Hamlet 90 epitomizes what theater and art should look like, and what an inclusive world does look like.  Sheila explains her personal mission as an artist when presenting new work, “a diverse group of actors from all over the world working together in a seamless ensemble.  We can do that as a world too, so for me it is a way of making a political statement without being a politician.” 

I would like you to meet Frank Ruiz! This recent of The American Musical and Dramatic Academy (AMDA) graduate is currently performing in the International Tour of The Wizard of Oz where he is performing in the Ensemble and the Lollipop Guild.

Let me introduce you to Jennie Neumann, she’s the exceptional performer and producer who’s been wowing Canadian audiences for over a decade. Her first company, Another Musical Co-op splashed onto the scene with The World Goes ‘Round with The Vancouver Sun hailing it “a show so polished that this little gem could easily be in New York”.

Audiences have spoken, and the 10th Anniversary New York return of Rock of Ages is a hit! The guitar-smashing, face-melting, audience-rocking ode to the 1980s has extended its limited run through January 12 of next year. We took the opportunity to chat with a few veterans of the Sunset Strip to discuss just what it is that makes the show such a blast and keeps them (and the crowds) coming back for more. 

I would like you to meet the wonderful and oh so talented Hillary Porter. Hillary was recently seen as Diana in A Chorus Line at The Cape Playhouse which concluded its run on August 3rd. I have known Hillary for several years now and I will attest that she is one of the most selfless and kind artists I have ever come across and a TRUE triple threat. I am so happy to have had the chance to interview her!  

I would like you to meet Jon Steiger. Jon will be playing Scorpius Malfoy in San Francisco’s upcoming production of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. What makes this man’s story so amazing because he was an usher at The Lyric Theatre (where Harry Potter is playing on Broadway) for well over a year as well as a tour guide at The Hudson Theatre. A show he got to watched 8 times a week on Broadway he now gets to perform in on the West Coast in San Francisco! Seriously how cool is that?

If you have yet to hear of Oceanborn, chances are you know someone who has liked their Instagram page or has come across them on YouTube. This new musical, showcased at 54 Below, has a huge fan base online, and will be performed in the upcoming new Off-Broadway Rave Theater Festival. The writers of Oceanborn, Mhairi Cameron and Morgan Smith, are changing the ways of how musical theatre is done.

“For the first time in my creative life, I’m truly enjoying this experience, from start to finish. “

I would like you to meet Jacqueline B. Arnold. Jacqueline is currently playing La Chocolat in Moulin Rouge! which recently opened on July 25th on Broadway at The Al Hirschfeld Theatre.

What started as a short job for a then-21-year-old Michael Feinstein, to label and log decades of sheet music and records for Ira Gershwin, turned into a life’s work he still continues today through The Great American Songbook Foundation, a group he founded in 2007. Housed in Indiana, the Foundation includes an in-house library of artifacts, sheet music and recordings, as well as running multiple educational programs and concerts.

Founded in 1955 by Sulie and Pearl Harand, Byron Friendman and Sam Gaffin, Harand Camp is one of the first camps in this country to combine singing, acting, dancing with what you would get at a traditional camp. Now the legacy lives on with Judy Mooney, Janice Gaffin, and Nora Gaffin (all daughters of the founders) serving as the Co-Directors.  

With two U.S. national tours, a Chicago company, a West End company, a U.K. tour, an Australian national tour and productions in Sweden, Norway, Germany and more, The Book of Mormon now goes far beyond a young and green Marks in that small office reading the secret script in 2010.

As long as the musical is playing on Broadway at the Eugene O’Neill Theatre, rest assured that Matthew Marks will be there covering the Mormon boys. Despite the challenges, it is still his dream job.

“It’s really a blessing to be a part of the International Off-Broadway community right now,” says Adi Schor, “There’s so much going on, so much opportunity.”

Playwright Craig Donnelly will be featured in two New York City Summer Theatre Festivals. His new play “The Pointe” will run for three performances in August at the Broadway Bound Theatre Festival on Theatre Row.

“As actors, we are continually trying to excavate human emotion and condition, which requires immense curiosity about life and the human experience. Staying curious about everything, especially that which doesn’t genuinely interest you, can add so much to your artist’s toolbox.”

Emily Koch is a woman who knows how to jump around. She just finished her brief Broadway run in Waitress on June 2 after touring the country with the show as a swing. Koch also spent time in Wicked both on tour and on Broadway as the Elphaba standby.

I would like you to meet Troy Iwata! Troy is currently an understudy in Be More Chill for the roles of Jeremy, Michael, Rich, and as Cast. I have always been fascinated and inspired by swings and understudies on Broadway because their number can be called at any time. It takes a special type of performer in my eyes to do that. It was such a privilege to interview Troy!

There are some people who you are always happy to see onstage or in a cast list. Be it a full production, a reading, a concert or a gala, certain performers show up and inevitably elevate the entire experience.  This is the story of such a fellow. 

A dashing leading man with a gorgeous tenor voice, Max von Essen has been delighting audiences in New York and across the country for the better part of two decades. 

I would like you to meet Maria Egler. Maria is fresh off of performing in Ford’s Theatre production of Into the Woods and will be seen next in Blackbeard, a world premiere commissioned by Signature Theatre which begins performances on June 18th where she’ll be playing the role(s) of La Mer/Morgan. A true DC Theatre scene veteran Ms. Egler studied at The Catholic University of America and has left her mark in Washington DC performing for companies such as The Kennedy Center, Ford’s Theatre, Signature Theatre, Studio Theatre, and Olney Theatre Center. I am happy to have had the chance to interview Maria!