Previously on Backstage Buzz the Radio Show



Arts, Theater, Conversation, Interviews, News & Other Interesting Stuff!

Singing at the Metropolitan Opera - The Albert Family
	Four members of the Albert Family have sung in the Children's Chorus at the Metropolitan Opera. Backstage Buzz Host's Dolly Curtis and Joseph Kochiss talk with the Albert Family about their experiences performing in the Opera. John and Jane Albert are in this video clip (left) of "The Cunning Little Vixen" performed at the Met from Avery Fisher Hall in June 2011.

"Bravo! A Century of Theatre in Fairfield County"
	Leo and Dolly talk with Steve Gaynes & Dr. Martha S. LoMonaco curator of the Fairfield Museum and History Center Exibition "Bravo! A Century of Theatre in Fairfield County". The program is on view at the The Fairfield Museum and History Center September 25 – March 18, 2012

**Lucie Arnaz**- Emmy award winning stage and TV star
	Ms Arnaz has received numerous awards and honors for her work since appearing in a recurring role on the hit TV program "The Lucy Show". On our program she will discuss her cabaret shows and update the radio audience on her busy schedule.

**Joel Vig** - Actor, Director and Musician
	Working in the theater as a director, actor, writer and musician Joel created six roles in the award winning Broadway show Hairspray. Joel is also the manager and creative director of screen siren Sinthea Starr.

**Gary Alan Wood** - Executive Director of the Quick Center for the Arts
	Gary Alan Wood Executive Director of the Quick Center for the Arts at Fairfield University

Hugh Fordin - Theatrical Producer and Recording Lable Owner
	Hugh Fordin - A multifaceted career as an author, Producer in Film, Televsion and the theater. He is also the owner of DRG Records. Exectuve Producer of 2005 Ute Lemper: Blood & Feathers Musicals Great Musicals: (1996) 1994 Meet Me in St. Louis: The Making of an American Classic 1996-2001 Great Performances (TV series) Author of "Vocal Selections from 'That's Entertainment'"

ROBERT OSBORNE
	As a journalism student who dreamed of becoming Hollywood actor, Turner Classic Movies host Robert Osborne landed in an ideal spot. He’s written several books about the Academy Awards, has covered Hollywood for newspapers and trade publications since the ’60s, and in his capacity as the face of TCM, Osborne has conducted interviews with just about every major star from the golden age of show business.

Michael Ross - Managing Director of the Westport Country Playhouse.
	Michael Ross has had a distinguished career in theater and is the managing director of the Westport Country Playhose. Ross was managing director of Long Wharf Theatre (1997-2002). He was general manager, and business and box office manager at Hartford Stage (1986-1996). Ross also served as program officer/project director at National Arts Stabilization, and worked with Baltimore Opera Company and Alley Theater, Houston and was an adjunct professor in Yale University School of Drama Theater Management Program.

STUART VAUGHAN - Artistic Director, Author and much more!
He also directed several productions off Broadway and for New Jersey Rep and the Riverside Shakespeare Company. He is a recipient of an Obie Award (1958) and a Drama Desk Award.	Stuart Vaughan was the Founding Artistic Director of the New York Shakespeare Festival, Seattle Repertory Theatre, Repertory Theatre New Orleans, The New Globe Theatre and Artistic Director of New York’s Phoenix Theatre.

***THE ALBERT FAMILY*** *- SINGING AT THE MET*
	All the childern in the Albert Family sing in the children's Chorus at the Metropolitan Opera. They have performed on stage at the MET in Tosca, La Bohem, The Magic Flute and many others. On our progam tonight John, Mary and their parents talk about their experience and training working at the MET. Co-host of this program are opera aficionados Jack and Joseph Kochiss. Metropolitan Opera Children's Chorus

***Vincent Curcio*** *- Author & Theaterical Producer*
	Vincent Curcio, a veteran theatrical manager-producer, is the author of Suicide Blonde, a biography of Gloria Grahame. A long-time car enthusiast, he divides his time between Union City, New Jersey, Paris, and the White Barn Theatre in Westport, Connecticut. Leo and Dolly Talk with Vincent about his work at the White Barn Theater and his carreer as author. Vincents Curico's Books Suicide Blonde the Life of Gloria Grahame, Chrysler - The Life and Times of an Automotive Genius and a soon to be published biography about Henry Ford.

Bob Lasprogato / Ann Kinner - Westport Community Theater
	Bob Lasprogado is an actor, director, musician and WPKN host. Ann Kinner is a very accomplished actress having worked in community theater, film and television. Leo and Dolly talk with Bob and Ann about their work at the Westport Community Theater.

CAROL CHANNING - Broadway and Film Actress
	CAROL CHANNING

BRETT RAPHAEL - Artistic Director and CEO of Connecticut Ballet.
	At the age of ten, Brett Raphael was chosen by George Balanchine to receive ascholarship to the of American Ballet. He subsequently studied with such masters as Stanley Williams, Hector Zaraspe, Valentina Pereyaslavec and Errol Addison in London and performed with the touring ensemble, Stars of the American Ballet, before settling in Connecticut. Link to Brett's Bio.

**DAVID R. ROSENBERG - THEATER CRITIC**
	Co-founder of the Connecticut Critics Circle with work that includes teaching English and Drama at several local high schools, as well as at Fairfield University. As a stage director, he has guided over 50 plays and musicals

**MARY WIKOWSKI - CITY OF BRIDGEPORT LIBRIAN AND CITY HISTORIAN**
	Bridgeport Librarian, Archivist and City Historian Mary Witkowski talks with our intrepid hosts about P.T. Barnum. Leo's show about the famous showman, "Barnum Tonight" is running at the "Quick Center for the Arts".

Tom Zingarelliis - *Managing Director of the Quick* Center Arts
	Tom is the Managing Director of the Regina Quick Center for the Performing Arts at Fairfield University. He has been at the helm of the Quick Center since its inception. Tom also is part of the teaching department in the theatre arts program at Fairfield University. Mr Zingarelli is a founding member of the Theatre Arts Workshop in Norwalk. Leo Meyer and Dolly will be discuss with Tom Zingarelli his role of playing PT Barnum in the upcoming play reading at the Quick Center in August.

Carol Ann Maxwell - Choir Director & Conductor
	Artistic Director of the Mendelssohn Choir of Connecticut. Dr. Maxwell is also Director of Choral and Liturgical Music for Fairfield University. More information about Dr Maxwell

Tom Reilly & Rob Lynch - Local Warming (Film)
	Dolly Curtis and Leo Meyer discuss the makings of the film 'Local Warming' with Producer Tom Reilly and Musician, Rob Lynch. The humorous film directed by Reilly tells the story of a music teacher who sets out to convince her friends and neighbors that they can make a difference in Global Warming by changing their behavior on the local level. More information about Local Warming.

Misty Rowe, Steve Rossi and Joy Franz - "FANDANCE"
	Theater Legends Misty Rowe, Steve Rossi and Joy Franz talk about "Fandance". Currently running at the Downtown Cabaret Theater, "Fandance", written by Ms. Rowe is a musical about the life of burlesque Artist Sally Rand.

Troupers Light Opera Company

Jim Cooper and Shawn Amdur of the
Troupers Light Opera Company
talk about their April 2010 production
of Gilbert and Sullivans "Gondoliers".

Kevin Connors & Jim Schilling of MTC
	Jim and Kevin talk with Leo and Dolly about their Musical Theater of Connecticut. The programs that they run in Westport providing high quality arts education and professional musical theater.

**Psychic Investigator James Myers**
	James Myers is the founder of The East Coast Paranormal Police. He goes by the handle of '826 Paranormal' and is sought out by local historical groups and others interested in the areas' legendary history with the supernatural . He holds the keys and is an expert on the local theater haunts in Bridgeport. ---------------------------------------------------

Lorraine Warren - Psychic Researcher
	Recognized as one of the leading psychic researchers in the world, Lorraine Warren is a New England legend, and has been called "America's Top Ghost Hunter." -----------------------------------------------------------

Jane Bergère - *Broadway Producer*
	Jane's a successful Broadway producer whose work many award winning shows. She has also been the artistic director of Connecticut’s Broadway Theatre, producing more than 50 musicals. As actress, performed on Broadway, regionally and on television. -----------------------------------------------------------

--**Michael Yeargan** - Theatrical Set Designer
	Michael Yeargan is an American Tony and Drama Desk Award winning set designer for theatre and opera. He's a professor of Stage Design at the Yale School of Drama and has designed for opera companies all over the world, including the Washington Opera and the Dallas Opera._ -----------------------------------------------------------

**Carol Clapps** - Darien Arts Center
	Carol Clapps Man of La Mancha at Darien Arts Center Carol Clapps + Cast Members talk with Leo And Dolly about the Darien Arts Center’s Cabaret theatre production of The Man of La Mancha. ________________________-

Michael P. Price - Goodspeed Opera House
	Michael P. Price Executive Director of the Goodspeed Opera House

Dino Ciaburri
	Dr. Ciaburri is an educator , conductor and musical director for the The Nutmeg Symphony Pops Orchestra.

Connecticut Free Shakespeare
	Connecticut Free Shakespeare Bert Garskof and Nina Laura talk about their work at Connecticut Free Shakespeare with Summertime Performances at the Beardsley Park Zoo and the Guilford Green

Leo and Dolly talk with

Mark Rozzano
Assistant Producer
Disney's Beauty and the Beast

Dolly and Leo talk with Film

and Theater Critic Joe Meyers.

Read "Joe's View" in the Connecticut Post

Cici Hunt and Carole Claps - FAMILY
	The Darien Arts Center Cici Hunt and Carole Clapps talking about the Darien Arts Center Cabaret world premiere of their new Musical 'FAMILY' More information about this show

Patrice Munsel

American coloratura soprano & former star of the Metropolitan Opera.


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Maureen Hamill - Vocalist & Cabaret Singer
	Maureen Hamill has a career of many hats. She's produced theatrical productions, runs a summer camp and is a well-regarded cabaret singer. Recent credits include performances at the legendary NYC Tavern on the Green.

Irene Backalenick - Theater Critic Connecticut Post and...
	Irene covers theatre for many national and regional publications. She has a Ph.D.in theatre criticism from City University Graduate Center. Her book "East Side Story --Ten Years with the Jewish Repertory Theatre" won a first-place national book award in history. Other awards in journalism and theatre criticism include a New York Times Publishers Award. WEBSITES - Connecticut Critics Circle ---------------- - New York Theater Scene

**Joseph Volpe** - *Former Director of the Metropolitan Opera*
	Mr. Volpe began his career with the MET as an apprentice carpenter in 1964. He became the general Manager of the Met in 1990 and was the first head of the Metropolitan Opera to advance from within the ranks of the companies management. He is the author of The Toughest Show on Earth" a memoir of his career working at the NY Metropolitan Opera. ---------------------------------------------

Spinning Wheel Inn Christmas Show and Banquet


	Leo and Dolly talk with the cast of the Spinning Wheel Inn Christmas Theater Banquet Show. This is a long running holiday extravaganza being performed at the Spinning Wheel Inn for the holiday season. More information and directions call 203-938-2511. -----------------------------------

**Steve Scarpa of Long Warf Theater**
	On the October Buzz... Leo and Dolly's guest will be Long Warf Theater's Promo Major Domo, Steve Scarpa. They'll be talking about the up and coming season at Long Warf Theater.

**James Miron Mayor of Stratford, Connecticut**
	Mayor Miron will talk about the restoration of Stratford's Shakespeare Theater, his role in the process and the State of the Arts in Stratford

**Anne Keefe -** Artistic Director
		Ms. Keefe was the Artistic Director of the Westport Country Playhouse . She's had long and distinguished career as an Artistic Director and Stage Manager. For more information about Anne Keefe and the Westport Country Playhouse please visit their website.

**BACKSTAGE BUZZ SPECIAL REPORT**
	Dolly Curtis interviews Carmine Grippo from the cast of "She Love You". The Beatles Multimedia showcase running at the Downtown Cabaret Theater.

**Charles Wade - Musical Director - Accompanist**
		A musical director, accompanist, teacher and vocal coach for over twenty years. He is equally at home in musical theatre, as well as classical, contemporary and liturgical music. Charles has been the musical director for over seventy productions throughout the United States. . Originally from Baltimore, Charles is a graduate of the Peabody Conservatory’s Preparatory School, Furman University and Towson State University. He studied piano with Mary Winchester, Ruby Morgan and Ernestine Smith; conducting with Bingham Vick and Vincent Lawrence; and musical theatre and vocal coaching with Karen Gustafson, the first woman to conduct on Broadway. He met Ms. Gustafson when they were on the faculty of the American Musical and Dramatic Academy in Manhattan. Charles now lived in Bridgeport where he taught piano coached singers on audition and song preparation. He is also the Music Director/Organist for the Golden Hill United Methodist Church in Bridgeport. You could often see Charles with his dachshunds as they take him for a walk around St. Mary’s by the Sea

Sergei Sikorsky - Aviation Historian - SPECIAL BROADCAST

Dolly Curtis interview's Sergei Sikorsky, son & biographer of Igor Sikorsky.

It's a fascinating interview about the life of this legendary aviation pioneer and inventor of the Helicopter!

You can learn more about Igor Sikorsky at the Sikorsky Archives.
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**Sergei Sikorsky** - Aviation Historian - SPECIAL BROADCAST
	Dolly Curtis interview's Sergei Sikorsky, son & biographer of Igor Sikorsky. It's a fascinating interview about the life of this legendary aviation pioneer and inventor of the Helicopter! You can learn more about Igor Sikorsky at the Sikorsky Archives. --------------------------------------------------

**Joanne Rochman** - Drama Critic
		Ms Rochman is an an active member of The American Theatre Critics Association and a founding member of The Connecticut Critics Circle. Her reviews and writing appear in Acron /Hometown's many newspapers and she is the managing editor of Theatre CT magazine.

**Fran & Gary Scarpa - Center Stage Theater Shelton, CT.**
	Dolly and Leo interview the operators of this popular Shelton community theater , Center Stage. Center Stage a non-profit theatre and intimate performance space that presents plays, musicals and cabarets. More information about Center Stage can be found on their website.----------------------

**Richard P. Pheneger & Tom Holehan - SQUARE ONE Theater**
	Tom Holehan & Richard P. Pheneger are the operators of "Square One" Theater in Stratford Connecticut. Richard P. Pheneger is the Manager of the theater. Tom Holehan is the Artistic Director and Co-Founder of this popular communty theater. More information about Square One and their educational programs can be found on their web-site.

**Gustav Meier - Conductor**
Gustav Meier Conductor & Musical Director of the Bridgeport Symphony

**Kier Dullea & Chiton Ryan -** Theatre Artists Workshop
	Founded by 1983 TAW is place where theatre professionals can hone their craft, stretch creative muscles, experiment, develop new plays, work with and get feedback from fellow actors, writers and directors. Founder Kier Dullea & Chiton Ryan talk about The Theatre Artists Workshop.

**Lou Ursone - Theater Director - Jan 20 2008**
	Lou Ursone is the director of Curtain Call Theater in Stamford. DOLLY AND LEO TALK WITH LOU URSONE

**Jacque D'Ambroise - Ballet and Film**
	Recognized as one of the finest classical dancers of our time, Jacques d’Amboise now leads the field of arts education with a model program that exposes thousands of school children to the magic and discipline of dance. In 1976, while still a principal dancer at the New York City Ballet, Mr. d’Amboise founded the National Dance Institute in the belief that the arts have a unique power to engage and motivate individuals towards excellence. Mr. d’Amboise has appeared in films, including Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, Carousel, The Best Things In Life Are Free, Watching Ballet, the movie version of Balanchine’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream, and the Disney film, Offbeat.

**Max Wilk - Author**
	Max has was a pioneer writer and producer of live television. He's also worked and written about comedy, film and the theater. In this program he talks about how his interest in the theater developed over time from his early day with Irving Berlin's WWII show " This is the Army". He tells stories and chronicles events that became popular culture or the subjects of his many books.

**Judith Abrams- Theatrical Producer**
	Judith Ann Abrams is an award winning Broadway producer who's credits include: Anne Get Your Gun Chita Rivera - A dancers Life Spring Awakenings This Pixie Judy Show "Pixie" Judy gives the inside scoop about what it takes to put a Broadway Show together.

**Backstage Buzz Debut - September 2007**
	This is our very first program! It's Basic Backstage Buzz 101 as you learn about our fabulous hosts, Dolly Curtis and Leo Meyer!

BackstageBuzz the Radio Show

**Arts, Theater, Conversation, Interviews, News & Other Interesting Stuff!**==

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OUR NEXT PROGRAM AIRS
Sunday December 18 @ 10 PM

Dolly Curtis and guest co host Joseph Kochiss will host
the program with the talented and unique Albert children.

This unusual family consists of Lucy who is 17, Mary at 15 , John at 12, and Jane, the youngest, at 10 years of age. They will sing and tell the audience about their personal experiences appearing on the huge stage with the great opera stars of our times. They have appeared in Hansel and Gretel at the Met and La Boheme earlier this year. They will soon be rehearsing for the great opera Tosca.

The children are in rehearsals often and late into the night so their schooling is most unique as one would imagine. Their Opera mom, Erynn Albert, has much to do to get them to rehearsals and to accomplish their schooling all at one time. They seem to do this with graciousness and enthusiasm which is infectious.

On the Last BackstageBuzz...

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Listen to Dolly's "Quick Take on the Arts" Every Friday 6 PM, on Jim Buchanan's "The Talk of the Town"

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