Interviews

Wherever You Find Love It Feels Like Christmas: Interviewing Tidewater Players Merrymaking Christmas Carolers- Bobby Mahoney

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When a cold wind blows— it chills you! Chills you to the bone! But there’s nothing in nature that freezes your heart like years of being alone! It paints you with indifference like a lady paints with rouge. And the worst of the worst! The most hated and cursed— is the one that we call SCROOGE! Unkind as any— with the wrath of many— this is EBENEZER SCROOGE! (And yes, I did that from memory.

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Wherever You Find Love It Feels Like Christmas: Interviewing Tidewater Players Merrymaking Christmas Carolers- Jude Mahoney, Ashley Merrill, and Tommy Rinaldi

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You shall be visited by three ghosts, Ebenezer! When the clock strikes one— The Ghost of Christmas Past (Jude Mahoney.) When the clock strikes two— The Ghost of Christmas Present (B. Thomas Rinaldi.) When they clock strikes three— The Ghost of Christmas Yet To Be! (Ashley Merrill.) And we may be crazy trying to visit with all three of these ghosts all at once, but what’s Christmas without a little crazy?

We’ve got you gathered here and the clock hasn’t even struck one,

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He’s Here: The Phantom of The Opera- A Quick Chat with Ron Legler about Phantom of The Opera’s 2025 National Tour Launching from Baltimore’s Hippodrome Theatre

Interviews

Fondest Greetings, Good Monsieurs…did you think that I had left you for good?

We’ve been waiting. Since Sunday April 16th 2023…when Andrew Lloyd Webber’s The Phantom of the Opera played its final performance at The Majestic Theatre on Broadway. After 35 years and 13,981 performances (marking it as the longest running musical in Broadway’ illustrious history), there was a darkness that overtook The Great White Way, though not without the promise of a return…and that return has finally arrived.

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Wherever You Find Love It Feels Like Christmas: Interviewing Tidewater Players Merrymaking Christmas Carolers- Steve Flickinger

Interviews

Link by link by horrifying link…though I think some prefer the duet from the Muppets. Either way, we’ve got the one— the only— Steve Flickinger as the one and only Jacob Marley for this year’s production of A Christmas Carol, and we’re here to hear him spill his Christmas-y guts all about the feel-good holiday.

We’re thrilled to sit with you Steve. Thanks for joining us! Now this is not your first theatrical soiree.

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Wherever You Find Love It Feels Like Christmas: Interviewing Tidewater Players Merrymaking Christmas Carolers- Elliot Lookingland

Interviews

God bless us, everyone! In case you hadn’t guessed, the next merry member of Tidewater Players A Christmas Carol is the youngest of the Cratchit children…little Tiny Tim!

Thanks for coming out and sitting here with me! Can you tell me your name?

Elliot Lookingland: I’m Elliot Lookingland.

And who are you playing in this show?

Elliot: Tiny Tim!

And this is your first theatre show ever?

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Wherever You Find Love It Feels Like Christmas: Interviewing Tidewater Players Merrymaking Christmas Carolers- Sarah O’Hara

Interviews

It’s in the singing of a street corner choir! It’s going home and getting warm by the fire! It’s true, wherever you find love— it feels like Christmas! And it is— the season of the spirit— the message if we hear it— is make it last all year! And since Tidewater Players is getting you into the season of the spirit a good six weeks ahead of time, we figured we could pick some of the featured players’ brains all about their upcoming production of A Christmas Carol.

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The Guy Who Absolutely Loved Musicals: Chatting with Sammy Jungwirth about CJ Productions’ The Guy Who Didn’t Like Musicals

Interviews

Some make you happy! Some make you sad! Some are quite big! Some are quite small! Some are too long— some are just plays with song! And they’re— all— called— MUSICALS! And CJ Productions (a relatively new and upcoming small professional theatre company based in the Baltimore area) is producing The Guy Who Didn’t Like Musicals. Direct from Team StarKid, this 2018 viral sensation of a musical is making its Charm City debut under the Direction of Sammy Jungwirth (the J in CJ Productions) with area musical director Charlotte Evans at his side.

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Sweeney Todd rehearsal shots ???? James Craig

There’s No Place Like Rogue Swan: An In-Depth Look at Sweeney Todd with Rogue Swan Theatre Company

Interviews

The history of the world my sweet— is who gets eaten and who gets to eat!! Feast…your eyes…on this round-robin cast-conversational with Rogue Swan. Sitting down with quite a few of the Rogue Swan core troupe members, we’re discussing bloody bloody Stephen Sondheim, though much more specifically Sweeney Todd and their upcoming production, which just so happens to be the kickoff for spooky season and a part of their tenth anniversary season! It’s pretty wild all things considered.

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This Is The Moment: An Interview with Constantine Maroulis on Jekyll & Hyde in Havre de Grace

Interviews

All human beings, as we meet them, are comingled out of good and evil. And no better a way to meet good and evil in the peak of spooky season than at The Opera House in Havre de Grace as they present Jekyll & Hyde as directed by Constantine Maroulis. In a TheatreBloom exclusive sit down, we’ve had the distinguished pleasure of sitting down with this two-time Tony-nominated performer to discuss his directorial debut here and what the project has meant to him.

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Daniel Michele (left) with Rachel Bagley (center) and Brian Ruff (right) rehearsing for The Producers with The State Theatre of Havre de Grace

When You Got- Flaunt It: A Three-Way Round Robin with Max Bialystock, Leo Bloom, and Ulla Inga Hansen Benson Yansen Tallen Hallen Svaden Swanson from The Producers at The State Theatre of Havre de Grace

Interviews

Thank you all so much for sitting with me! Let’s start with a quick introduction of who you are and who you’re playing!

Brian Ruff: I’m Brain Ruff and I’m playing Max. Bialystock.

Daniel Michel: I’m Daniel Michel and I’m playing Leo Bloom.

Rachel Bagley:  Rachel Bagley. Ulla. And please don’t make me say her last name.

I won’t…because then that means I have to figure out how to spell it!

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Rachel Miller (left) with Diane Smith (center) and Charlotte Evans (right) on the set of Beth Tfiloh Community Theatre's Mamma Mia

Super Troopers: The Titan Talent Behind Mamma Mia’s Creative Team at Beth Tfiloh Community Theatre

Interviews

Just one look and I can hear a bell ring!

One more look and I forget everything!

Whoa—ooh! Mamma Mia! Here I go again— except I won’t be forgetting that summer where Beth Tfiloh Community Theatre produced Mamma Mia (it was now— right now— this summer, summer of 2024 and you still have a chance to see it!) And I definitely won’t forget that I got to sit down with the three Titans of Theatre— Diane Smith,

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Be In The Band: Chatting with Cameryn Deibler, Brayden Katzenberger, Colton Roberts, and Mara Weeks About School of Rock

Interviews

If the first nine awesome kids didn’t give enough reasons to come and see Scottfield Theatre Company’s School of Rock, we’re giving you a “BAND EXCLUSIVE!” That’s right— we sat down with the four* ‘kids of the band’ who are playing their instruments live on stage in the band and heard all about this rockin’ experience!

So excited to be sitting down with you guys for this! Thanks so much for letting me ‘crash the band’ at rehearsal and talk to you!

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Stick It To The Man: Kids of School of Rock at Scottfield Theatre Company

Interviews

Are you ready to— ROCK!? How about getting down with nine of the ensemble kids from Scottfield Theatre Company’s School of Rock which opens this weekend? Oh yeaaaaaah! ROOOOOOCK! The rarely produced School of Rock musical (coming to you by way of the Jack Black film of the same title and the incomparable Andrew Lloyd Webber) has some surprises in store for you at Scottfield Theatre Company, not the least of which is these talented youngsters talking the stage!

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Have You Heard? There’s a Theatre in Westminster(burg!): A Retrospective Look at 50 Years of September Song Musical Theatre

Interviews

Have you heard? There’s a rumor in Westminster-berg! Have you heard what they’re saying on the street?

50 seasons going strong! 50 years still going on!

September Song Musical Theatre!

And yes, do, please repeat!

In a retrospective look back at their 50 seasons of existence and their current production of Anastasia, we’ve sat down with some of September Song’s finest theatre-makers to chat shop and discuss the past,

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RETURN TO THE JELLICLE BALL: MEETING THE NEWEST 2024 ADDITIONS TO THE CLOWDER OF COCKPIT IN COURT’S CATS: Grizabella

Interviews

Glamourous. Or fallen from Grace? Memory…

With only one cat remaining, I think it’s pretty clear who you’re playing, but just in case people haven’t been following along, tell us who you are and who you are playing!

Lisa Pastella: I am Lisa Pastella and I play Grizabella.

Tell us all about Grizabella.

Lisa: I feel like I am Grizabella, where coming back into theatre after five years…after Covid…after Covid and of course having the baby…I am surrounded by lots of younger people that are incredibly talented.

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RETURN TO THE JELLICLE BALL: MEETING THE NEWEST 2024 ADDITIONS TO THE CLOWDER OF COCKPIT IN COURT’S CATS: Victoria

Interviews

All hail the queen? We’ve got royalty cats in this show? Sure! Why not? Jellicle Cats are a great many things…not the least of which are kings and queens!

Thank you so much for giving us some of your time. Why don’t you tell us who you are and who you play in this production of Cats.

Ryann Reich: My name is Ryann Reich and I play Victoria.

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RETURN TO THE JELLICLE BALL: MEETING THE NEWEST 2024 ADDITIONS TO THE CLOWDER OF COCKPIT IN COURT’S CATS: Asparagus

Interviews

A Jellicle Cat is a theatre cat! And a theatre cat in more ways than one!

Thank you for joining us again, Sam. Pleasure to have you back! Why don’t you remind the readers out there who you are and tell us who you’re playing this time with Cats?

Sam Ranocchia: I’m still Sam Ranocchia but this time I’m playing Gus, the Theatre Cat!

And remind me— and everybody else— who you played last time at Tidewater.

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RETURN TO THE JELLICLE BALL: MEETING THE NEWEST 2024 ADDITIONS TO THE CLOWDER OF COCKPIT IN COURT’S CATS: Jennyanydots

Interviews

Winding down with just a few more cats to go, one might almost say that the ‘hustle and bustle’ of the Jellicle Ball is done…but not before this cat has her say!

Thanks for joining us! Tell us who you are and who you play in this production of Cats!

Laura May: I’m Laura May and I play Jennyanydots.

Tell me all about Jennyanydots!

Laura: Well I haven’t quite found her all the way yet.

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RETURN TO THE JELLICLE BALL: MEETING THE NEWEST 2024 ADDITIONS TO THE CLOWDER OF COCKPIT IN COURT’S CATS: Old Deuteronomy

Interviews

Father of the clowder, leader of the tribe, revered and exalted, he now hath arrived! Make for…

Thank you for joining us today, tell us who you are and I think given the lead-in to this interview we all know who you play, but please do tell us anyhow.

Ryan Garbee: I’m Ryan Garbee and I am in fact playing Old Deuteronomy.

Tell us all about Old Deuteronomy.

Ryan: He is the leader of the clowder.

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RETURN TO THE JELLICLE BALL: MEETING THE NEWEST 2024 ADDITIONS TO THE CLOWDER OF COCKPIT IN COURT’S CATS: Rum Tum Tugger

Interviews

Curious Beast! The RTT— which has TWO T’s, which rhyme with P and that stand for…Cat? (The ‘p’ is silent in cat? There’s nothing more TROUBLE than a cat, let’s be honest.)

Thank you for joining us! Can you tell us who you are and who you play?

Adam Goldsmith: I’m Adam Goldsmith and I’m Rum Tum Tugger.

Ooh. So you’re Rum Tum. Got it. Tell me all about him!

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RETURN TO THE JELLICLE BALL: MEETING THE NEWEST 2024 ADDITIONS TO THE CLOWDER OF COCKPIT IN COURT’S CATS: Bustopher Jones

Interviews

Different types who wear a day coat— pants with stripes and cutaway coat— perfect fits— or is it cats in spats? Man Mel Brooks is gonna come for me. What show is this again?

Hello, Wayne! Welcome back to the Jellicle Ball! Remind us who you are and what you’re doing here?

Wayne Ivusich: I’m still Wayne Ivusich. And I’m playing Bustopher Jones again— I like to call him Bustopher Version Two.

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RETURN TO THE JELLICLE BALL: MEETING THE NEWEST 2024 ADDITIONS TO THE CLOWDER OF COCKPIT IN COURT’S CATS: Munkustrap

Interviews

Meow! Meow! Meow! Hear them? They’re all meowin’ ‘cause he’s the leader of the pack! MEOW! Well…the leader of the pack when the actual leader isn’t hanging around— you get the picture.

Thank you for joining us! Tell us who you are and who you play!

Jared Shiver: I’m Jared Shiver and I play Munkustrap.

Tell me a little bit about Munkustrap.

Jared: Munkustrap is the second cat in command.

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RETURN TO THE JELLICLE BALL: MEETING THE NEWEST 2024 ADDITIONS TO THE CLOWDER OF COCKPIT IN COURT’S CATS: Tiggalily

Interviews

Jellicle Cats are Made-Up Cats. And not just that kind of made-up! It’s a whole beauty palette coming at you from this Jellicle Cat!

Thank you so much for spontaneously agreeing to be a part of this series. Becky Flickinger has surprised us both with deciding that this was happening— right now* —as you, she, and Bambi were walking back from the theatre, previewing what the space was going to look like! So we’re both going to be doing a little impromptu improvisation!

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RETURN TO THE JELLICLE BALL: MEETING THE NEWEST 2024 ADDITIONS TO THE CLOWDER OF COCKPIT IN COURT’S CATS: Cassandra

Interviews

Could it be? Another— *gasp* CAT!? (Well you didn’t think we’d suddenly switched to Dogs: The Musical, did you?)

Thank you for giving us some of your time today! Could you tell us who you are and who you play?

Alyssa Bell: Sure! My name is Alyssa Bell and I play Cassandra.

Tell us a little bit about Cassandra?

Alyssa: Cassandra is an Egyptian cat.

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RETURN TO THE JELLICLE BALL: MEETING THE NEWEST 2024 ADDITIONS TO THE CLOWDER OF COCKPIT IN COURT’S CATS: Jemima

Interviews

Jellicle Cats are…ducks and pancake syrup!? Wait a minute…

Thank you so much for sitting with us today! Could you tell us who you are and who you play in this production of Cats?

Meagan Jenkins: I’m Meagan Jenkins and I play Jemima.

Tell me about Jemima!

Meagan: Well, my lore or the show’s lore?

Either or! Or both! Whatever makes you happy!

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Bambi Johnson (standing center) directing a rehearsal of Cats at Cockpit in Court

Local Limelight: Director & Choreographer Bambi Johnson on Jellicles, Theatre, and All That Jazz

Interviews

I’ve been a reviewing critic for nearly 15 years. And there’s no irony lost on me that on the day my personal publication, TheatreBloom, turns 10 years old, Cats at Cockpit in Court will be closing its three-week run, concluding the main-stage 2024 season for that company. The “Local Limelight” was a series of interviews that was cooked up during the pandemic, when everyone was wondering if we’d ever get to “theatre” again (like it was a true verb.) And it’s designed to shine a spotlight on someone in the community who gets up to great things,

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RETURN TO THE JELLICLE BALL: MEETING THE NEWEST 2024 ADDITIONS TO THE CLOWDER OF COCKPIT IN COURT’S CATS: Exotica

Interviews

Jellicle Cats are dancing cats…Jellicle Cats are returning Cats…once a combo cat now…

Welcome back! And thank you for giving us some of your time! Tell us who you are, who you were before, and who you are once more? This is getting complicated!

Katelynn O’Connor: I’m Katelynn O’Connor, that is still the same. But last time I was a combination of Victoria and Jemima and this time I’m playing Exotica!

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RETURN TO THE JELLICLE BALL: MEETING THE NEWEST 2024 ADDITIONS TO THE CLOWDER OF COCKPIT IN COURT’S CATS: Alonzo

Interviews

Meow? I’ll bet you a pound of catnip we’re about to meet another cat. I win. Don’t worry, it won’t go very far with my six at home, but hey, catnip is catnip. Maybe they’ll finally tell me their super secretive names. In the meantime, you go meet this amazing cat.

Thank you for joining us! Please tell us who you are and who you play in Cats.

Aaron Knight: I’m Aaron Knight.

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RETURN TO THE JELLICLE BALL: MEETING THE NEWEST 2024 ADDITIONS TO THE CLOWDER OF COCKPIT IN COURT’S CATS: Admetus

Interviews

A fancier, sensible cat. T.S. Eliot might have even named this one in that one poem about naming the cats! Are you ready to meet another Jellicle Tom? No, there are no cats called Tom.

Thank you for joining us! Could you tell us who you are and who you play here at Cats?

Michael Shipman: I am Michael Shipman and I play Admetus.

Tell me a little bit about Admetus.

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RETURN TO THE JELLICLE BALL: MEETING THE NEWEST 2024 ADDITIONS TO THE CLOWDER OF COCKPIT IN COURT’S CATS: Mungojerrie

Interviews

Riffraff. Streetcat. I don’t buy that! Man, I’ve been spending too much time on the Disney channel. But announcing in this corner, the talking-weight-champion of the Cats interview series, weighing in at 9 minutes and 24 seconds… a record previously held by Rob Tucker in the 2022 production of Cats (8 minutes and 9 seconds though while holding the role of Quaxo/Rumpus Cat…not Mungojerrie, which he did play in the 2016 production of Bambi’s Cats…anyone need a graph-chart yet?) We are pleased to present MUNGOJERRIE!

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