Radio Catskill - Curtain Call with Tom Candela

On this episode of Curtain Call, Tom takes listeners inside one of the most meaningful evenings in musical theatre: the Kleban Prize for Musical Theatre. Featuring this year’s winners—lyricist Eric Price and librettist Philip Christian Smith—the conversation explores what it truly means to receive an award that isn’t just recognition for past work, but a vote of confidence in what comes next.  Woven throughout the episode are voices from the ceremony itself, including Susan Stroman, Maury Yeston, John Weidman, Richard Maltby Jr., and Santino Fontana, offering insight into craft, mentorship, and the legacy of Ed Kleban. W...

On this episode of Curtain Call, Tom sits down with director Willo Hausman for an in-depth conversation centered on her upcoming production of Hair, opening July 9, 2026 at the Byrdcliffe Theater in Woodstock, New York. This is not a nostalgia-driven revival, but a contemporary reimagining that honors the original spirit of Hair while engaging directly with the world we’re living in now. Willo shares her vision for a production rooted in community, choice, collective responsibility, and what she describes as the lived reality of the Aquarian Age.  Willo also talks about her work as founder of The Tivoli Players and...

On this episode of Curtain Call, Tom speaks with playwright Nicca Ray and director Joe Battista about their collaboration on the new play The Cry of the Butterfly, opening in early February at Theater for the New City. The conversation explores how deeply personal material is shaped for the stage, the trust required between writer and director, and the role collaboration plays in bringing new work to life.

This week on Curtain Call, Tom sits down with a remarkable husband-and-wife duo whose work spans classical theatre, regional stages, higher education, and the New York State prison system. Nick López and Jessica López-Barkl bring deeply personal insight into what it means to use theatre as a tool for connection, education, and social impact. 

The conversation explores Nick’s long-standing work with Rehabilitation Through the Arts, where creativity plays a central role in dignity and transformation inside correctional facilities, alongside Jessica’s award-winning work as a playwright and theatre-maker whose projects explore grief, neurodiversity, and non-ver...

This week on Curtain Call, Tom Candela heads straight to the heart of theatre fandom with a spotlight on BroadwayCon 2026, the three-day celebration where fans, artists, and creators come together in the center of Times Square to share their love of Broadway. Joining the conversation is Melissa Anelli, CEO and founder of Mischief Management, the producing force behind BroadwayCon. With new venues, expanded programming, and the introduction of BroadwayCon’s first-ever Drag Ball benefiting Broadway Cares / Equity Fights AIDS, this year’s event marks an exciting new chapter in BroadwayCon’s evolution.

Also joining Tom is actor...

This week on Curtain Call, Tom sits down with performer Drita Kabashi and director Meghan Finn to talk about A Trojan Woman — a one-woman theatrical adaptation of Euripides’ The Trojan Women, often considered the first anti-war play in Western theatre. 

Drita Kabashi carries the entire production in this one woman show, stepping into ten different characters under the direction of Meghan Finn, Artistic Director of The Tank. Together, they share how this ancient story continues to feel urgently modern, and why its message of loss, endurance, and humanity still matters today — making this a powerful way to begin C...

This special Holiday Best-Of edition of Curtain Call brings together some of the most inspiring voices and moments from recent seasons.  Tom looks back to some of his favorite episodes, celebrating the artists, storytellers, and creative visionaries who are shaping our region’s theatre and arts community. From bold innovators and cultural advocates to devoted champions of local storytelling, this episode offers a rich tapestry of conversation, creativity, and connection. It’s a heartfelt look back, a hopeful look ahead, and a reminder that theatre isn’t just something we watch — it’s something we share, protect, and pass along.

This week on Curtain Call, Tom welcomes Joanna Sherman and Michael McGuigan of Bond Street Theatre, an internationally recognized company dedicated to promoting peace, human rights, and mutual understanding through the arts. Founded in 1976, Bond Street Theatre has brought theatre-based programming into refugee camps, post-conflict regions, prisons, schools, and communities rebuilding after trauma in more than forty countries worldwide. In this in-depth conversation, Sherman and McGuigan share the origins of the company, its mission-driven work, and how theatre becomes a powerful tool for education, healing, and connection in some of the world’s most challenging environments.

On this week’s episode of Curtain Call, Tom sits down with Catherine Montesi, a theatre maker, journalist, and arts advocate whose work spans accessible performance, community storytelling, and public service. Catherine shares her experiences as an ensemble member with Bluelaces Theater Company, where she helps create multi-sensory productions designed for individuals with autism and developmental disabilities. She also discusses her time with Story Pirates, her commitment to accessible theatre, and her work with the Delaware Valley Arts Alliance.

This week on Curtain Call, Tom Candela sits down with actor and playwright Douglas Taurel, the creator of the acclaimed one-man show The American Soldier. In this moving episode, Tom and Douglas explore the real wartime letters and unforgettable characters that bring to life the sacrifices of veterans and the families who love them.

This is theatre that changes people—opening conversations and shining a light on the invisible wounds of war. 

On this week’s Curtain Call, host Tom Candela sits down with multi-talented writer, actor, and composer Keith Varney, whose new one-man play Ten Times I Should Have Known I Was Autistic is premiered at the United Solo Theatre Festival. Through humor, honesty, and deeply personal storytelling, Keith retraces ten overlooked moments from his life that suddenly snap into focus through the lens of a late-in-life autism diagnosis. Together, Tom and Keith explore the emotional clarity that comes with understanding one’s neurodivergence, the years of masking that preceded it, and the liberating process of transforming private realizations into bold...

This week on Curtain Call, host Tom Candela sits down with three of the creative minds behind one of Off-Broadway’s most talked-about new musicals — Vape! The Grease Parody. Joining the conversation are writer Catie Hogan, director Jack Plotnick, and lyricist and additional book writer Danny Salles, who share the story of how this high-energy spoof of Grease battled legal hurdles, embraced satire, and found its way to the New York stage. With humor as sharp as its social commentary and a heart as big as its laughs, Vape! reimagines the beloved classic for a TikTok generation — one vape cloud...

This week on Curtain Call, host Tom Candela welcomes writer and director Mimi McGurl, actor Jess Beveridge, and musician Douglas Rogers, the creative team behind Lucy Joseph—the acclaimed original performance from Farm Arts Collective, returning by popular demand after a sold-out summer run. The piece tells the story of Lucy Ann Joseph Israel Lobdell, a 19th-century gender non-conforming pioneer whose remarkable life speaks directly to today’s ongoing conversations about identity and self-expression.

Listeners will also be treated to original live music by Douglas Rogers, including a moving rendition of Stephen Foster’s “Hard Times.” Together, Mimi, Jess...

This week on Curtain Call, host Tom Candela welcomes back his longtime friend and celebrated theatre artist Gabriel Barre, whose latest directorial project, the brand-new Off-Broadway musical REUNIONS, opens at City Center Stage II on November the 2nd.  

Tom and Gabe also look back on an extraordinary career that has taken Gabe from Barnum, to Starmites, Forever Plaid, Amazing Grace, The Wild Party, and beyond. Join them for stories, laughter, and a celebration of artistry, collaboration, and lifelong creative connections.

This week on Curtain Call, Tom spotlights a dynamic duo whose love story began center stage. Opera soprano and arts consultant Rebekah Diaz and celebrated baritone Graham Fandrei first met performing in La Bohème and went on to tour South Florida with concerts that blended classical and musical theatre favorites. Together they founded Magic City Opera, a company built on the belief that opera should be vibrant, social, and accessible to all—pairing short, experiential performances with community connection and conversation.

Step into a world of intrigue, laughter, and theatrical suspense as host Tom Candela sits down with Frank Marquette, the creative mind behind Murder Café and Theatre on the Road. What began as one actor’s leap of faith into the world of dinner theatre has become a 27-year journey filled with family, creativity, and countless unforgettable performances. 

Hear all about Frank's incredible evolution — from his humble beginnings to his newly published memoir, The True Story of Murder Café. 

This week on Curtain Call, Tom sits down with veteran actor, playwright, and director Austin Pendleton, along with Bradford Cover, Artistic Director of The Resident Acting Company (RAC), to explore their imaginative new production of Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream. In this inventive staging, RAC’s ensemble of seasoned actors turns Shakespeare’s classic upside down — reimagining the play through the eyes of the “rude mechanicals,” the bumbling amateur players whose theatrical mishaps take center stage.  Together, Pendleton and Cover reflect on the founding of The Resident Acting Company and how their shared mission to create ensemble-based, actor-driven th...

This week on Curtain Call, host Tom sits down with Arthur Aulisi of River Rep Theatre for an in-depth conversation about the company’s exciting season. From the dazzling, over-the-top magic of The NeverEnding Story — praised by critic Jonathan Charles Fox as “an extremely ambitious magical treat not to be missed” — to the thoughtful programming of River Rep Junior, Arthur shares how River Rep is building a legacy of imaginative, community-driven theatre. Together, they explore the artistry behind ambitious productions, the joy of nurturing young talent, and the balance of honoring tradition while pushing creative boundaries.

The conversati...

This week on Curtain Call, host Tom Candela sits down with acclaimed actress Elizabeth Marvel (House of Cards, Homeland, The Dropout) and director Mark Wing-Davey to discuss the powerful new Off-Broadway production of Tim Blake Nelson’s And Then We Were No More. Recently named by The New York Times as one of the “13 New Plays to See,” the show confronts issues of politics, inequity, and the fragility of democracy — themes that feel especially urgent in today’s divided world.

In this conversation, Marvel and Wing-Davey share their insights on the play’s bold message, the casting of b...

This week Curtain Call, celebrates the artistry and enduring legacy of two Broadway icons — Stephen Sondheim and Al Hirschfeld. Joining Tom is David Leopold, Creative Director of the Al Hirschfeld Foundation and author of the new book Hirschfeld’s Sondheim, a stunning collection of more than 50 drawings capturing the magic of Sondheim’s musicals from West Side Story to Sweeney Todd and beyond. Leopold shares stories from his decades-long work with Hirschfeld, insights into the upcoming exhibition at the Algonquin Hotel (on display through September 20th), and reflections on how these two artists influenced generations of theatre lovers.

And...

This week on Curtain Call, Tom sits down with comedian, writer, and actress Chanel Ali, who makes her Off-Broadway debut with her powerful and hilarious one-woman show Relative Stranger.

Chanel’s comedy has taken her from MTV’s Girl Code to Netflix’s Dash & Lily, Comedy Central’s Taking the Stage, and the international spotlight of the Edinburgh Fringe and Melbourne International Comedy Festival. Named one of Deadline’s 15 Comedians to Watch in 2025, she now brings her boldest and most personal work to New York audiences. 

Step aboard for this special episode of Curtain Call, where Tom speaks with two of the beloved stars from The Love Boat.  Ted Lange, celebrated actor, playwright, and director, shares the story behind his powerful play Lady Patriot, a work that uncovers hidden voices and overlooked figures in America’s past, and Jill Whelan, one of the featured performers in Lady Patriot, whose career spans Broadway, television, film, and concert stages.

Together, Ted and Jill reflect on the impact of history told through theatre, their long-lasting friendship, and the lessons art can teach us about resilience, tru...

This week on Curtain Call, host Tom sits down with acclaimed playwright and screenwriter Douglas Carter Beane for an in-depth conversation about his latest work, Finding Dorothy Parker. Known for his razor-sharp wit and clever storytelling, Beane has dazzled Broadway audiences with hits like Xanadu, Sister Act, and The Little Dog Laughed.

Beane also reflects on his own celebrated career, offering insights into the craft of writing for the theatre.  It’s a smart, funny, and heartfelt conversation that celebrates both Parker’s biting brilliance and Beane’s artistry in keeping her spirit alive for a new gen...

This week on Curtain Call, Tom Candela sits down with Ellie J—known onstage as Clown Daddy—for a spirited dive into clowning as a true art form. From physicality and comic timing to vulnerability and catharsis, Ellie shares how laughter becomes a doorway to something deeper. We talk persona vs. performer, her solo spin on Shakespeare, and the next chapter as she prepares for a West Coast move.

Plus, in The Roving Thespian, Tom heads to Narrowsburg, NY, for Catskill Public Theatre’s Woodstock Ripples.

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 live highlights from The Center for Discovery’s acclaimed production of CATS: “Mr. Mistoffelees” performed by student Paul, and “Macavity...

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 with audience members after a performance of Renegade, a gripping interactive courtroom drama presented by Catskill Public Theater. 

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/Darwin explores identity, memory, and the courageous act of becoming.

Tom speaks with Darwin and Me...

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 quiet joy he finds in capturing life through a lens. It’s a rare chance to hear from the man who’s usually...

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 direction in shaping their shows.

Plus, in our Roving Thespian segment, we take you to the Forestburgh Playhouse’s hil...

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 foster in the Catskills. Plus, in our Roving Thespian segment, we take a peak behind the curtain as audience members share their comments on River Rep Theatre’s magical pr...

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, big laughs, bold imagination — and a show-stopping finale from the Sister Act London cast — it’s all here, on Curtai...

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 audience members at a recent performance of Knightly News, a whimsical, one-act children’s opera by Jonathan Stinson that blends fairy tale favor...

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 great musical moments, including a heartwarming finale from Shrek the Musical that’ll leave you believing that yes—someday is t

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 confidence, their touring productions are inspiring families and students across the country.

And in our Roving Thespian segment, we travel to Farm Arts Collective for a performance of The R...

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 that brings theatre lovers directly into the creative process. Plus, we debut a brand-new segment featuring our “roving host” out in the field, capturing voices and stories from the local a...

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 like Dream on the Farm series, this episode explores how creative placemaking can transform both landscapes and lives. Plus, enjoy Broadway tunes that echo the episode’s themes of growth...

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 mission to make the magic of theatre accessible to all.

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 theatrical mystery—and you won't want to miss it.

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 conversation about loss, transformation, and finding beauty in unexpected places.

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.