4-23-13 Audio Interview

Andrei Maleav-Babel – is a Russian Immigrant. The son and grandson of writers and artists, Andrei wrote musicals and directed his parent’s friends in his plays, by the time he was 10 or 12. Luckily coming of age as Perestroika was occurring in Russia, Andrei was able to start his own theater as a very young man. Barely able to speak English, he met, courted and married an American sociology student and became a Professor of Acting at the prestigious FSU Conservatory for actor training, one of the top ten actor training companies in the United States. Listen to him tell his amazing story and talk about his direction of the Conservatory’s production of Candida, which is now playing at the Cook theater, and hear Sharon Lesley’s review of the play.

4-9-13 – Interview with Austin Pendleton

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.

4-2-13 Audio Interview

Some think that critics are people who couldn’t succeed in the art they critique, this is not true of Jay Handelman, Theater and Television critic for the Sarasota Herald Tribune. Jay is, and has always been a critic, “I am perfectly suited to being a critic” he says ”it just fits me.” Self-effacingly, Jay says that he is “not sure he is serving a larger purpose,” but he loves the theater and “hopes that his work elevates the quality of what we see.” Pointing to early experiences that led him to this career Jay remembers having seen, at 11 or 12 years old, a Broadway production of 1776, and rather than wanting to be in it or to have written it, he wanted to talk about it. Also standing out in his memory is his 11th grade American Literature teacher, Mrs. Joyce Garvin, who taught her class “Waiting for Godot.” He says “we opened the script, the first line is ‘Let us go,’ and the stage directions say ‘they do not move.” She slammed the book shut and we talked about that line for two days.” Listen to this sensitive and thoughtful man talk about his love of theater, his certainty that he was meant to be a critic and how he made a path to that goal where there was really none to follow.

3-26-13 Audio Interview

If you live in or around Sarasota you and have probably heard extraordinary Jazz pianist Mike Markeverich play. Although blind from birth Mike was trying to play the songs he heard on the radio on his toy piano by the time he was three years old. A neighbor generously provided little Mike with his first piano but pursuit of the music that would become his life was very challenging. Listen to this extraordinary man describe the dedication with which he pursued his passion and experience his delightful sense of humor. Also listen to cuts from his CD “Solid” You can hear Mike play solo piano Thursdays & Fridays: 5 to 8 PM, @ Caragiulos Restaurant, 69 South Palm Avenue, 941-951-0866 and Saturdays & Sundays: 7:30 to 11 PM: @ Euphemia Haye Restaurant, 5540 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key 941-383-3633. On Wednesday April 17, 2013, the Munchtime Musicales Concerts will be presenting the Mike Markaverich Trio with Ernie Williford, Bass & Vocals & Johnny Moore on Drums, @ David Cohen Hall, from 12 to 1 PM.

3-19-13 — Audio Interview

Bill Wagy is a much in demand “video producer” but this is only his most current identity. He says that he has had to keep re-inventing himself and believes that he will continue to add new identities. Confirming my belief in the importance of teachers, Bill tells the story of his “rescue” by Irene Planaseck, his high school speech/arts/drama teacher who “pulled him up and got him to do a public speaking something” and then put him in all the school plays; effectively turning a skinny (5’6 and 85 lbs) “scaredy cat shy guy,” into a high school star. And being “skinny” got him his first job as the “spotter” for the Redskins, who were broadcast on WMAL in DC, where he was hired because he not only knew football but could fit in the tiny both between large commentators Sam Hoff and Len Hathaway. From there he jumped to the job as the Sports Director at WIS the biggest radio station in South Carolina where by the age of 25 he’d won states Sportscaster of the Year Award. Listen to this charming, funny man talk about his stint in television and how got into video production.

3-12 13 – Audio Interview

Actor, dancer, singer, director choreographer Rick Kerby says “my life has been one big wave, which I’ve ridden wherever it took me.” 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; touring and touring and touring in Oklahoma, The Best Little Whore House in Texas, and Seven Brides for Seven Brothers 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, which is opening their brand new space with a production of Miss Saigon.

3-5-13 – Audio Interview

Jgar Hellwig discovered very young that he was “different;” he liked to invent characters, have conversations with the trees and talk to his imaginary friend. Even though his family was “not artistic,” they appreciated, enjoyed and encouraged his talent as a performer and by the time he was twelve he was playing the guitar and entertaining his family and friends with his remarkable voice, which he understood even then, was his “ticket.” Although he had a teacher who criticized his voice Jgar was able to overcome this criticism and continue to do the thing which brings him not only work and recognition but extraordinary pleasure – sing. Listen to him tell his story and hear that remarkable voice in a cut from his CD. Also come see and hear him as the outrageous Miles Gloriosous in the delightful and hilarious Manatee Players production of “A Funny Thing Happened on The Way to the Forum.”

2-26-13 – Audio Interview

Even in the 2nd grade Jeff Plunkett didn’t want just to read the story in class – he wanted to act it. To deal with his chronic ear infections Jeff’s doctor prescribed voice lessons and from the time he was 13 he not only studied voice but had small roles in his voice teachers Opera Company. Although majoring in biology/psychology in college (thinking he might become a doctor), Jeff took every acting role he could and by the time he graduated knew that acting, not medicine was his path. Jeff says that he was “graced’ but I think it is we that are graced by being able to watch this wonderful actor become the role he is playing. Hurry out to see Jeff’s outstanding performance as the real life Joseph Alsop in the Florida Studio Theater production of “The Columnist” and listen to this thoughtful, intelligent man talk about character he is playing, and the world he inhabited.

2-19-13  – Audio Interview

Apparently Brian Sills has The Muppets to thank for his career in theater. Inspired by them, Brian began creating puppet shows for friends, family and classmates by the time he was 6. Ironically Brian’s first role in a national touring company was in The Lion King, where his knowledge of puppetry came in handy. Like so many others Brian credits his teachers with “encouraging his creativity” and the local Community Theater for “welcoming and teaching him.” But he also talks about the potentially devastating effect an arrogant voice teacher might have had on his and other’s creativity. Fortunately this teacher was fired before he could damage Brian’s and other student’s vocal talent. Hear a sample of what we might have missed and listen to this delightful man talk about the joys and struggles of making a career in theater. Also hear Sharon Leslies’ review of “The Heidi Chronicles” currently running at the Asolo Repertory Theatre in which Brian shines as part of the ensemble company.

2-12-13 – Audio Interview

The Lynne Show is about courageously living the life you meant to live and Jay Patterson is a role model for it. Although he says

“I can never remember wanting to be anything other than an actor”

as a child he suffered from a “horrible stutter,” and was afraid to try. In his junior year in high school the head of the drama dept encouraged him to audition for a school play; he did and was in 5 plays in his senior year. He “never looked back.” Currently Jay is part of the amazing ensemble company in the Asolo Repertory Theatre production of Glengarry Glen Ross, in a role he understudied on Broadway and “always wanted to play.” Listen to his interesting and sometimes terribly funny stories and hear the incredible story of how he went from being a bar tender at a hotel to starring in a 2 person play on Broadway.

2-5-13 – Audio Interview

Carlo Thomas is a gift to anyone who wants to sing – or use their voice. He is not only a brilliant singer and teacher, but kind, generous and committed to helping everyone achieve their potential. And Carlo knows a great deal about achieving potential. Born and raised on a dairy farm where his first audiences were his family and the cows, he went on to a career which included Opera, (City Opera, Canadian Opera, Berlin Opera, The Spoleto Music Festival, where he was directed by Gian Carlo Menotti), Broadway, (1776, Phantom of The Opera), Concert (soloist at Radio City Music Hall), Recording with the Fred Waring band – and anything that required music. And with his life partner Timothy Gray (who with High Martin wrote the score for the musical High Spirits – based on the Noel Coward play Blithe Spirit), Carlo was enmeshed in the theater scene. Listen to this extraordinary man tell the charming, funny and sometimes outrageous stories of a life and career dedicated to the making of beautiful music.

1-29-13 – Audio Interview

David Howard is the real deal; an actor who uses everything about himself to make his performance as genuine as possible. After having done what he was supposed to do – gone to law school to become the hot shot labor lawyer his family expected him to be – David finally, if painfully allowed himself the luxury of being himself. Saying that he should always have known, enumerating all of the clues that his unconscious had given him, but which, in his zeal to be a good son he ignored, David at long last embraced what he had always know he was – an actor. And he has been studying, working at, honing his skill ever since. At 85 his performances are flawless but David has not stopped trying to make them better, realer, more universal. Listen to David’s funny, interesting, human story, and come see him in action in You Can’t Take it With You currently running at the Asolo Repertory Theatre.

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.

1-8-13 – Audio Interview

Michael Newton-Brown’s Dad was a high school track coach, who might have wanted his son to be a jock. He tried to interest him in golf and put a pole vault in his hands and said jump (listen to Michael’s reaction to that). But, a deeply creative person, Michael was drawn to and consequently learned everything there is to know about making theater happen. There were many twists and turns in Michael’s path. He found himself in the middle of several violent eruptions in the 1960’s. He went on the road with the newly discovered Bette Midler and Barry Manilow. And luckily for Sarasota FL he finally found a home there. He is currently directing Sunset Blvd for the Players Theater. Listen to this thoughtful, knowledgeable man tell the fascinating story behind the creation of Sunset Blvd the movie and consequently the Sunset Blvd musical.

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.

12-18-12 – Audio Interview

Michael Rice’s parents brought a piano for his older sister but it was little Michael who at 5 was immediately drawn to it and immediately began to pick out songs. Since then, when it comes to music, Michael has done it all. He was a music therapist ; he played in the most famous piano bars in New York, he accompanied cabaret acts and ballet classes. But he was also passionate about composing and so adapted and wrote the music and lyrics for Berthold Brecht’s “The Good Woman of Szechwan.” And also for a pastiche play called “American Beauty” which including pieces by Pulitzer Prize winning author Romulus Linney and Drama Desk Award nominee Jack Hefner. Michael began his musical director career as part of the original creative team of the musical “Nunsense,” which won four Outer Critics circle Awards, and went on to become the second-longest-running Off Broadway show in history. Today Michael is, for the second time, Musical Director for the Musical 1776, this time at the Asolo Repertory Theatre. Listen to this delightful, ingenious man talk about the way he followed his heart. Knowing from the age of 5 that he was born to make music and taking every opportunity to do just that.

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.

12-4-12 – Audio Interview

When five year old Bob Trisolini and his cousins entertained their parents by putting on plays, they always ended with little Bobby being stood on his head and pushed over – a perfect beginning for the entertainer that Bob would become. But Bob was concerned about making enough money for the life style he wanted, so he took his talents to corporations and had an overwhelmingly successful career which took him all over the world. Listen to the incredibly long list of companies for whom he created spectacular events which introduced products, celebrated successes, motivated sales forces etc. Now in retirement with a seemingly inexhaustible amount of talent and energy Bob continues to work here, there and everywhere for FL based companies and theaters. He loves to work with children so last year he directed Suessical The Musical and this year he is directing a production of Annie for The Players Theater of Sarasota. Listen to this funny, passionate, engaging man talk about the way he parlayed his talents into an extraordinary career.