KMUZ Theatre Talk: Recent Episodes

Ann McBride and Ed Schoaps

Theatre Talk brings you news and interviews about live theatre performing throughout the mid-Willamette Valley. Hosts Ann McBride and Ed Schoaps talk about shows that are opening, playing and auditioning in the area and interview directors, actors, production designers and more.

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(00:00) Intro and the KMUZ Theatre TalkCalendar.

(11:46) GREASE opens Sept. 6 at Gallery Theatre in McMinnville.Director Kelly Janssen and actors Victor Polanco and Waverly Schmidt give Ann and Ed a peek behind the curtain of their colorful, energetic, song-filled musical.

(27:09) Pentacle Theatre’s 2025 season includes a chestnut, a classic drama, two modern musicals and lots of laughs. Steven Trahan and Laura Davis raise the curtain on Pentacle Theatre’s seven-show season and how to get season tickets.

KMUZ Theatre Talk airs at 9 a.m. the first and third Fridaysof the month at ⁠KMUZ 100.7 and 88.5 FM ⁠in the mid-Willamette Valley and on your favorite radio app.

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(00:00) Intro and the KMUZ Theatre TalkCalendar.

(10:42) Choreographer Christopher Dean and actors Tyson Miller and Coleman Casebeer give Ann and Ed a preview of the classic family-friendly musical OLIVER! that plays every Tuesday evening in August at the Gerry Frank Amphitheater in Salem’s downtown Riverfront Park.

(28:32) Director Brandon Gitchel and actors Rose Beuford and Allison Reid Burton talk with Ed about the hilarious mystery-farce CLUE: ONSTAGE, running Aug 23-Sept. 14 at Pentacle Theatre in Salem.

(41:49) Co-directors Jeremy Clubb and Andi Bean tellEd all about auditions for EVIL DEAD THE MUSICAL, happening Aug. 17 at the Grand Theater in downtown Salem.EVIL DEAD THE MUSICAL runs Oct. 24 – Nov. 3 on the Chemeketa Community College stage and the show will benefit the Mid-Valley Theatre Network and its member theaters.

KMUZ Theatre Talk airs at 9 a.m. the first and third Fridaysof the month at ⁠KMUZ 100.7 and 88.5 FM ⁠in the mid-Willamette Valley and on your favorite radio app.

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(00:00) Intro and the KMUZ Theatre Talk Calendar.

(14:47) A pair of one-act plays, Trifles, by Susan Glaspell, and Sam Shepard’s Fool for Love, run July 26 – Aug.11 at McMinnville’sGallery Theater. Ann and Ed talk with Trifles director Marla Nuttman and Fool for Love director Lance Nuttman about their collaboration on these engrossing tales that will leave you with a lot to think about.

(31:22) Theatre 33’s 11th Summer Festivalof original plays-in-progress by Pacific Northwest playwrights continues through Aug. 4 at Willamette University. Ed and Ann talk with show director Rod Ceballos and Theatre 33 executive director Thomas Nabhan about the final shows on this year’s festival calendar.

KMUZ Theatre Talk airs at 9 a.m. the first and third Fridaysof the month at ⁠KMUZ 100.7 and 88.5 FM ⁠in the mid-Willamette Valley and on your favorite radio app.

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(00:00) Intro and the KMUZ Theatre Talk Calendar.

(16:38) Ann and Ed talk with director Mia Apodaca about the July 20 auditions at Keizer Homegrown Theatre for a wickedly funny satire on politically correct theatre, THE THANKSGIVING PLAY.

(31:59) In this episode’s second interview, Ed and Ann hear from director Seth Renne about open auditions July 14 and 16 at Gallery Theater for a darkly comic musical ode to young love, FLY BY NIGHT.

KMUZ Theatre Talk airs at 9 a.m. the first and thirdFridays of the month at ⁠KMUZ 100.7 and 88.5 FM⁠in the mid-Willamette Valley and on your favorite radio app.

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(00:00) Intro and the KMUZ Theatre Talk Calendar.

(17:58) Playwright and director Catherine Kinsman joins Ann and Ed from her home in Nova Scotia to talk about open auditions on June 22 for SPIRAL, a new musical in development. Act I of SPIRAL: the musical will be workshopped by the cast and creative team and presented as a staged reading July 20 and 21 at Pentacle Theatre. Kinsman talks about this exciting opportunity for local actors to help bring a new Broadway show to life.

(35:44) Ed and Ann talk with director, choreographer and performer Geri Greeno about open auditions for the musical FOOTLOOSE, happening July 6 and 20 at Pentacle Theatre. Greeno has big plans for this large-cast musical, with lots of parts for high school age teens and adults alike.

Listen to⁠KMUZ Theatre Talk⁠ wherever you get your podcasts.

KMUZ Theatre Talk airs live at 9 a.m. the first and third Fridays of the month at ⁠KMUZ 100.7 and 88.5 FM ⁠in the mid-Willamette Valley and on your favorite radio app.

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(00:00) Intro and the KMUZ Theatre Talk Calendar.

(11:42) In Boy Gets Girl, onstage through June 29 at Pentacle Theatre, what first looks like a romcom blind date takes an unexpected turn from romantic pursuit to obsession. Join Ann and Ed as they talk with director Emily Loberg, assistant director Elizabeth Ming and lead actor Megan Woodward about this chilling adult drama.

(25:04) The Lifespan of a Fact, at Keizer Homegrown Theatre June 14-30, mixes drama and humor to explore the blurred line between truth and fiction through the tension between a magazine essayist and young fact checker. Director Linda Baker and actors Jay Gipson King and Andy Bednars talk about their journey through the nature of truth itself.

(37:16) Bullshot Crummond, at Albany Civic Theater June 14-29, is a parody of low-budget 30s detective movies that typifies British heroism at its dumbest. There’s a hapless detective, a damsel in distress, and a villain and his mistress — along with her pet falcon. Join Ed and Ann as they laugh their way through an interview with director Erik Esrael and actors Kim Halchishick and Aria Hamilton.

Listen to⁠KMUZ Theatre Talk⁠ wherever you get your podcasts.

KMUZ Theatre Talk airs live at 9 a.m. the first and thirdFridays of the month at ⁠KMUZ 100.7 and 88.5 FM⁠in the mid-Willamette Valley and on your favorite radio app.

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(00:00) Intro and the KMUZ Theatre Talk Calendar.

(11:06) Playing May 17–25 at Albany Civic Theater is KARLABOY, a psychological ghost story told through the lens of a high-profile 1950’s Hollywood marriage of convenience that ended with a starlet’s death. It’s directed by our first guest, Jillian Alden.

(19:43) May 29-June 1, JOHN PROCTOR IS THEVILLAINis onstage at Western Oregon University Theatre. This bitingly funny comedy is set in a rural Georgia high school, where a group of lively teens study Arthur Miller’s “The Crucible” while navigating young love, sex ed and a few school scandals. It’s directed by Raissa Fleming, who joins us today along with assistant director Kelsey Wallace and actor Savannah King.

Listen to⁠KMUZ Theatre Talk⁠ wherever you get your podcasts.

KMUZ Theatre Talk airs live at 9 a.m. the first and third Fridays of the month at ⁠KMUZ 100.7 and 88.5 FM ⁠in the mid-Willamette Valley and on your favorite radio app.

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Ed talks with director Brandon Gitchel about open auditions happening May 18 for CLUE: ON STAGE at ⁠Pentacle Theatre⁠. Ann and Ed interview Tamara McGinnis about this summer’s ⁠Corban University Theatre Camp 2024 for kids from grade four through high school.

(00:00) Intro and the KMUZ Theatre Talk Calendar.

(11:06) CLUE: ON STAGE is a fun mystery/farce based on the 1980s film and the popular board game. Director Brandon Gitchel talks with Ed about his vision for the show and open auditions happening at Pentacle Theatre on May 18.

(19:43) “High Hopes” is the theme for Corban University’s Theatre Camp 2024. Ann and Ed get all the details on this popular summertime creative blast from camp director Tamara McGinnis.

Listen to⁠KMUZ Theatre Talk⁠ wherever you get your podcasts.

KMUZ Theatre Talk airs live at 9 a.m. the first and third Fridays of the month at ⁠KMUZ 100.7 and 88.5 FM ⁠in the mid-Willamette Valley and on your favorite radio app.

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(00:00) Intro and the KMUZ Theatre Talk Calendar.

(09:43) Lauren Gunderson’s SILENT SKYis onstage through April 28 at Keizer Homegrown Theatre. This true story of 19th-century astronomer Henrietta Leavitt explores a woman’s place in society during a time of immense scientific discoveries, when women’s ideas were dismissed until men claimed credit for them. Ann and Ed talk with actor Shilah Tibbets and director Lorianne Schmidt.

(21:21) Theatre 33’sSummer Festival of original plays-in-progress by Pacific NW playwrights, runs May 23–Aug. 4. Ann and Ed talk with executive director Thomas Nabhan and Artistic Director Susan Coromel about the staged shows and pop-up performances in this 11th season and the changes ahead for 2025.

(40:17) RIPCORDruns at Pentacle Theatre April 19–May 11. It's all-out war for the best room in town when Abby and Marilyn are forced to share a room at the Bristol Place Senior Living Facility. How will this whacky, witty, wild adventure end? Who will come out on top? Ed and Ann get the inside scoop from director Karen McCarty and actor Anthony Barghini.

Listen to⁠KMUZ Theatre Talk⁠ wherever you get your podcasts.

KMUZ Theatre Talk airs live at 9 a.m. the first and third Fridays of the month at ⁠KMUZ 100.7 and 88.5 FM ⁠in the mid-Willamette Valley and on your favorite radio app.

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(00:00) Intro and the KMUZ Theatre Talk Calendar.

(09:51) The hit musical THE PROM runs at Albany Civic Theater April 5-27. On a mission to transform lives, Broadway’s brassiest actors join forces with a student who wants to bring her girlfriend as her high school prom date — against the wishes of parents who want to keep the dance on the straight and narrow. The result is love that brings everyone together. Ed interviews assistant director Dan Bushong and actors Abigail Hobson and Liz Winters.

(24:02) Willamette University Theatre presents DANCING AT LUGHNASA April 11-27 on the Pelton Theater mainstage. Ann andEd talk with director Susan Coromel about Brian Friel’s masterwork tracing one man’s childhood memories of his 1936 summer in Ballybeg, Ireland, in this tribute to the spirit and valor of the past.

Listen to⁠KMUZ Theatre Talk⁠ wherever you get your podcasts.

KMUZ Theatre Talk airs live at 9 a.m. the first and third Fridays of the month at ⁠KMUZ 100.7 and 88.5 FM in the mid-Willamette Valley and on your favorite radio app.

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(00:00) Intro and the KMUZ Theatre Talk Calendar

(08:39) What if Romeo had stayed helplessly in love with Rosaline instead of Juliet? Or if Mercutio and Tybalt hadn't died — but got together instead? In “Romeo & Juliet: Choose Your Own Ending” atGallery Theater March 22-April 7, the audience votes on which course true love takes in this irreverent, madcap reimagining of Shakespeare's beloved romance. Ann and Ed interview director John Hamilton and actors Olivia Claudell and Sara Wright.

(19:27) Struts & Frets Theatre Company presents “Little Women” March 28-30 at the Dallas Event Center. It’s a new adaptation of Louisa May Alcott’s classic novel by prolific playwright Kate Hamill and directed by Terry Kitagawa. Ann and Ed talk with actors Hannah Fawcett, Claire Snyder and Elliot Grass about this new staging of a beloved book.

Listen to⁠KMUZ Theatre Talk⁠ wherever you get your podcasts.

KMUZ Theatre Talk airs live at 9 a.m. the first and third Fridays of the month at ⁠KMUZ 100.7 and 88.5 FM ⁠in the mid-Willamette Valley and on your favorite radio app.

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(00:00) Intro and the KMUZ Theatre Talk Calendar.

(12:57) The hit musical “THE PROM” runs at Pentacle Theatre March 1-23. On a mission to transform lives, Broadway’s brassiest quartet joins forces with a student who wants to bring her girlfriend as her high school prom date, and the town’s citizens. The result is love that brings everyone together. Director Robert Salberg joins Ann and Ed.

(21:33) “THE REVOLUTIONISTS,” by playwright Lauren Gunderson and directed by Leigh Matthews Bock, runs March 8-17 at The Majestic Theatre. Ann and Ed talk with assistant director Danita Hamel and actors Sanaya Forbes and Corley Stanford about four women caught up in the French Revolution: an assassin, a spy, a playwright and — of course — Marie Antoinette.

(36:07) ”SLEEPING BEAUTY, BRIAR ROSE” comes to the Corban University Theatre stage March 7-17. It’s a new take on the classic fairytales of Charles Perrault and the Brothers Grimm. Director Jeremia Price tells Ed and Ann why this classic story is one of his all-time favorites.

Listen to⁠KMUZ Theatre Talk⁠ wherever you get your podcasts.

KMUZ Theatre Talk airs live at 9 a.m. the firstand third Fridays of the month at ⁠KMUZ 100.7 and 88.5 FM ⁠in the mid-Willamette Valley and on yourfavorite radio app.

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(00:00) Intro and the KMUZ “Power Up” campaign.

(02:32) Theatre Talk Calendar

(12:57) “Eclipsed,” by Irish playwright Patricia Burke-Brogan, reveals the terrible truth behind Ireland’s Magdelene Laundries, where, for more than 200 years, over 30,000 women branded as “fallen” were banished into forced labor and abused by the Catholic Church. Ed and Ann interview Albany Civic Theatre director Charlotte Headrick and actors Diane Slamp and Leslie Hogan about this important drama.

(33:42) Spring Awakening is a modern rock musical based on a 19th century German play about the joys, angst and challenges of teenagers discovering their budding sexuality. Professor and show director Michael Phillips and actors Jacob Fritts and Kelsey Wallace join Ann and Ed for a lively conversation about Western Oregon University Theatre’s upcoming production.

Listen to⁠KMUZ Theatre Talk⁠ wherever you get your podcasts.

KMUZ Theatre Talk airs live at 9 a.m. the first and third Fridays of the month at ⁠KMUZ 100.7 and 88.5 FM ⁠in the mid- Willamette Valley and on your favorite radio app.

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(00:00) Intro and Theatre Talk Calendar.

(09:40) “Zazzie Sings” is a new musical being previewed at The Majestic Theatre in Corvallis by the creators of the worldwide phenomenon “Disenchanted.” Director- playwright Fiely Matias and composer-lyricist Dennis Giacino return to Theatre Talk with the story behind the story.

(35:15) Jeff Minden is directing the French farce “Boeing Boeing” at Keizer Homegrown Theatre. He talks about how to fit seven doors on a small stage along with six actors and non-stop mayhem.

Listen to⁠KMUZ Theatre Talk⁠ wherever you get your podcasts.

KMUZ Theatre Talk airs live at 9 a.m. the first and third Fridays of the month at ⁠KMUZ 100.7 and 88.5 FM ⁠in the mid-Willamette Valley and on your favorite radio app.

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(00:00) Intro and Theatre Talk Calendar.

(10:52) Karen McCarty, director of “Ripcord,” by David Lindsay-Abair will hold auditions for this small cast comedy at Pentacle Theatre on Jan. 27. Ann and Ed talk with Karen about the characters and why Lindsay-Abaire is her favorite playwright.

(19:11) A new adaptation of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s classic novel, “The Great Gatsby” takes the stage at Albany Civic Theatre Jan. 26 – Feb. 10. Ann and Ed talk with director Lorianne Schmidt and actor Robert Henry in depth about bringing this Jazz-Age story to life.

Listen to⁠KMUZ Theatre Talk⁠ wherever you get your podcasts.

KMUZ Theatre Talk airs live at 9 a.m. the firstand third Fridays of the month at ⁠KMUZ 100.7 and 88.5 FM

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(00:00) Intro and Theatre Talk Calendar.

(09:25) Ann and Ed talk with Jo Dodge, who has directed scores of comedies, dramas and musicals in her long career at Pentacle Theatre and has a special relationship with “Brighton Beach Memoirs,” the first of Neil Simon’s autobiographical trilogy plays. It means a lot to her as a director, actor and acting teacher. It’s no wonder that Jo is known affectionately as Mama Drama. Join us for a fun interview with a local theatre legend!

Listen to⁠KMUZ Theatre Talk⁠ wherever you get your podcasts.

KMUZ Theatre Talk airs live at 9 a.m. the first and third Fridays of the month at ⁠KMUZ 100.7 and 88.5 FM ⁠in the mid-Willamette Valley and on your favorite radio app.

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Happy Holidays to all you theatre lovers!

Here’s a special gift from Ann and Ed to thank you for listening to and supporting another year of KMUZ Theatre Talk broadcasts and podcasts. Gather round and listen along with your kids for a special treat!

Listen to⁠KMUZ Theatre Talk⁠ anytime, wherever you get your podcasts.

KMUZ Theatre Talk airs live at 9 a.m. the first and third Fridays of the month at ⁠KMUZ 100.7 and 88.5 FM ⁠in themid-Willamette Valley and on your favorite radio app.

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(00:00) Intro.

(00:50) The mid-Willamette Valley theatre season promises great entertainment ahead for theatre lovers. Ed and Ann cover it from A to Z in this episode.

(17:58) Wrap-up. Thanks for listening to and supporting another year of Theatre Talk broadcasts and podcasts.

Listen to⁠KMUZ Theatre Talk⁠ anytime, wherever you get your podcasts.

KMUZ Theatre Talk airs live at 9 a.m. the first and third Fridays of the month at ⁠KMUZ 100.7 and 88.5 FM ⁠in themid-Willamette Valley and on your favorite radio app.

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(00:00) Intro and ⁠KMUZ Theatre Talk⁠ Calendar.

(09:06) We all know the Peter Pan story, but what happened before Neverland? The answer is in the magical play with music,Peter and the Starcatcher, onstage at Albany Civic Theatre Dec. 1–16. Ann interviews assistant director Stepanie Schwarz and actors Henry Moat and Teza Ross to talk about Black Stache, the Lost Boys, crocodiles, fairies and how a raked stage helps tell the tale.

(18:34) A giant peach, animated puppet insects and a thrilling story come alive on the Grand Theatre stage in downtown Salem Dec. 8–17 as Enlightened Theatrics presentsJames and the Giant Peach, based on the classic book by Roald Dahl. Director Stephen Munshaw, actor Ryan Carty and Enlightened’s Executive Director Jessica Peterson are really excited about this musical, and for good reason.

Listen to⁠KMUZ Theatre Talk⁠ anytime, wherever you get your podcasts.

KMUZ Theatre Talk airs live at 9 a.m. the first and third Fridays of the month at ⁠KMUZ 100.7 and 88.5 FM ⁠in the mid-Willamette Valley and on your favorite radio app.

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(00:00) Intro and ⁠KMUZ Theatre Talk⁠ Calendar.

(09:28) “The Play That Goes Wrong” runs Nov. 17–Dec. 9 at Pentacle Theatre. Director Susan Schoaps, with actors Shay Hasse and Ken Hermens, share the challenges and rewards of creating the crazy comic chaos of a theatre troupe’s opening night disaster — where the props don’t work, the set has a mind of its own and the stalwart actors and technicians are unprepared for the mayhem.

(26:13) For one comic strip kid, nothing ever seems to go right. Trees eat his kites and kicking a football is always a huge fail. Still, Charlie wakes up every morning hoping it will be the day he succeeds. Director Tamara McGinnis talks about why keeping hope alive is her biggest takeaway from “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown,” playing Nov. 9–19 at Corban University Theater.

(37:41) “Much Ado About Nothing” is one of Shakespeare’s best romances. It plays atWestern Oregon University Nov. 9–18. Director Jeb Burris and actors Maddie Blanchard and Jacob Fritts — who play the unsure lovers Beatrice and Benedick — share Shakespeare’s tale of gossip, trickery and secrets in a post-war world.

Listen to⁠KMUZ Theatre Talk⁠ anytime, wherever you get your podcasts.

KMUZ Theatre Talk airs live at 9 a.m. the first and third Fridays of the month at ⁠KMUZ 100.7 and 88.5 FM ⁠in the mid-Willamette Valley and on your favorite radio app.

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(00:00) Intro and ⁠KMUZ Theatre Talk⁠ Calendar.

(09:45) Award-winning playwright and opera librettist Ellen Lewis is the playwright in residence at Artists Repertory Theatre in Portland and is working on a new play commissioned by the Oregon Shakespeare Festival for its American Revolutions series. Ellen recently wrote the book and lyrics for her first musical, In the Deep,” together with composer Roscoe McDonald. It premieres Oct. 26 at Willamette University.

(32:02) Composer Roscoe McDonald joins playwright Ellen Lewis to dive into their new musical, “In the Deep,” which premieres Oct. 26 at the Willamette University Theatre in Salem.

Listen to ⁠KMUZ Theatre Talk⁠ anytime, wherever you getyour podcasts.

KMUZ Theatre Talk airs live at 9 a.m. the first and third Fridays of the month at ⁠KMUZ 100.7 and 88.5 FM ⁠in themid-Willamette Valley and on your favorite radio app.

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(00:00) Intro and KMUZ Theatre Talk Calendar.

(07:04) Legendary director Jo Dodge joins Ann Ed, who ask about Jo’s life as an actor, director and acting teacher at ⁠Pentacle Theatre⁠. She’s directing her 50th show in January and holding open auditions for actors on Oct. 21.

(22:17) Jo Dodge dives into the details for the casting call and open auditions for her 50th show at ⁠Pentacle Theatre⁠, the Neil Simon classic comedy, “Brighton Beach Memoirs.” Auditions are Oct. 21, and the show runs Jan. 12 – Feb. 4.

(34:25) North Salem High School Theater Department teacher Jay Gipson-King is directing students in the true-life thriller “Trap.” The fun but scary show runs Oct. 12-14.

Listen to KMUZ Theatre Talk anytime, wherever you get your podcasts. Remember to subscribe so you don't miss an episode — and share KMUZ Theater Talk podcasts with your friends.

KMUZ Theatre Talk airs live at 9 a.m. the first and third Fridays of the month at KMUZ 100.7 and 88.5 FM in the mid-Willamette Valley and on your favorite radio app.

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We’re featuring two new musicals on this week’s episode of KMUZ Theatre Talk that are sure to become audience favorites.

(00:00) Intro and Theatre Talk Calendar.

(06:32) Joining us first on KMUZ Theatre Talk are co-directors Emily Matsuda and Sabrina Rehnke, along with young actor Esther Morgan, to tell us all about “Matilda The Musical,” onstage now through Oct. 1 at Gallery Theater in McMinnville.

(20:36) And in our second interview segment, we’ll talk with director Loriann Schmidt and actors Lance Nuttman, Nathalie Reid-Holbrook and Kamil Finger, from“The Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder,” running Sept. 29 – Oct. 21 at Pentacle Theatre in Salem.

Listen to KMUZ Theatre Talk anytime, wherever you get your podcasts. Remember to subscribe so you don't miss an episode — and share KMUZ Theater Talk podcasts with your friends.

KMUZ Theatre Talk airs live at 9 a.m. the first and third Fridays of the month at KMUZ 100.7 and 88.5 FM in the mid-Willamette Valley and on your favorite radio app.

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On this episode of KMUZ Theatre Talk:

(00:00) Intro and Theatre Talk Calendar.

(06:06) Four Southern gals learn what the bond of friendship really means when faced with late-life challenges in “The Savannah Sipping Society,” opening Sept 15 at Albany Civic Theatre. Ann and Ed talk with director Scott Harvey and actors Linda Cashin and Jennifer Moody about this comic character piece.

Listen to KMUZ Theatre Talk anytime, wherever you get your podcasts. Remember to subscribe so you don't miss an episode — and share KMUZ Theater Talk podcasts with your friends.

KMUZ Theatre Talk airs live at 9 a.m. the first and third Fridays of the month at KMUZ 100.7 and 88.5 FM in the mid-Willamette Valley and on your favorite radio app.

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On this episode of KMUZ Theatre Talk:

(00:00) Intro and Theatre Talk Calendar.

(08:32) Agatha Christie meets Noises Off? Auditions for The Play That Goes Wrong are Sept. 2 at Pentacle Theatre. Director Susan Schoaps talks about the physical comedy and complex tech in this hilarious play-within-a-play hit farce — where everything that can possibly go wrong onstage, goes wrong.

(19:38) Theatre 33’s New Play Summer Festival winds up Aug. 20 with two shows: The Names is held over for extra performances in the Pelton Theatre and A Tale of Two premieres in the Rodgers Rehearsal Hall. Rod Ceballos, Susan Coromel and Thomas Nabhan join Ann and Ed for a deep dive into these first-time productions.

Listen to KMUZ Theatre Talk anytime, wherever you get your podcasts. Remember to subscribe so you don't miss an episode — and share KMUZ Theater Talk podcasts with your friends.

KMUZ Theatre Talk airs live at 9 a.m. the first and third Fridays of the month at KMUZ 100.7 and 88.5 FM in the mid-Willamette Valley and on your favorite radio app.

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On this episode of KMUZ Theatre Talk:

• (00:00) Intro and Theatre Talk Calendar.

• (07:20) Show director Debbie Neel and actors Christoper Schoaps and Victoria Venard talk about the challenges and rewards of working on The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time, running Aug. 11–Sept. 2 at Pentacle Theatre in Salem. This Tony-winning drama focuses on a teenage boy with an extraordinary brain, determined to go out of his comfort zone to solve a mysterious crime.

• (26:37) Based on the Disney movie, the musical Newsies runs Aug. 11-19 at the new Mid-Valley Musical Theatre in the Albany Performing Arts Center. Director Diane Allen and actors Eli Nicholas and Curtis Allen tell Ann and Ed about MVMT’s inaugural production.

Listen to KMUZ Theatre Talk anytime, wherever you get your podcasts. Remember to subscribe so you don't miss an episode — and share KMUZ Theater Talk podcasts with your friends.

KMUZ Theatre Talk airs live at 9 a.m. the first and third Fridays of the month at KMUZ 100.7 and 88.5 FM in the mid-Willamette Valley and on your favorite radio app — and anytime wherever you get your podcasts.

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On this episode of KMUZ Theatre Talk:

• (00:00) Intro and Theatre Talk Calendar.

• (09:17) Pentacle Theatre board president Emma Thurston and operations manager Steven Trahan reveal Pentacle’s 2024 season of plays. They also cover the challenges, joys and work it takes to put together a winning season with wide appeal.

• (29:44) No problem? Struts and Frets Theatre Co. takes on one of Shakespeare’s most challenging and entertaining romance plays, The Winter’s Tale, coming to Struts & Frets Theatre Co. Aug. 16–19 at the Eola Hills Wine Cellars in Rickreall. Ann and Ed take a peek behind the curtain with show director Hannah Fawcett and actors Jeff Sanders and Amelia Woolsey.

Listen to KMUZ Theatre Talk anytime, wherever you get your podcasts. Remember to subscribe so you don't miss an episode — and share KMUZ Theater Talk podcasts with your friends.

KMUZ Theatre Talk airs live at 9 a.m. the first and third Fridays of the month at KMUZ 100.7 and 88.5 FM in the mid-Willamette Valley and on your favorite radio app — and anytime wherever you get your podcasts.

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On this episode of KMUZ Theatre Talk:

• (00:00) Intro and the Theatre Talk Calendar.

• (09:55) Katrina Godderz and Daric Moore tell Ann and Ed it’s not your grandmother’s "Pride and Prejudice," opening July 28 at Gallery Theater.

• (24:30) Linda Baker is a self-described fangirl for Lauren Gunderson’s "The Book of Will," opening July 14 at Keizer Homegrown Theatre.

Listen to KMUZ Theatre Talk anytime, wherever you get your podcasts. Remember to subscribe so you don't miss an episode — and share KMUZ Theater Talk podcasts with your friends.

KMUZ Theatre Talk airs live at 9 a.m. the first and third Fridays of the month at KMUZ 100.7 and 88.5 FM in the mid-Willamette Valley and on your favorite radio app — and anytime wherever you get your podcasts.

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On this episode of KMUZ Theatre Talk:

  • (00:00) Intro and Theatre Talk Calendar.

  • (13:21) Loriann Schmidt talks about auditions for "A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder," July 8 at Pentacle Theatre.

  • (24:43) Jessica Lynnette Peterson and Carole Astley from Enlightened Theatrics talk about the Broadway Dreams workshop in July and 2023 Summer Camps for kids in August.

  • (38:47) Robert Salberg from Children’s Educational Theatre takes a deep dive into CET’s 49th annual summer theatre program for elementary through high school students.

Listen to KMUZ Theatre Talk anytime, wherever you get your podcasts. Remember to subscribe so you don't miss an episode — and share KMUZ Theater Talk podcasts with your friends.

KMUZ Theatre Talk airs live at 9 a.m. the first and third Fridays of the month at KMUZ 100.7 and 88.5 FM in the mid-Willamette Valley and on your favorite radio app — and anytime wherever you get your podcasts.

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On this episode of KMUZ Theatre Talk, Ann and Ed interview Susan Coromel and Thomas Nabhan from Theatre 33 at Willamette University about their 10th New Play Summer Festival for Pacific Northwest Playwrights. We’ll also learn about Theatre 33’s ambitious plan to become a creative regional theatre hub for emerging playwrights.

Later, Ed and Ann are joined by show director Karen McCarty and actors Jodi Deming and Kelli Jaecks from Exit Laughing, an award-winning laugh-a-minute comedy running June 9-July 1 at Salem’sPentacle Theatre.

Listen to KMUZ Theatre Talk anytime, wherever you get your podcasts. Remember to subscribe so you don't miss an episode — and share KMUZ Theater Talk podcasts with your friends.

KMUZ Theatre Talk airs live at 9 a.m. the first and third Fridays of the month at KMUZ 100.7 and 88.5 FM in the mid-Willamette Valley and on your favorite radio app -- and anytime wherever you get your podcasts.

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On this episode of KMUZ Theatre Talk, Ann and Ed interview David Janowiak, who’s been a leading force behind Western Oregon University’s BFA theatre program for 24 years. He’s also the founder of the Valley Shakespeare Company and one of the founders of the professional Salem Repertory Theatre. David is headed to the University of North Carolina, Charlotte, in July to chair their theatre program. He leaves behind a legacy that few university theatre leaders can match. We also learn that he’s making a road trip of the journey back East with his wife, twin 6-year-old boys and two dogs. David will be long remembered and sorely missed, so join us for this in-depth interview.

Later, Ed and Ann are joined by Tamara McGinnis, head of the theatre program at Corban University, to talk about their 2023 Summer Theatre Camp for kids from grade 4 through high school. This two-week program is jam-packed with all kinds of fun, so join our conversation to learn more.

Listen to KMUZ Theatre Talk anytime, wherever you get your podcasts. Remember to subscribe so you don't miss an episode — and share KMUZ Theater Talk podcasts with your friends.

KMUZ Theatre Talk airs live at 9 a.m. the first and third Fridays of the month at KMUZ 100.7 and 88.5 FM in the mid-Willamette Valley and on your favorite radio app.

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On this episode of KMUZ Theatre Talk, Ann and Ed interview show director Robin Pederson about “9 to 5, The Musical,” with music and lyrics by Dolly Parton, playing at Gallery Theatre in McMinnville every weekend in May. Working women, unite!

Later, Ed and Ann learn about some surprising personal histories and longtime connections to ”Love, Loss, and What I Wore,” from director Leigh Matthews-Bock and actors Storm Kennedy and Laura Blackwell. This collection of women’s voices and stories in monologues comes to Albany Civic Theatre May 12 – 20.

Listen to KMUZ Theatre Talk anytime, wherever you get your podcasts. Remember to subscribe so you don't miss an episode — and share KMUZ Theater Talk podcasts with your friends.

KMUZ Theatre Talk airs live at 9 a.m. the first and third Fridays of the month at KMUZ 100.7 and 88.5 FM in the mid-Willamette Valley and on your favorite radio app.

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On this episode of KMUZ Theatre Talk, Ann and Ed interview show director Stephen Munshaw and music director John Radosta about Stephen Sondheim’s “A Little Night Music,” in concert April 29 at the Elsinore Theatre. This special performance features the mid-valley’s best vocalists backed by the Salem Orchestra.

Ed and Ann also talk with Patricia Wiley and Tom Hewitt, the co-directors of “A Doll’s House, Part 2,” opening May 5 at Keizer Homegrown Theatre. It’s a contemporary update of Ibsen’s 19th century classic and we’ll learn why.

Later, director Debbie Neel joins Ann and Ed to talk about open auditions on May 6 for 10 roles in the Tony Award winning play, “The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time,” at Pentacle Theatre. Join us!

Listen to KMUZ Theatre Talk anytime, wherever you get your podcasts. Remember to subscribe so you don't miss an episode — and share KMUZ Theater Talk podcasts with your friends.

KMUZ Theatre Talk airs live at 9 a.m. the first and third Fridays of the month at KMUZ 100.7 and 88.5 FM in the mid-Willamette Valley and on your favorite radio app.

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On this week’s episode of KMUZ Theatre Talk, it’s a three-fer! Ann and Ed talk with Susan Coromel, who’s directing the Noël Coward classic comedyBlithe Spirit, opening April 13 at Willamette University’s Pelton Theatre. And theatre manager Stephen Alexander joins in to reveal Willamette’s 2023-24 season.

Then Ed and Ann talk with assistant director Becky Roth and actor Melissa Gutierrez about the hilarious Shakespearian musical comedy, Something Rotten! opening April 7 at Albany Civic Theatre.

And finally, Ann and Ed interview director Jo Dodge, assistant director Jennifer Gimzewski and actors Heather Toller and David Ballantyne from Rabbit Hole, a moving contemporary drama opening April 21 at Pentacle Theatre. Join us!

Listen to KMUZ Theatre Talk anytime wherever you get your podcasts. Remember to subscribe to our podcast so you don't miss an episode — and share KMUZ Theater Talk podcasts with your friends.

KMUZ Theatre Talk airs live at 9 a.m. the first and third Fridays of the month at KMUZ 100.7 and 88.5 FM in the mid-Willamette Valley and on your favorite radio app.

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On this week’s episode of KMUZ Theatre Talk, Ann and Ed talk with actors Koli Cutler and Zach DuFault, who are in Neil Simon’s classic 60s comedy, “The Odd Couple,” running March 17-26 at Keizer Homegrown Theatre. Ed and Ann also talk with Pentacle Theatre board member Bryan Toller about a change in Pentacle’s show lineup, and director Karen McCarty about upcoming auditions for the new comedy, “Exit Laughing,” happening on March 25. Join us!

Listen to KMUZ Theatre Talk anytime wherever you get your podcasts. Remember to subscribe to our podcast so you don't miss an episode — and share KMUZ Theater Talk podcasts with your friends.

KMUZ Theatre Talk airs live at 9 a.m. the first and third Fridays of the month at KMUZ 100.7 and 88.5 FM in the mid-Willamette Valley and on your favorite radio app.

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On this week’s episode of KMUZ Theatre Talk, Ann and Ed interview Jerimiah Price, director of The Phantom Tollbooth, running March 17-26 at Corban University. Then director Robert Salberg and actors Brett Hochstetler and Corey Jenkins join Ed and Ann to talk about the big, green, grumpy ogre who squares off against the diminutive despot of Duloc in Shrek The Musical, onstage March 3-25 at Pentacle Theatre. Join us!

Listen KMUZ Theatre Talk anytime wherever you get your podcasts. Remember to subscribe to our podcast so you don't miss an episode — and share KMUZ Theater Talk podcasts with your friends.

KMUZ Theatre Talk airs live at 9 a.m. the first and third Fridays of the month at KMUZ 100.7 and 88.5 FM in the mid-Willamette Valley, and on your favorite radio app.

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In this episode of KMUZ Theatre Talk, Ann and Ed interview Enlightened Theatrics executive director Jessica Peterson and actors from Dear Elizabeth, by Sarah Ruhl, running March 10-19 at the Historic Grand Theatre. Then Western Oregon University director Michael Phillips and actors from The Laramie Project join Ed and Ann to talk about how their show, running March 2-10 at Western’s Rice Auditorium, comprises part the university’s 25th anniversary tribute to Matthew Shepard.

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In this edition of KMUZ Theatre Talk, Ed and Ann consulted their Wayback Machine to bring you an extended interview with Scott Ramp, the director of the award-winning play Terra Nova, which returns to the Pentacle Theatre stage for three special performances Feb. 9 at 7:30 pm and Saturday, Feb. 11 at 2 pm and 7:30 pm. 

Pentacle first staged Terra Nova last July, but the production was cut short when lead actor Chris Benham had emergency eye surgery. Benham has recovered and he and the other members of Pentacle’s original cast will return to play the final three performances as a special fundraiser for Pentacle Theatre.

Join us to hear Scott's deep insights to this thrilling and historically accurate adventure about the ill-fated British expedition effort to be the first to reach the South Pole.

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No matter where you’ve worked, at some point it crossed your mind — c’mon, admit it — that the coworker or boss you hate so much would be better off gone, as in dead. 

On this episode of KMUZ Theatre Talk, Willamette University Theatre manager Stephen Alexander and guest director Stephanie Mulligan join Ann and Ed to talk about The Secretaries, a whacky cult horror-comedy set in the timber town of Big Bone, Oregon. The Secretaries, written by The Five Lesbian Brothers, features five actors playing numerous roles — from a cult leader to followers to unwary victims of feminine mayhem. It’s about office politics and back-stabbing coworkers taken to the max, all in the name of camp comedy and . . . chainsaws???

KMUZ Theatre Talk podcasts are available on your favorite podcast app. Just search your app for KMUZ Theatre Talk and subscribe for free! Don't forget to allow notices on your app so you don't miss an episode, and share KMUZ Theater Talk podcasts with your friends.

You can also tune in to KMUZ Theatre Talk live at 9 a.m. the first and third Fridays of the month at KMUZ 100.7 and 88.5 FM and on your favorite radio app or listen on demand worldwide at KMUZ.org.

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Ann and Ed here. We have some great news for all our Theatre Talk listeners.

KMUZ Theatre Talk podcasts have moved and are now available for free on your favorite podcast app, including:

  • Anchor.fm
  • Spotify
  • Apple Podcasts
  • Google Podcasts
  • Overcast
  • Amazon Music
  • Pandora
  • iHeart Radio
  • Castbox
  • Pocket Casts
  • RadioPublic
  • Stitcher
  • and more

Just open your favorite podcast app, search for KMUZ Theatre Talk and subscribe for free! Don't forget to allow notices on your app so you don't miss an episode. You can also easily share KMUZ Theater Talk podcasts with your friends from any of these apps.

If we missed your favorite podcast app or platform, let us know at kmuztheatretalk@gmail.com and we'll add it to our feed. We keep an updated list on our Facebook Theatre Talk page.

And you can always listen to KMUZ Theatre Talk live at 9 a.m. the first and third Fridays of the month at KMUZ 100.7 and 88.5 FM or streaming and on demand worldwide at KMUZ.org.

Happy listening and thank you for supporting KMUZ Theatre Talk!

PS: If there's a show or theatre you'd like us to cover, drop a line to Ann McBride & Ed Schoaps with the details at kmuztheatretalk@gmail.com or on our Facebook page.

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On this edition of Theater Talk, Ann and Ed interview theatre arts director Tiffany Carstensen and actors from the Oregon premiere of Disney’s Descendants: The Musical, opening Jan. 20 at McKay High School. Then later in our program, director Rus Roberts and actor Gina Eslinger of Albany Civic Theater’s production Silent Sky join Ann and Ed to discuss this true story of 19th-century astronomer Henrietta Leavitt. Silent Sky explores a woman’s place in society in a time of great scientific discovery, when women’s ideas were dismissed until men claimed credit for them.

KMUZ Theatre Talk brings you news and interviews about live theatre performing throughout the mid-Willamette Valley. Hosts Ann McBride and Ed Schoaps talk about shows that are opening, playing and auditioning in the area and interview directors, actors, production designers and more.

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The 2023 theatre season is under way! On this episode of Theater Talk, Ann and Ed interview director Isaac Joyce-Shaw and three cast members of An Inspector Calls, opening Jan. 13 at the Pentacle Theatre. Then director Loriann Schmidt, playwright Laramie Dean and actor Rain Holland join Ann and Ed to talk about the world premiere of Finding Jo March, a modern adaptation of “Little Women,” also opening Jan. 13 at Keizer Homegrown Theatre. All that and more theatre news from throughout the mid-Willamette Valley comes your way at 9 a.m. the first and third Fridays of the month on KMUZ, 100.7 and 88.5 FM and on our KMUZ Theatre Talk podcast page at anchor.fm and on Spotify. Join us!

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This short Holiday edition of Theatre Talk features our updated live theatre calendar, plus a special audio gift for all our listeners just to say, "Thanks for sticking with us through 2022!"  Happy Holidays to you and yours from Ann and Ed. May the New Year bring you joy and happy rewards.All that and more theatre news from throughout the mid-Willamette Valley comes your way at 9 a.m. the first and third Fridays of the month on KMUZ, 100.7 and 88.5 FM and on our KMUZ Theatre Talk podcast page at anchor.fm and on Spotify. Join us!

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On this edition of Theatre Talk, Ann and Ed talk with Keizer Homegrown Theatre's Linda Baker about upcoming auditions for all the productions in KHT's 2023 season. And Theatre 33's Executive Director Tom Nabhan and Artistic Director Susan Coromel tell Ann and Ed about "A Christmas Carol -- A 1940s Radio Show," returning to the Pelton Theatre stage at Willamette University by popular demand. All that and more theatre news from throughout the mid-Willamette Valley comes your way at 9 a.m. the first and third Fridays of the month on KMUZ, 100.7 and 88.5 FM and on our KMUZ Theatre Talk podcast page at anchor.fm and on Spotify. Join us!

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On this episode of Theatre Talk, Ed and Ann interview director Cherie Ulmer and two actors from The Fantasticks, opening Dec.1 at Pentacle Theatre after being postponed a week due to a cast illness. Ann & Ed also talk with Jessica Peterson, Executive Director of Enlightened Theatrics, and director Danielle Valentine and two of actors from Seussical, opening Dec. 9 at the Historic Grand Theatre. All that and more theatre news from throughout the mid-Willamette Valley comes your way at 9 a.m. the first and third Fridays of the month on KMUZ, 100.7 and 88.5 FM and on our KMUZ Theatre Talk podcast page at anchor.fm and on Spotify. Join us!

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On this edition of Theatre Talk, Ann and Ed interview actors Lexy Bolsinger and Katie Newbury from She Kills Monsters, opening Nov. 16 at Western Oregon University. Ann and Ed also talk with Tamara McGinnis, theatre professor and director of Murder on the Orient Express, opening Nov. 10 at Corban University. And later in the show, director Shannon Rempel from Spotlight Community Theatre joins in to talk about Sarah Plain and Tall, the heartwarming show that runs Nov. 4-17. All that and more theatre news from throughout the mid-Willamette Valley comes your way at 9 a.m. the first and third Fridays of the month on KMUZ, 100.7 and 88.5 FM and on our KMUZ Theatre Talk podcast page at anchor.fm and on Spotify. Join us!