On this episode of Curtain Call , host Tom Candela sits down with Conio Loretto of The Center for Discovery to explore how inclusive theatre empowers creativity, communication, and confidence for students with complex developmental and medical needs. From the Integrated Arts Department’s “Right to Move” philosophy to the launch of the new Performing Arts Academy, Tom and Conio dig into how music, dance, and drama become tools for learning—and for building community. The episode also features two...
Aug 15, 2025•47 min•Ep. 17
In this powerful episode of Curtain Call , host Tom Candela sits down with actor, playwright and teaching artist Richard Hoehler to explore the transformative power of theatre—both onstage and behind bars. Richard shares stories from his 14 years leading acting workshops in prison, the creation of Acting Out , a professional theatre company for the formerly incarcerated, and his book, Acting Out: How a Prison Theatre Workshop Broke Free . Plus, in this week’s Roving Thespian segment, Tom speaks ...
Aug 08, 2025•1 hr 7 min•Ep. 16
This week on Curtain Call , we step into the intimate and poetic world of Lili/Darwin — a new solo performance written and performed by Darwin Del Fabro and directed by Meghan Finn. Premiering at The Tank in New York City as part of LimeFest, the piece weaves together the lives of 20th-century transgender pioneer Lili Elbe and Darwin herself, a Brazilian artist returning to the stage for the first time since her own gender transition. Through projection, voice, and lyrical storytelling, Lili/Dar...
Aug 01, 2025•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 15
This week on Curtain Call , we shine the spotlight on Jonathan Charles Fox—actor, journalist, photographer, radio personality, and one of the Catskills’ most passionate advocates for the arts. From his early days on stage and screen to his beloved column In My Humble Opinion and his adventures on Thunder 102 with sidekick Gidget, Jonathan has spent a lifetime telling stories and uplifting others. In this heartfelt conversation, he shares behind-the-scenes tales, his love for theatre, and the qui...
Jul 25, 2025•1 hr 10 min•Ep. 14
On this episode of Curtain Call , we shine the spotlight on Greenwood Lake Theater, an Equity professional company in Orange County, NY, co-founded by Katherine Weatherford and Mary McKinley. From Shakespeare in the park to bold new musicals and dynamic training programs, the company is redefining what regional theatre can be. We talk about their journey from NYC to the Hudson Valley, their upcoming production of Nevermore , their vibrant New Works Festival, and the unique role of music directio...
Jul 02, 2025•1 hr 9 min•Ep. 13
On this episode of Curtain Call, we journey into the heart of artistic experimentation with Brad Krumholz, co-founder and Executive Artistic Director of the North American Cultural Laboratory (NACL). From mythic storytelling and immersive rituals to cutting-edge residencies like The Outrage and digital explorations of the Orpheus myth, NACL is a creative force reshaping the boundaries of performance. We explore their mission, values, groundbreaking programming, and the vibrant community they fos...
Jun 27, 2025•1 hr 10 min•Ep. 12
This week on Curtain Call, we shine a spotlight on River Rep Theatre with guests Christopher Peditto and Arthur Aulisi, diving into their creative process, mission, and their summer production of The Neverending Story . We explore the evolution of their company, their work with young theatre artists, and even tackle the age-old debate: is it theatre or theater ? Plus, our Roving Thespian drops in on Sister Act at the Rivoli Theatre to hear what local audiences are saying. Upcoming productions, b...
Jun 20, 2025•1 hr 8 min•Ep. 11
On this episode of Curtain Call, host Tom Candela sits down with Suzann Dvorken, President of the Delaware Valley Opera, to celebrate their 2021 milestone—the company’s acquisition of its very own permanent home: the Delaware Valley Opera Center in Lake Huntington, NY. Together, they explore the company’s 35-year journey, its future plans for year-round performances, and what this new space means for the region’s cultural landscape. The episode also features lively interviews with cast and audie...
Jun 13, 2025•48 min•Ep. 10
On this episode of Curtain Call, we’re heading to the Sullivan Catskills for a deep dive into one of the region’s most beloved theatrical treasures—the Forestburgh Playhouse. From high-flying farces and Pulitzer-winning musicals to raucous cabarets and new works nestled in the woods, this episode shines a spotlight on the Playhouse’s dynamic 2025 season. Join us as we explore the shows, the people, and the passion behind this nearly 80-year-old summer theatre tradition. And stick around for some...
Jun 06, 2025•55 min•Ep. 9
On this episode of Curtain Call, we shine a spotlight on Up In Arms, the Hudson Valley–based puppet company dedicated to creating original musical theatre for young audiences. Artistic Director Dov Manley and writer/educator Alex Ishkanian share how their colorful, character-driven shows—like Monster Intelligence , Helping Drew , and Tortoise & Hare’s Race to Health —combine heartfelt storytelling with meaningful educational themes. From promoting kindness to encouraging curiosity and confid...
May 30, 2025•1 hr 5 min•Ep. 8
On this episode of Curtain Call, we shine the spotlight on the Sullivan County Dramatic Workshop (SCDW) and its longtime Board Member Harold Tighe together with Pete Nastasi (director/actor/playwright). They are committed to creating inclusive, community-driven theatre and are nothing short of inspiring. From beloved musicals to original plays and youth-led productions, SCDW's work onstage is matched by its innovative offstage programs—especially its growing audience participation initiative tha...
May 24, 2025•1 hr 14 min•Ep. 7
On this episode of Curtain Call, host Tom Candela digs into the fertile ground where theatre, farming, and community meet with Tannis Kowalchuk and Jess Beveridge of Farm Arts Collective. Broadcasting from their home base on Willow Wisp Organic Farm in Damascus, PA, these multi-talented “perfarmers” share how they cultivate original, socially relevant performances that blend science, sustainability, and storytelling. From their upcoming immersive piece Lucy Joseph to community-centered events li...
May 16, 2025•1 hr 8 min•Ep. 6
In this episode of Curtain Call, we take you behind the scenes of Catskill Public Theater—a bold, mobile theatre company bringing high-quality, pay-what-you-wish performances to unexpected places across the region. Host Tom Candela sits down with Amanda Wallgren, local arts advocate and Associate Producer, and CPT Founder Marshall Shnider, a Juilliard-trained Broadway veteran, to explore how they’re redefining regional theatre with community-driven programming, immersive storytelling, and a miss...
May 09, 2025•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 5
On this episode of Curtain Call, we welcome the uniquely talented playwright Bambi Everson—an artist whose work lives at the crossroads of dark comedy, mystery, and the human psyche. Known for her noir-infused tales of murder, deceit, and unexpected humor, Bambi crafts stories where shadows lurk and nothing is quite as it seems. Plus, we'll set the mood with some classic 1940s jazz and Broadway show tunes that echo the smoky, suspenseful world of her plays. It's a journey into the heart of theat...
May 02, 2025•58 min•Ep. 4
On this episode of Curtain Call, Tom Candela sits down with author and performer Patrick Bringley, whose deeply personal journey from museum guard to memoirist and now star of his own Off-Broadway show, All the Beauty in the World , offers a moving reflection on grief, healing, and the quiet power of art. Adapted from his New York Times best-selling book, the stage production brings Patrick’s unique perspective to life with subtle humor, authenticity, and warmth. Join us for an intimate conversa...
Apr 25, 2025•1 hr 9 min•Ep. 3
On this episode of Curtain Call, we’re spotlighting the creative team behind the hilarious and heartfelt original comedy TIME’S UP! Plus, we’ll take you on a whirlwind tour of the exciting upcoming theatre seasons across Sullivan, Orange, Rockland, and Wayne Counties.
Apr 18, 2025•1 hr 8 min•Ep. 2
On the first episode of Curtain Call, we explore the many musicals that capture the highs and lows of teenage life, the social dynamics of school, and the coming-of-age journey. We also interview Kristen Seggio, who is currently performing with the national tour of Mean Girls .
Apr 11, 2025•57 min•Ep. 1
