blues’ at Arena Stage by Joel Markowitz

E. Faye Butler returns to Arena Stage as Sister Juba in Pullman Porter Blues. E. Faye fills us in on the history of The Pullman Porters and how they helped African Americans to come into the middle...

‘Girls Night: The Musical!’ An Interview With Producer and Performer Sonya Carter by Jordan Wright

Sisterhood is alive and well and coming to the Carlyle Club in Alexandria. For two nights only the city’s most sophisticated nightclub will be taken by storm by five rip-roaring tell-it-like-it-is...

An Interview with Choreographer Maida Withers on ‘Collision Course – a.k.a. Pillow Talk’ by Rick Westerkamp

Maida Withers is an artist with extraordinary gifts for dance and choreography. She loves not know and is as interested in the discovery as in the performance. And artist who has reinvented herself...

E. Faye Butler on Playing Sister Juba in ‘Pullman Porter Blues’ at Arena Stage by Joel Markowitz

E. Faye Butler returns to Arena Stage as Sister Juba in Pullman Porter Blues. E. Faye fills us in on the history of The Pullman Porters and how they helped African Americans to come into the middle...

An Interview with Blues Singer Rhonda Vincent by Mike Spain

Rhonda Vincent currently has the top album on Billboard’s Bluegrass Charts. She is known as the Queen of Bluegrass and after winning more awards than any other bluegrass artists it is easy to know...

Quotidian Theatre Company’s ‘The Dead’ Part 2: Interview of Marni Nixon by Janice Hall

In Part Two of our three-part interview with Marni Nixon, Marni and I talk about her preparation for the role of Aunt Kate in James Joyce’s The Dead, and she discusses the challenges and joys of...

‘They’re the Altar Boyz’ Part Four: Meet Derek Tatum by Joel Markowitz

Here is Part 4 of our series of behind the scenes interviews with the director and cast of 1st Stage’s Altar Boyz. Now, meet Derek Tatum. Derek: My name is Derek John Tatum and I am originally from...

Quotidian Theatre Company’s ‘The Dead’ Part 1: Interview of Marni Nixon by Janice Hall

In early September of this year, several weeks before our rehearsals for James Joyce’s The Dead were scheduled to begin, Jack Sbarbori and Stephanie Mumford, the founders of Quotidian Theatre Company,...

Catherine Flye on Playing Mrs. Higgins in ‘My Fair Lady’ at Arena Stage by Joel Markowitz

When I heard that Molly Smith was bringing My Fair Lady to Arena Stage this season, a friend of mine and I had a conversation of “Let’s cast the show.” When it came to the role of Mrs. Higgins we both...

Part 3: An Interview With “Master Harold” … and the boys’ Baakari Wilder by Sydney-Chanele Dawkins

This is Part 3 of my series of 3 interviews with the cast of “Master Harold”. . . and the boys at Bay Theatre Company. The innovative and versatile Baakari Wilder, delights as “Willie” in “Master...

Part 2: An Interview With “Master Harold” … and the boys’ Michael Anthony Williams by Sydney-Chanele Dawkins

This is Part 2 of my series of 3 interviews with the cast of “Master Harold”. . . and the boys at Bay Theatre Company. Next: Part Three with Baakari Wilder. The fascinating and multi-talented Michael...

‘They’re the Altar Boyz’ Part Three: Meet Edward Nagel by Joel Markowitz

Here is Part 3 of our series of behind the scenes interviews with the director and cast of 1st Stage’s Altar Boyz. Now, meet Edward Nagel. Hi, I’m Edward C. Nagel, and I’m playing the role of Mark in...

Actor John Dow on Appearing in ‘Heroes’ at Everyman Theatre by Joel Markowitz

Luck usually doesn’t strike twice, but that’s exactly what happened to veteran actor John Dow when he got cast in two productions of Tom Stoppard’s Heroes. Why did you want to be part of this...

‘A Couple of Critical Importance’: Rich and Judy Massabny by Barbara Ruben of The Beacon

When I attend press nights at the theatre, I am guaranteed that Rich Massabny and his wife Judy will come up to me and ask me how I am and we’ll spend time schmoozing and catching up. Rich is such a...

Bill Largess on ‘Mary Rose’ at Rep Stage by Joel Markowitz

Bill Largess is a busy man. He’s a teacher, Artistic Director, and an actor, and is now appearing in Mary Rose at Rep Stage. What is Mary Rose about and why did you want to be in this production? Mary...

‘They’re the Altar Boyz’ Part Two: Meet Zack Powell by Joel Markowitz

Here is Part 2 of our series of behind the scenes interviews with the director and cast of 1st Stage’s Altar Boyz. Meet Zack Powell. I’m Zack Powell. I am a 26 years old white male, dashing,...

Doing the Timewarp: Meet the Cast of Washington Savoyards ‘The Rocky Horror Show’ Part Seven: Chad W. Fornwalt

Here’s Part Seven of meeting the cast of The Washington Savoyard’s The Rocky Horror Shows. Today: meet Chad W. Fornwalt. I am Chad W. Fornwalt (Brad). I am happy to be working with Washington...

Composer and Musician Tom Teasley on ‘The Conference of the Birds’ by Joel Markowitz

Tom Teasley is not only a brilliant composer, musician, and performer, but he is one of the nicest people in our theatre community. He is full of passion and energy and watching him perform in a show...

Doing the Timewarp: Meet the Cast of Washington Savoyards ‘The Rocky Horror Show’ Part Four: Ryan Patrick Welsh

Here’s Part Four of meeting the cast of The Washington Savoyard’s The Rocky Horror Shows. Today: meet Ryan Patrick Welsh. My name is Ryan Patrick Welsh. I graduated from Catholic University’s musical...

Meet Into the Woods’ Alexandra Pool, Matt Succi, Matthew Lincoln-Bugg & Rafael Medina @ George Mason University

Journey into the woods as we meet four cast members – Alexandra Pool, Matt Succi, Matthew Lincoln-Bugg & Rafael Medina – of George Mason University’s production of Into the Woods, playing this weekend...

‘Into the Woods’ Brittany Martz, Jacob Lash, Kate Merryman, and Miranda Carver at George Mason University

Journey into the woods as we meet four cast members – Brittany Martz, Kate Merryman, Jacob Lash, and Miranda Carver – of George Mason University’s production of Into the Woods, playing this weekend at...

Meet Kyle Imperatore (Baker) and Cara Pellegrino (Baker’s Wife) of George Mason University’s ‘Into the Woods’

Meet The Baker and The Baker’s Wife in George Mason University’s production of Into the Woods. My name is Kyle Imperatire. I am 19 years old and I grew up in the town of Mastic Beach on Long Island,...

Inside the Music: An Interview With Baltimore Symphony Orchestra Concertmaster Jonathan Carney by Jane Coyne

I caught up with Baltimore Symphony Orchestra concertmaster Jonathan Carney at the Music Center at Strathmore over the weekend. Along with the BSO principal cellist Dariusz Skoraczewski, he is...

Doing the Timewarp: Meet the Cast of Washington Savoyards’ ‘The Rocky Horror Show’: Part Three: Aaren Keith

Here’s Part Three of meeting the cast of The Washington Savoyard’s The Rocky Horror Shows. Today: meet Aaren Keith. I am Aaren Keith. I recently graduated and made the move to DC to be a part of...

‘Going Into the Woods’: Part Two: Musical Director Dennis M. Layendecker by Joel Markowitz

Dr. Dennis M. Layendecker, director of the School of Music and University Heritage Chair of Music, will conduct the Mason Symphony Orchestra for George Mason University’s Department of Theater and...

An interview with Kristofer and Rolando Sanz on Young Artists of America’s Upcoming Season by Joel Markowitz

Young Artists of America, which was founded just over a year ago by Artistic Director Rolando Sanz, Music Director Kristofer Sanz, and Executive Director Jane Coyne, provides opportunities for high...

Parker Esse on Directing and Choreographing Catholic University’s ‘Finian’s Rainbow’ by Joel Markowitz

Choreographer Parker Esse who was the recipient of a Helen Hayes Award for his high-kickin’, foot-stompin’, hand-clappin’ choreography for Arena Stage’s Oklahoma!, is back in town to direct and...

Doing the Time Warp: Meet the Cast of Washington Savoyards’ “The Rocky Horror Show”: Part 2: John Loughney

In Part Two of a series of interviews with the cast of Washington Savoyards’The Rocky Horror Show – we meet John Loughney, who is playing Riff Raff. Joel: Why did you want to be part of this...

‘Going Into the Woods’ at George Mason University: Part One: Director Ken Elston by Joel Markowitz

Director Ken Elston talks about his vision and introduces us to the cast and designers of George Mason University’s Department of Theater and School of Music‘s collaborative production of Stephen...

Mary Bridget Davies on playing Janis Joplin in ‘One Night With Janis Joplin’ at Arena Stage by Joel Markowitz

I could not believe what I was seeing and hearing when I attended One Night with Janis Joplin last week at Arena Stage. Mary Bridget Davies gives one of the most amazing performances I had ever seen...

Doing the Time Warp: Meet the Cast of Washington Savoyards’ “The Rocky Horror Show”: Part One: Autumn Seavy

In Part One of a series of interviews with the cast of Washington Savoyaards’ The Rocky Horror Show – we meet Autumn Seavey, who is playing Magenta. My name is Autumn Seavey, and since moving to the...

Meet the Young Cast Members of Olney Theatre Center’s ‘Over the Tavern’ – Part Four: Connor Aikin

Joel: This is the final interview in our series “Meet the Young Cast Members of Olney Theatre Center’s Over the Tavern.” We end today with the eldest son. Connor: I’m Connor Aikin and I’m 16 years...

Producer Larry Kaye on the Broadway-bound ‘The Velocity of Autumn,’ & Molly Smith’s Broadway Directorial Debut

It was announced today that Academy Award winner Estelle Parsons and Two-time Tony Award winner Stephen Spinells will be starring in Eric Coble’s new play The Velocity of Autumn and Arena Stage’s...

‘Doing the Time Warp’ – Part Two: Director Jay Brock on Selecting the Leads of Washington Savoyards’ ‘The Rocky Horror Show’

In a previous article regarding the concept and vision of directing this production of the The Rocky Horror Show I discussed the inherent problem of where to strike a balance between maintaining the...

Meet the Young Cast of Olney Theatre Center’s ‘Over the Tavern’ – Part Two: Corrieanne Stein by Joel Markowitz

This is the second of four interviews with the young cast members of Olney Theatre Center’s Over the Tavern. Today, Corrieanne Stein tells us about playing the young sister in the Pazinski family....

Bobby Smith on ‘Jacques Brel is Alive and Well and Living in Paris’ at MetroStage by Joel Markowitz

In Part Four of interviews with the cast of MetroStage’s Jacques Brel is Alive and Well and Living in Paris, Bobby Smith talks about performing in MetroStage’s production. Joel: Why did you want to be...

Director Jason Loewith on ‘Time Stands Still’ at Everyman Theatre by Joel Markowitz

Jason Loewith is directing the critically acclaimed production of Time Stands Still at Everyman Theatre. Jason talks about his vision for the production, and how his cast and design team brought his...

Bayla Whitten on ‘Jacques Brel is Alive and Well and Living in Paris’ by Joel Markowitz

In Part Three of interviews with the cast of MetroStage’s Jacques Brel is Alive and Well and Living in Paris, Bayla Whitten talks about performing in MetroStage’s production. Joel: Why did you want to...