1-22-13 – Audio Interview

When he was 7 years old Russ Trez saw the original production of “Where’s Charlie” with the remarkable Ray Bolger and that began his “entertaining” career. He wrote little plays to entertain his family’s guests. In the 6th grade he wrote a play about George Washington and the Cherry Tree which his school allowed him to perform for students waiting to take the bus home. A graduate student at Yale, he entered as one of 20 students and was one of only 6 to graduate. Then his career seems to have a life of its own, a year teaching at Interlochen Arts Academy lead to running a theater in Ashtabula Ohio. Finally making the leap to New York, his perseverance and his talent paid off. Listen to his delightful stories; how he got the “tree” for his George Washington play, how his attempt to lower the teasers by releasing the sandbags resulted in his being suspended several feet off the ground. And come to see his directing work at the Florida Studio Theater production of “Urban Cowboys” – which is the first to appear in its brand new Cabaret Theatre.

1-15-13 – Audio Interview

Kevyn Morrow is an actor, dancer, singer, director and choreographer, who hit the ground running. Seen performing as an all American College Band Dancer at Disneyland, he got an audition and his first professional a job at 19 in the National Touring Company of A Chorus Line, where he worked with the legendary Michael Bennett, and again in Dreamgirls. He made his Broadway debut in the Tony Award nominated musical Leader of the Pack. And from there he has done everything, including music videos with Stevie Nicks and a background dancer for Ann-Margret and Cher. As a boy Kevin was interested in everything; and he was lucky enough to have had parents who supported whatever it was their son wanted to do – even when that was acting – something they didn’t understand and were concerned would not support him. He excelled in sports, played the violin and drums, and trained in ballet, and minored in architectural design. But it was the image of his older brother, saying his one line in a local production of Peter Pan, which captured his 6 year old heart and stayed with him. And it was singing, dancing and acting that became his abiding passion. Currently you can see Kevyn’s directing and choreographing skills on stage in the Florida Studio Theater (FST) production of Smokey Joe’s Café and his acting chops in the FST production of Best of Enemies. Listen to this charming, funny man tell his own story and hear him sing a song from a show he was in.

1-1-13 – Audio Interview

Brendon Fox was always interested in music, theater and literature, but it was in Jr. High School that he had the experiences which would define the rest of his life – listen to Brendon describe his father’s moving response to his performance. As much as he liked acting Brendon discovered that he also really liked directing – hear him describe the curious and serendipitous way his directing career got its start. Brendon’s path took him from Northwestern University to the Old Globe Theater in San Diego, then to Los Angeles and a Masters in Directing at UCLA, and now to a teaching position at the FSU/Asolo Conservatory for Actor Training in Sarasota FL where he is currently directing a production of The Aliens.. In this interview Brendon essentially gives us a crash course in directing and also describes the Asolo Conservatory for Actor Training philosophy of teaching – demonstrating why it is one of the top ten conservatories in the country.

12-25-12 – Audio Interview

My Holiday gift to my listeners is the first half on my interview with two-time Tony Award winning actor, writer, teacher, director Frank Galati. Unfortunately our interview was cut short when Frank had to return to rehearsal, so hopefully there will be a continuation in the future. In this interview, Frank talks about his early life and the beginnings of his extraordinary career, which began with him making faces at himself in front of the family’s darkened picture window. Always a funny kid he learned early how to make people laugh but had “no ambition to work in the theater.” He agrees with renowned set designer Tony Walton’s assertion –that “he, (Frank) didn’t pick it (theater), it picked him.” While pursuing his teaching career Frank explored literature, language, theater and performance, and when opportunities to perform came up – he took them. Listen to this erudite, thoughtful, interesting, and endlessly engaging man describe the serendipity of his life.

12-11-12 – Audio Interview

Jeff Parker began appearing in musicals as a youngster and although he did four years of actor training at California’s USC. But knowing that he could always fall back on ‘the family business,’ Jeff says that he “kind of coasted.” Then a friend set up a surprise audition for him at the theater at which she was working. He was hired and literally never looked back. Last year Jeff starred as the charming, erudite, if arrogant Henry Higgins in Asolo Repertory Theatre production of My Fair Lady at directed by 2 time Tony winner Frank Galati. This year he is back as – the passionate, erudite John Dickinson, who was the only member of the Continental Congress to refuse to sign the Declaration of Independence – in The Asolo’s production of 1776 which is also directed by Frank Galati and he is so convincing you almost want him to prevail. Come see this multitalented actor, singer, dancer, in this extraordinary production.

11/27/12 – Audio Interview

Everyone in Berry Ayers family sang; his preacher grandfather sang to the congregation, his mother was a soloist in several professional gospel groups and aunt had a record deal. When Berry was 2 Mom and Aunt taught him and his six year old brother a song to sing in church and Berry performed 3 or 4 times a month from then on, learning along the way how to “work an audience;” how the little smile or wink would cause the audience to “go crazy.” To correct a foot deformity he was born with the doctor prescribed ballet or braces, Berry’s mother chose ballet (even though their Baptist religion frowned on it) and Berry has been singing, dancing, writing, acting, choreographing and directing ever since.

10/23/12 – Interview

Like Austin, Sheilah and Preston, Esta Cassway knew she was an artist by the time she was 3, and she has the sketches to prove it. But the fine arts – she is an accomplished, represented and purchased painter and print maker – were not enough to satisfy Esta, who is also a singer, a lyricist, a published author and most recently the memoirist of her deceased father. Listen to this extraordinary story of Esta’s attempt to learn about her charming, larger than life father whose history remains a mystery to this day but whose spirit continues to make itself known in the most dramatic ways. Hear Esta describe how she came to believe that her father wanted his story told and how he participated in its telling. Her book, aptly titled Ghost Daddy, was recently published by XLibris and is available in hardcover, paperback and e-book. Go to Esta’s website http://estacassway.wordpress.com to learn more about this amazing journey; listen to Daddy’s voice and get a copy for yourself.

10/16/12 – Interview

Like Austin and Sheilah, Preston Boyd found his life path very early when his first grade teacher asked him to narrate the class play because he “had such a good voice.” He did and was hooked; having discovered not only that he loved performing but that it was also a way to escape his desperate shyness. Giggle along with us as he re-enacts his very first starring role and listen to this charming unself-conscious man talk about his diligent pursuance of a career in theater, and how he and his family wound up in Sarasota Florida where he now teaches acting, occasionally acts himself, and directs for most of the local theaters. Also listen to songs from Pump Boys and Dinettes the play he is currently directing for Manatee Players Theater in Bradenton FL which opens on October 25th.

10/9/12 –Interview with Sheilah Rae

Like Austin Sheilah Rae also found her life path very young, when at 5 she saw her first musical. During the performance of “South Pacific” Sheilah told her mother that she was “going to do that.” Sheilah’s parents believed that “if you were going to do something you had to have the best teacher,” so when 5 year old Sheilah wanted dance lessons they arranged for her to study with the renowned Edna McRae. Ms McRae also required that her students know music, so 6 year old Sheilah began piano lessons and was soon studying dance, piano, music theory at the Chicago Conservatory of Music and violin. Continuing to benefit from family support, inherent talent and luck Sheilah also got her first role on Broadway in “Fiddler on the Roof” right out of college. Listen to this effervescent woman talk about a career in which she has done everything including write musicals like “Funny You Don’t look like a Grandmother!” and “I Married Wyatt Earp.” And listen to songs from “Earp” with lyrics by Sheilah and music by composer Michele Brourman.

10/2/2012 Interview Part 2

In the second half or our interview Austin Pendelton talks with humor and candor about his struggles with stuttering. How it helped him get – right out of college – his first role on Broadway; co-starring with the “breathtaking Harris” and “the amazing Jo Van Fleet” in Arthur Kopit’s enigmatic play “Oh Dad, Poor Dad.” Hear him describe the hilarious way he got the role, the ordeal of trying at the same time to, and not to stutter -which he believed was dragging the show down, and the kindness and generosity of director Jerome Robbins; who not only encouraged him to stay with it, but then cast him in “Fiddler on the Roof” – with Zero Mostel. Listen to the way he was coerced into his role in “My Cousin Vinnie,” and how that role in some way defined his career. Hear also about his time at the Hollins University and meeting Annie Glenn – the wife of astronaut and Senator John Glenn, who conquered a stuttering problem that was worse than Austin’s…

If this is the first you have heard of him – take this opportunity to hear from this funny, sweet, accomplished, remarkable man. Watch the video, and donate to, the making of the Austin Pendleton Project, co-directed by Gene Gallerano and David H. Holmes. Donate here: http://www.indiegogo.com/austinpendleton

[vimeo http://vimeo.com/47057982]

9/25/2012 Interview Part 1

I start this interview by saying “I am here with the one and only Austin Pendleton.” This is not a casual or frivolous comment. Nominated for a Tony for his direction of Elizabeth Taylor in The Little Foxes, winner of a Drama desk and an Obie award,  actor, director, playwright, producer, teacher and inspiration, Austin Pendelton is one of a kind; a singleton.  Unique, special, extraordinary and esteemed by his peers (listen to Meryl Streep and Olympia Dukakis talk about him), Austin has somehow managed to stay under the radar of fame. His love affair with the theater began when at seven years old when he snuck down stairs to watch his town’s fledgling community theater group rehearse in his living room. But young Austin denied his interest in acting to his friends, he says “who would believe that a nerdy kid, who wore glasses and stuttered so badly could be an actor.” Apparently Austin did. Apparently Austin was right. While not able to stop him, his stutter remained an intractable stumbling block on the path to his beloved goal – working in the theater. But Austin is not only incredibly talented, he is also incredibly tenacious; listen to the determination with which he worked to overcome his stutter and so become, while not famous, a professional who is always working, always in demand. Check out Austin Pendleton Theatre Credits and Austin Pendleton – Filmography to see what I mean.

If this is the first you have heard of him – take this opportunity to hear from this funny, sweet, accomplished, remarkable man. Watch the video, and donate to, the making of the Austin Pendleton Project, co-directed by Gene Gallerano and David H. Holmes.. Donate here: http://www.indiegogo.com/austinpendleton

[vimeo http://vimeo.com/47057982]

• Add New

9/18/2012 – Interview (Part 2)

I am re-running the interview I did with the irrepressible, outrageous, talented, generous, and at 83 still sexy and still acting, Ed Asner, because he is once again back on Broadway. Ed co-stars with Paul Rudd, Michael Shannon and Kate Arrington in Grace, which previews on Sept 13^th and will run for 16 weeks. Best known for his portrayal of the curmudgeonly Lou Grant, a role he created on the Mary Tyler Moore show and reprised in his own show called only Lou Grant. Ed won seven Emmy Awards, more than any other male actor, and is the only actor to win an Emmy for his work in both a sitcom and a Drama series – for playing the same role. A famously outspoken rebel, who has always been courageously true his beliefs, and often paid a heavy price for his courage, Ed Asner is still poster child for true north. Spontaneous, open, guile-less; with Ed – what you see is what there is, and that is terrific.  Listen to this funny, interesting man talk about his life and his work, his dogged commitment to being the best he can be and his dedication to bettering the lives of those less fortunate than himself. And get to New York to see a real life icon in action. 

9/11/12 Interview Part 1

I am re-running the interview I did with the irrepressible, outrageous, talented, generous, and at 83 still sexy and still acting, Ed Asner, because he is once again back on Broadway. Ed co-stars with Paul Rudd, Michael Shannon and Kate Arrington in Grace, which previews on Sept 13^th and will run for 16 weeks. Best known for his portrayal of the curmudgeonly Lou Grant, a role he created on the Mary Tyler Moore show and reprised in his own show called only Lou Grant. Ed won seven Emmy Awards, more than any other male actor, and is the only actor to win an Emmy for his work in both a sitcom and a Drama series – for playing the same role. A famously outspoken rebel, who has always been courageously true his beliefs, and often paid a heavy price for his courage, Ed Asner is still poster child for true north. Spontaneous, open, guile-less; with Ed – what you see is what there is, and that is terrific.  Listen to this funny, interesting man talk about his life and his work, his dogged commitment to being the best he can be and his dedication to bettering the lives of those less fortunate than himself. And get to New York to see a real life icon in action. 

The next 3 interviewees have all won awards for their work in theater, film and TV. They are honored and respected by their colleagues but two of them are virtually unknown outside of their profession. They have all struggled with and overcome significant obstacles, in order to achieve the skill they have achieved and the recognition of their peers. Another thing they have in common is their remarkable candor, openness, unselfconsciousness, self-deprecation and amazing generosity.

9/4/12 – Interview

Mary Testa is a working actress, singer, dancer, Jill of all trades in the theatre, and winner of a Drama Desk Award for “3 decades of excellent work.” Most recently she starred as the intrepid Annie Edson Taylor in the musical Queen of the Mist, which was written for her by composer, lyricist and librettist Michael John Lachiusa, who has himself been nominated for several Tony and Drama Desk Awards. Like the character she plays in Queen of the Mist, Mary Testa “has greatness in her.” She found a way to survive a childhood which didn’t celebrate her. In Catholic school she was treated very badly because she “everything she wasn’t supposed to be;” Italian, when the nuns were Irish, curly haired and breasted, when the norm was straight hair and a flat-chest, out-spoken and defiant, when good girls were quiet and obedient. Refusing to go to Catholic High School Mary attended the public high school where she was the new kid in town and therefore, once more, odd man out. But Mary would not be suppressed and developed a full out – in your face – “I will say what everyone is thinking but no one else will say,” personality. Accompanying this outgoing personal style is Mary’s prodigious talent and that is what has kept her working in theater. Listen to this guile-less, passionate, funny, thoughtful woman talk about her life and her work, and hear her glorious voice in snippets from Queen of the Mist.

8-28-12 – Interview

Actress Kate Seipert
photo by Maria Lyle

Eight year old Kate Seipert was making her exit in her 4H club’s annual show when she spontaneously made a face that caused the audience to break up with laughter. That moment in the spotlight was suspended in time for little Kate and she knew that being on stage and making people laugh was what she wanted to do. She’s pursed this goal with a vengeance. She got her BFA from Wesleyan then became a member of Chicago’s prestigious Improv Olympic (now known as IO). She went to London to study at one of England’s most respected acting schools, and finally took the scary plunge; a move to New York City. Currently she is breaking us up as part of the ensemble cast of Perfect Wedding, a delicious farce which is the opening show at the almost newly renovated Gomperz Theater – a part of the Florida Studio Theater Complex. Listen to the still exuberant, passionate and funny Kate Seipert and run down to see what her moment in the spotlight and vigorous training have accomplished.

8-14-12 — Interview

Jaszy McCallister is of a one of a kind. She was raised by parents who offered her two very different role models; a mother whose family was musical and outgoing, and a father who was analytical, and practical. So although she loved music and movies Jaszy always expected to go into law enforcement and so was a pre-law major in college. When she happened to see a billboard announcing that the FBI was looking for college educated African American women with military experience, she made a spur of the moment decision to join the army where she spent 4 years in the military police. A series of circumstances brought her to Sarasota, FL where she casually mentioned to a virtual stranger that she’d always thought she might like to act. That stranger arranged an audition and, as they say, the rest is history. I saw Jaszy in Jar the Floor and A Raisin in the Sun both productions of the West Coast Black Theatre Troupe and she was marvelous. Currently she is bringing her amazingly talent to the Golden Apple dinner theater where she is appearing in All Shook Up.

8-7-12 – Interview

Maren Bush fell in love with the musical Annie at age 4 or 5. She made her parents play the cast album over and over “until it wouldn’t play anymore.” In an attempt to create “well rounded adults” Maren’s parents encouraged their daughters to audition for a local production of Oliver and little Maren experienced the feeling of being “at home.” She wrote in her high school “time capsule” that in the future, she hoped to be an actress – working at a regional theater. And true to her prediction, after college she moved to Minneapolis where she “got on the radar of,” and worked at, the prestigious Guthrie Theater. Feeling the need for more training she auditioned for and was accepted to the Theater Program at UCSD at San Diego. After which she made the big jump to New York – so when they read her time capsule in 100 years they will know that she got it wrong. Currently Maren is bringing her talent and her passion to the Florida Studio Theater production of Talley’s Folly, a role for which she is especially perfect.

7-31-12 – Interview

Actor, dancer, singer, director choreographer Rick Kerby says “his life has been one big wave, which he’s ridden wherever it took him.” Opportunities did seem to pop up in front of him but Rick was always ready – listen to the charming and funny story of how he learned to dance for his college audition. While on a trip to NY with his college to see shows Rick courageously placed himself in front of the wave by walking into Actors Equity and, as a non equity actor, auditioning for the tour of Oklahoma. He got the job and never looked back. He was continually working. He toured and toured and toured in Oklahoma and The Best Little Whore House in Texas, he worked in Las Vegas and he taught. Today he brings that wealth of skill, experience and expertise to his position as producing artistic director of the Manatee Players Theater in Bradenton Florida, where on August 2nd and 3rd they will be presenting the premier of a play by Robin Givens.

7-24-12 – Interview

Kaylene McCaw is a theater person who was encouraged from a very young age to pursue her interest in performing. Coming from a family who taught her that “life is about personal success, finding your bliss and becoming a better person,” Kaylene says that she “always knew she “was supposed to be happy!” She spent her childhood and school years indulging in every theatrical experience available to her. Her nickname was Broadway! She had a terrific time but after graduation discovered that she didn’t have the personality to pursue a career in theater. After a life of adventures Kaylene found herself the divorced mother of twin girls with no clear path to follow. Miraculously, she was offered the job of costumer at the Players Community Theater. “They just knew that I sewed” she said, they didn’t even know I had a theater background.” But they finally began to discover all of her talents and now she is not only costumer but actor, and co-producer of the Players “edgy” Black Box Theater. Come see Kaylene’s stand out performance in Lettuce and Lovage, playing on the Players main stage.

 7-10-12 Interview

Elliott Raines grew up in what says is “now called the East Village, but when I grew up was called a slum.” Second generation, born to parents who believed in giving their children a “well rounded education,” Elliott studied piano and music theory, spent a year at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts, and most of his high school years in Drama Club, chorus and plays. He got a BA in Theater and an MFA in Acting , taught acting at his alma mater, and had some success as an actor. However at age 28 Elliott realized that the thing he hated most was looking for work, and acting – no matter how successful you are – is always about looking for the next job. Having realized this Elliott promptly went to Law School. He spent a career in law – with forays into acting and directing. And now having retired Elliott is once more able to pursue his passion for the theater. Currently he has directed Terra Nova – a powerful piece of theater based on the true story of Robert Scott’s failed expedition to be the first person to set foot on the South Pole, Terra Nova will run from July 19th-22 The Players Theater.