Legends In Theater - StageMagazineOnline.com

Interview with Marcus Stevens

Charlie@StageMagazineOnline.com — Tue, 31 Jul 2007 19:24:36 -0400

Starting as a young child with a dream and a vivid imagination, Marcus Stevens has grown as a performer, writer, and director through his work before and after Point Park Conservatory.

Raised in Wallingford, PA with theater activities at Young People's Theater Workshop, Upper Darby Summer Stage, Strath Haven High School, and The Players Club of Swarthmore, Marcus performs as an Equity Actor in the Pittsburgh area, where he continues to work on several writing projects.

Listen as he details his growth as a man of the theater... he's totally alive when working on a theater project!

Interview with Greg Wood

Charlie@StageMagazineOnline.com — Thu, 12 Jul 2007 21:33:11 -0400

Armed with a degree in finance and economics since 1981, Greg was DEATHLY AFRAID OF STANDING IN FRONT OF A GROUP OF PEOPLE. (Can you believe that to see him now?)

Greg got up his courage and went to Hedgerow Theatre to take an acting course with Delores Tanner. On the last day of class, Tanner said to him, "Doll, I'd like you to join the company."

After a year and a half of life there he went on to other professional theaters and has played many lead roles. And did you see him in Sixth Sense?

Interview with Susan Wefel

Charlie@StageMagazineOnline.com — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 21:31:07 -0400

Enamored of Mary Martin flying through the air as Peter Pan, Susan began producing plays in her own backyard as a child. She WAS ALWAYS the lead or director. She even sold tickets to neighbors.

Susan claims she has always had "blinders on" as far as doing what she sets out to do - And what she wants to do is ACT.

Her training was with the famous Rose Schulman at Boston University who was also at Hedgerow Theatre. Learn about some of her experiences as she talks about today's attention-deficit audiences.

Interview with Holley R. Webster

Charlie@StageMagazineOnline.com — Tue, 10 Jul 2007 21:16:07 -0400

What can one say about someone who finally decided at age 90 to retire from the theater activity she created and nurtured for 30 years?

Holley Webster gave of herself: her spirit, her love of theater, her delight in the written word, and her optimism that through building a Theater Community, we will ALL do better in theater.

STAGE was but ONE part of this dynamo, and you'll learn things about her in this conversation that you never knew. If you ever read STAGE, you MUST listen to this.

Interview with Ruby Stanley

Charlie@StageMagazineOnline.com — Mon, 9 Jul 2007 20:56:42 -0400

Ruby is a well known, creative costumer at the Wilmington Drama League and has been for 40 years. She loves her craft and wants to share her information with all of us.

She has a story to tell about stepping into a major role with a moment's notice. Hear her tell it in her own words. You'll be amazed.

Interview with Charles F. Seymour Sr. (part 2)

Charlie@StageMagazineOnline.com — Sun, 8 Jul 2007 20:55:16 -0400

This Legend in Theater first appeared on the stage in 1933 in A Midsummer Night's Dream that his uncle, renowned University of Pennsylvania Professor and Director, John Dolman Jr, directed.

When he was shipped off to World War II for 33 months, Lieutenant Seymour made sure his dues were paid each year at The Players Club of Swarthmore because he felt it was an important institution to his quality of life, and wanted to be certain it was still around when he returned home.

A director, producer, actor, Board Member, and President of PCS, his portrait and dedication are proudly displayed on its Wall of Honor. Listen as he tells you about some of the changes that theater has undergone during his more than 60 years in the theater. (Oh, yes... he was the President of Jackson-Cross Company, a member of the Philadelphia Federal Reserve Board, and a world-class Real Estate Appraiser and Counselor, too.)

Interview with Charles F. Seymour Sr. (part 1)

Charlie@StageMagazineOnline.com — Sat, 7 Jul 2007 20:52:26 -0400

Interview with Penelope Reed

Charlie@StageMagazineOnline.com — Fri, 6 Jul 2007 20:51:03 -0400

Penelope was hooked on theater since age 5. She began working in an Equity theater at age 15. Her parents were professional actors and she tells about her great grandfather acting with Edwin Booth. She says the arts are in her genes.

She has a long list of degrees and honors because of her intense involvement with the theater arts.

She came to HEDGEROW when an actress in The Iceman Cometh was in an accident and within 2-3 hours notice she stepped in to play the role of Cora directed by Louie Lippa. Now that's dedication to the arts!

Interview with Otis Reed

Charlie@StageMagazineOnline.com — Thu, 5 Jul 2007 20:47:53 -0400

A MASTER SET DESIGNER AND BUILDER PAR EXCELLENCE.

Audiences would come from miles around to see one of Otis's famous sets. When the curtain went up, the audience would clap wildly just seeing one of his intricate and masterful sets.

He will tell you his TECHNIQUES for making a memorable set.

Interview with Richard Peck

Charlie@StageMagazineOnline.com — Wed, 4 Jul 2007 20:45:31 -0400

Complete with a swift, bright narrative style and a fantastic sense of humor, Dr. Richard Peck writes books, stories, plays, and columns and loves to talk about them.

Some of his plays include: Don't Trip Over the Money Pail; The Cubs Are in Fourth Place and Fading; Prodigal Father; Lovers, Wives and Tennis Players; Curtains; Allergy Tests; a series of one-acts; and the list goes on.

As the President of four universities (at different times), he has a wealth of experience and wants to share it with you. Many of his plays have been presented on area stages.

Interview with Donna Peck

Charlie@StageMagazineOnline.com — Tue, 3 Jul 2007 20:42:08 -0400

Donna began the YOUNG PEOPLE'S THEATRE WORKSHOP in Swarthmore, Pennsylvania. Her idea and enthusiasm was to have young people learn about all aspects of theater.

Ideas included: ACTING, LIGHTING, MAKE UP, SOUND, COSTUMES

As a teacher she knew all about kids so she decided to offer a 10-session workshop and she shares some of her discoveries with you here.

Interview with Tom McCarthy

Charlie@StageMagazineOnline.com — Mon, 2 Jul 2007 20:39:29 -0400

Tom's beginnings were with Hedgerow Theatre drama coach, Rose Schulman. After nine months of classes he landed the role of Capt. Blunchlii in Arms and The Man by George Bernard Shaw. Then it was one role after another.

In order to survive, Tom worked as a bartender while pursuing his career as an actor. It paid off as he works full time as an actor in film and live theater and is known as one of Philadelphia's most reliable and dedicated actors.

Tom will tell you how he managed to accomplish all of this while raising a daughter at the same time.

Interview with Josh Young

Charlie@StageMagazineOnline.com — Sun, 1 Jul 2007 20:37:29 -0400

"What a Voice," "Such Stage Presence," "So very talented!"

These are some comments heard at his latest Cabaret in the Philadelphia Suburbs.

Josh played the role of Marius in Les Miserables with the National Tour for an entire year, including a stop at Philadelphia's Academy of Music. He also appeared as Tony in the international tour of West Side Story. His CD is available at Josh-Young.com. Listen now as he joins his friends Brian and Kait only hours before a local cabaret of theater music by Brian Lowdermilk and Kait Kerrigan.

Josh grew up in Wallingford, PA

Interview with Brian Lowdermilk

Charlie@StageMagazineOnline.com — Fri, 29 Jun 2007 20:36:35 -0400

Brian studied at Harvard University and NYU and received the prestigious Alan Menken Award. With collaborator Marcus Stevens, Brian was the recipient of a Richard Rodgers Award for their musical, RED.

His work has been showcased at the New York Theater Festival and was commissioned to write Wrong Number with collaborator, Kate Kerrigan, also of New York City. Their production of Henry and Mudge is touring the United States with TheaterworksUSA. Brian is also known for his creative piano arrangements. He grew up in Wallingford, PA and appeared with Young People's Theatre Workshop and Strath Haven High School when living in the area.

Interview with Kait Kerrigan

Charlie@StageMagazineOnline.com — Thu, 28 Jun 2007 20:36:35 -0400

How many 25 year olds do you know who have had full length plays produced at well known theaters? Kait did it!

Transit is a play about terrorism on a mass transit system in the United States and also about mental illness and love. It was first produced at The Players Club of Swarthmore in November, 2006 to crowds who sent testimonials as to its greatness.

Kait, who lives in New York, also writes musical comedy pieces for cabarets in New York and elsewhere. She and her equally-talented collaborator, Brian Lowdermilk, have already seen their production of Henry and Mudge tour the United States, and they are working on several other projects.

Kait grew up in the Philadelphia suburbs.

Interview with Janet Kelsey

Charlie@StageMagazineOnline.com — Wed, 27 Jun 2007 20:36:35 -0400

Janet has a long career as an actress with HEDGEROW THEATRE in Moylan, Pennsylvania. She knows all aspects of theater and has performed there extensively for many years.

She has worked with such outstanding talent as Jasper Deeter, Rose Schulman, Lou Lippa, Delores Tanner, New York Producer, Ralph Roseman, and many others. Janet tells it like it is, as you'll hear!

Interview with Ellie and Alfred Hurd

Charlie@StageMagazineOnline.com — Tue, 26 Jun 2007 20:36:35 -0400

Their names are synonymous with the Rose Valley Chorus and Orchestra. And their accomplishments are too numerous to name here. President for more years than some people can count, Alfred and Ellie are the Rose Valley Chorus and Orchestra in every spirited way you can imagine. They are a high energy team of music lovers and have been involved with every Gilbert and Sullivan play ever written.

They never sit still and are never content to rest on their laurels......so now they are planning a REALLY HUGE UNDERTAKING. Listen to their plans for a performing arts center for Delaware County's arts groups in need. They are spearheading the drive and would love your support!

Interview with Ginna Higgins

Charlie@StageMagazineOnline.com — Mon, 25 Jun 2007 20:36:35 -0400

Ginna Higgins has been wowing audiences in the Ritz Theatre for 21 seasons. After lighting up the stage in a succession of Broadway musicals and plays, Higgins finally has her name in lights on the Ritz's marquee.

Her name was actually above the title when performing as Grandma Kurnitz in the Ritz's production of Lost In Yonkers as Producing Director Bruce Curless wanted to give her the STAR STATUS she deserves. She has been with the Company since "Day One". Bruce says "Higgins radiates joy".

Interview with Bruce Graham

Charlie@StageMagazineOnline.com — Sun, 24 Jun 2007 20:36:35 -0400

Bruce Graham, author of over a dozen produced plays, spent eight years as a playwright-in-residence at the Phila Festival for New Plays. He was also the winner of the Philadelphia Magazine's "Best of Philly" award.

Ridley, PA-born playwright, Bruce is quick to point out the secret of his success: "I wouldn't describe myself as an artist - artists suffer. I'm a craftsman."

Bruce's interview is packed with information you will love to hear. And as far as we know, he's the only author with three productions playing at the same time in Philadelphia professional theaters!

Interview with John Geisler

Charlie@StageMagazineOnline.com — Sat, 23 Jun 2007 20:36:35 -0400

A THEATER PRESIDENT and FINANCIAL ADVISOR and EX-FOOTBALL PLAYER and ACTOR. Wow!

John Geisler first became involved in theater in his 30's after watching his young daughter perform in school plays. He decided then and there the theater life was for him. Because of his talent he landed the role of Pal Joey as his first role. He loves playing leads (and who doesn't) and loves wearing tuxedos.

And when he's not appearing on stage or working at his day job, he's a very active Board Member, and has some insights we all can use!

Interview with John Gardner

Charlie@StageMagazineOnline.com — Fri, 22 Jun 2007 20:36:35 -0400

As the General Manager of The DuPont Theatre, John says, "We are very different from most theaters across the country." They are nonprofit entities and the DuPont Theatre is owned by one of the oldest and largest industrial corporations in America. (E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company)

John explains how their theater model operates, and why they present primarily the touring Broadway shows. They also work with New York booking agents. This truly is a unique theater model.

Interview with Orville French

Charlie@StageMagazineOnline.com — Thu, 21 Jun 2007 20:36:35 -0400

In Grand Junction, Colorado, in the early years of the last century, Orville played a little brat in a play called "The Pampered Darling" with a cast of college students. He also appeared as Carmen Miranda, which he delights in telling people.

In love with theater since the age of 5, listen to him tell of his interesting family history from Julliard graduates to circus bands.

He has directed and acted in plays from the Arena Stage in Washington, DC to many of the best stages in the Delaware Valley. Why, he can even boast that a PRESIDENT WENT TO SEE HIM PERFORM. Find out which one it was!

Interview with Bruce Curless

Charlie@StageMagazineOnline.com — Wed, 20 Jun 2007 20:36:35 -0400

A well-known Producing Artistic Director, Bruce moves The Ritz Theatre into the 21st Century with a large outreach program for children and adults. He believes in producing a season which will serve a wide range of audiences, including his 3800 subscription base.

A converted movie theater in Haddon Township, NJ serves as the home for this progressive, professional theater, and Bruce is proud of the fact that their company "MOVES WITH THE TIMES". He has many innovative ideas for directors and producers, as you'll hear here.

Interview with Jesse Cline

Charlie@StageMagazineOnline.com — Tue, 19 Jun 2007 20:36:35 -0400

The Media Theatre's Artistic Director, Jesse Cline says, "Why Travel to New York When Broadway Is Closer Than Ever?"

As the Artistic Director, Jesse presents MUSICALS and PLAYS featuring performers with Broadway and/or National Tour credits, a live orchestra, and uplifting choreography.

They have won Seven Awards for excellence in Theatre. And just think - they are close to the entire Delaware Valley.

Find out about their classes for children, adults, teens, and seniors.

Interview with Michael Carleton

Charlie@StageMagazineOnline.com — Mon, 18 Jun 2007 20:36:35 -0400

Michael spends eight months a year working steadily as Producing Artistic Director of the CAPE MAY STAGE in Cape May, New Jersey. He is an actor, director and playwright, having written "All The Christmas Stories Ever Told" which is being performed in theaters throughout the United States.

Hear him talk about Theater in Cape May and give us pointers on enjoying theater everywhere.

Interview with Steve Blumenthal

Charlie@StageMagazineOnline.com — Sun, 17 Jun 2007 20:36:35 -0400

A man for all seasons who loves challenges. Steve thinks long and hard to come up with a season of 5 plays the audience at ACT 2 Playhouse will like. He loves good theater and feels we must challenge our audience to keep quality theater alive.

Steve will help answer your questions about how to get funding for your theater. That is always a challenge in itself - one he is up to.