Unwrap Your Candies Now: Recent Episodes
Houston Public Media
As you take your seats in the theatre, the lights dim and a voice says “Please locate the nearest exits, turn off all cellular devices, and if you should wish to partake of hard candy during the performance, please Unwrap Your Candies Now…” and then the show begins! Ernie Manouse and Catherine Lu invite you into the world of the performing and visual arts, through conversations with the personalities who bring that world to life. Each episode of UYCN features lively conversations with colorful characters — helping the listener connect with the ideas and people who are shaping today’s pop culture landscape.
In this episode of the podcast “Unwrap Your Candies Now,” Ernie Manouse interviews Nick and Diane Marson, a Houston couple who met on 9/11 and whose real-life story inspired central characters in the Tony Award-winning musical Come From Away.
Then, Catherine Lu chats with Deborah D.E.E.P. Mouton, Houston Poet Laureate Emeritus and World Champion Slam Poet, about writing the libretto for Houston Grand Opera’s Marian’s Song, a World Premiere based on the life of legendary singer Marian Anderson. Deborah talks about fusing spoken word with opera, Marian's legacy and how creating this work affected her as an artist, woman and mother.
Share your comments, questions and ideas at UYCN@houstonpublicmedia.org.
In this episode of the podcast “Unwrap Your Candies Now,” Catherine Lu heads to Lawndale Art Center to interview Houston artist Virginia Lee Montgomery about her solo exhibition Sky Loop. Incorporating video, sound, sculpture and Houston-centric symbols, the immersive installation is inspired by the artist’s personal experience and memories of Hurricane Harvey, on view through March 29.
Then, Ernie Manouse talks with former American Idol finalist-turned Broadway star Tamyra Gray, who is performing in the North American-touring production of Once On This Island. Theatre Under The Stars presents the Tony Award-winning musical February 18 – March 1 at The Hobby Center.
Share your comments, questions and ideas at UYCN@houstonpublicmedia.org.
In this episode of the podcast “Unwrap Your Candies Now,” Ernie Manouse chats with singer-actor Paul Hope about legendary songwriter Harold Arlen – in particular about the music he wrote in the decade after his famous “Over the Rainbow.” The Paul Hope Cabaret presents That Old Black Magic – Harold Arlen in the 40s on February 17, February 24 and March 2 at Ovations Night Club.
Then, Catherine Lu talks with percussionist Craig Hauschild and harpist Caitlin Mehrtens of Loop38 about the life and music of Julius Eastman, an African-American composer from the ‘60s, ‘70s and ‘80s. After an eviction – upon which his landlord threw many of his scores onto the street – and early death at age 49, his music was largely lost and forgotten. Loop38 presents the first-ever Houston performance of Eastman’s music, featuring his work Femenine, on February 21 at First Congregational Church of Houston.
Share your comments, questions and ideas at UYCN@houstonpublicmedia.org.
Music credits: Ac-Cent-Tchu-Ate the Positive by Harold Arlen and Johnny Mercer; Gay Guerilla, The Holy Presence of Joan d’Arc and Stay on It from Julius Eastman: Unjust Malaise; Fememine by Julius Eastman, original recording and recording by Arcana New Music Ensemble
In this episode of the podcast “Unwrap Your Candies Now,” Catherine Lu interviews Houston Chamber Choir founder and artistic director Robert Simpson and tenor Jack Byrom on what it was like to attend the 2020 Grammys and accept the award for Best Choral Performance for their album Duruflé: Complete Choral Works. From the red carpet to the moment the envelope was opened, we go behind-the-scenes of their win. The choir’s next concert is Circlesong on February 22 and 23 at South Main Baptist Church.
Then, Ernie Manouse chats with Broadway stars Corey Greenan and Hamilton Moore. They are two of the cast members of Jersey Boys, the Tony Award-winning musical that tells the behind-the-music story of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons. Broadway at The Hobby Center presents the national-touring production February 7 – 9.
Share your comments, questions and ideas at UYCN@houstonpublicmedia.org.
In this episode of the podcast “Unwrap Your Candies Now,” Ernie Manouse interviews Sasson Gabay and Janet Dacal, who star in The Band’s Visit, winner of 10 Tony Awards, including Best Musical. Broadway Across America presents the North American-touring production January 28 – February 2 at The Hobby Center.
Then, Catherine Lu finds out about the city’s newest dance troupe, Houston Contemporary Dance Company, from Marlana Doyle, founder and artistic director. Doyle talks about forming her own company this past summer, following her 17-year career with the now-disbanded METdance Company, and what she hopes to add to the city’s dance scene. Houston Contemporary presents Dué, the second show of its inaugural season, on February 7 and 8 at Queensbury Theatre.
Share your comments, questions and ideas at UYCN@houstonpublicmedia.org.
In this episode of the podcast “Unwrap Your Candies Now,” Catherine Lu chats with Dan Knechtges, Artistic Director of Theatre Under The Stars, about the company’s recently-announced 2020 – 2021 season. Knechtges, a Tony-nominated director and choreographer, talks about the eclectic mix of national productions with major buzz and homegrown TUTS productions that celebrate Houston talent – and why it’s like a meal of tapas.
Then, Ernie Manouse interviews Emilio Delgado, who played “Luis” on Sesame Street for over four decades. Delgado stars in The Alley Theatre’s production of Quixote Nuevo. Written by playwright Octavio Solis and directed by KJ Sanchez, the story is a reimagining of Cervantes’ Don Quixote, set in a fictional modern-day Texas border town. It runs January 17 – February 9.
Share your comments, questions and ideas at UYCN@houstonpublicmedia.org.
Music used: Under the Sea from The Little Mermaid Original Broadway Cast Recording
In this episode of the podcast “Unwrap Your Candies Now,” Ernie Manouse chats with award-winning director and veteran actor, Shirley Jo Finney. Finney talks about the art of directing and her latest project as director of The Ensemble Theatre’s production of The Green Book. Inspired by The Negro Motorist Green Book, this play by Calvin Alexander Ramsey runs January 23–February 23.
Then, Catherine Lu interviews Natalie Lin, artistic director and founder of Kinetic. Lin talks about the risks she took to form this unique ensemble five years ago. A kind of “indie rock band” in classical music, Kinetic is a conductorless chamber orchestra that performs standing up, communicating through the energy and motion of body language and gesture, while also championing new music. Kinetic presents Flight + Fugue: A Special Fifth Anniversary Concert on January 26 at 6pm at MATCH.
Share your comments, questions and ideas at UYCN@houstonpublicmedia.org.
Music used: Plus tôt by Alexandra Stréliski from Inscape, Fallingwater by Michael Daugherty performed by KINETIC and Pelimannit by Einojuhani Rautavaara performed by KINETIC
In this episode of the podcast “Unwrap Your Candies Now,” Catherine Lu chats with Madison Petaway, Houston’s fifth Youth Poet Laureate. Appointed in November 2019 by Mayor Sylvester Turner through a joint program of Writers in the Schools and Houston Public Library, Petaway is a junior at Westbury High School and a member of the Meta-Four Houston youth slam team. She talks about how poetry changed her life and how she hopes to serve the city’s youth. She also performs her poem “Dictionary.”
Then, Ernie Manouse interviews John Bolton, who stars as “Horace Vandergelder” in the national-touring Broadway production of Hello, Dolly!. Winner of four Tony Awards, including Best Musical Revival, this new production of the classic musical comedy runs January 7 – 12 at The Hobby Center, presented by Broadway Across America.
Share your comments, questions and ideas at UYCN@houstonpublicmedia.org.
Music used: Par la fenêtre de Théo by Alexandra Stréliski from Inscape, Hello Dolly National Tour trailer and “Hello Dolly” from 2017 Broadway Cast Recording
In this episode of the podcast “Unwrap Your Candies Now,” Ernie Manouse chats with Mariah Lyttle, who stars as “Celie” in the North American-touring production of The Color Purple. Society for the Performing Arts presents the Tony Award-winning Broadway musical from January 3 – 4 at The Hobby Center.
Then, Catherine Lu features a sound portrait of Houston poet Francis T. Goodbeer. Produced originally for HPM’s Voices and Verses series, the segment explores Goodbeer’s love of poetry and her journey from retired nurse to published writer through Inprint’s Senior Memoir Workshop. She reads her poem “The Joy of Seniorhood.”
Share your comments, questions and ideas at UYCN@houstonpublicmedia.org.
Music used The Color Purple segment: "What About Love" from The Color Purple (2015 Broadway cast recording) and The Color Purple National Tour trailer
Music used in poetry segment: Valse Pour Maman (excerpt) by Alexandra Stréliski from Pianoscope, Annabel Lee (excerpt) by Edgar Allan Poe read by Basil Rathbone, Dies Irie (excerpt) by Kenji Bunch from Ahn Trio: Lullaby For My Favorite Insomniac, Romanze, op. 28, no. 2 (excerpt) by Robert Schumann from Timothy Hester: The Classical 91.7 Sessions and Hang on Little Tomato (excerpt) by Pink Martini from Hang on Little Tomato
In this special episode of the podcast “Unwrap Your Candies Now,” Ernie Manouse interviews Oscar-winning actor, singer and author, Julie Andrews, along with her daughter, Emma Walton Hamilton. The mother-daughter pair have co-written 32 books, including Andrews’ latest memoir Home Work: A Memoir of My Hollywood Years. This on-stage interview was recorded live at the Fourth Annual Power of Literacy Luncheon hosted by the Barbara Bush Houston Literacy Foundation at The Post Oak Hotel on October 25, 2019.
Share your comments, questions and ideas at UYCN@houstonpublicmedia.org.
In this special episode of the podcast “Unwrap Your Candies Now,” Catherine Lu and Ernie Manouse unwrap and share audio gifts of holiday performances by beloved singers and actors from Houston and beyond.
Set list:
Martha Davis – I’ll Be Home for Christmas
Lyle Lovett – A Visit from St. Nicholas
Deborah Hope and Steven Jones – Santa Baby
Julia Krohn and Walt Zipprian – The Gift of the Magi
Martha Davis – Silent Night
Share your comments, questions and ideas at UYCN@houstonpublicmedia.org.
In this episode of the podcast “Unwrap Your Candies Now,” Catherine Lu chats with Houston Ballet Principal Dancer Connor Walsh. They talk about his lead role as “The Prince,” which he originated for Stanton Welch’s The Nutcracker, as well as his childhood Nutcracker memories and finding time for holiday traditions amidst a busy performance schedule. Performances of The Nutcracker run through December 29 at the Wortham Center.
Then, Ernie Manouse talks to actor Julia Krohn, who grew up in Houston in an acting family and is a graduate of HSPVA. Krohn stars as "Buddy's" stepmother in Elf – The Musical, based on the 2003 movie. Theatre Under The Stars presents the Broadway hit through December 22 at the Hobby Center.
Share your comments, questions and ideas at UYCN@houstonpublicmedia.org.
Music used: Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker (excerpts) courtesy of Houston Ballet, Elf – Main Title from Movie and Elf – The Musical trailer courtesy of TUTS
In this episode of the podcast “Unwrap Your Candies Now,” Ernie Manouse chats with longtime “Tonight Show” host, stand-up comedian, voiceover artist, author and speaker Jay Leno, known to many as “the hardest working man in show business.” Society for the Performing Arts presents An Evening with Jay Leno on December 6 at Jones Hall.
Then, Catherine Lu interviews mezzo-soprano Cecilia Duarte and bass Daniel Noyola, two of the stars of Houston Grand Opera’s World Premiere mariachi opera, El Milagro del Recuerdo (The Miracle of Remembering). Composed by Javier Martínez with libretto by Leonard Foglia, it's only the third mariachi opera ever to be written. Set in Michoacán, Mexico in 1962 at Christmas, the story is a prequel to 2010’s Cruzar la Cara de la Luna. Performances are December 5-22 at the Wortham Center.
Share your comments, questions and ideas at UYCN@houstonpublicmedia.org.
Music used: The Tonight Show with Jay Leno Closing Credits Theme and Houston Grand Opera’s El Milagro del Recuerdo trailer
In this episode of the podcast “Unwrap Your Candies Now,” Catherine Lu chats with hip hop pioneer and legendary rapper Kurtis Blow, who is the MC of The Hip Hop Nutcracker. The national-touring holiday production comes to the Smart Financial Centre at Sugar Land on December 4.
Then, Ernie Manouse sits down with Dixie Longate of "Dixie's Tupperware Party" to talk about her latest show, Never Wear a Tube Top While Riding a Mechanical Bull and 16 Other Things I Learned While I Was Drinking Last Thursday. It's on stage at The Hobby Center from December 14–22.
Share your comments, questions and ideas at UYCN@houstonpublicmedia.org.
Music used: Christmas Rappin’ by Kurtis Blow, The Hip Hop Nutcracker trailer and Dixie’s Tube Top trailer
In this episode of the podcast “Unwrap Your Candies Now,” Ernie Manouse interviews Jeff Miller (director) and Tamarie Cooper (cast member and co-artistic director) about Baby Screams Miracle by Pulitzer Prize-nominated playwright Clare Barron. Described as a funny, moving tale of faith and survival, the show is being produced by The Catastrophic Theatre from November 22 – December 15 at MATCH.
Then, Catherine Lu chats with Houston Symphony Composer-in-Residence Jimmy López Bellido about his World Premiere “Symphony No. 2, Ad Astra,” dedicated to NASA and inspired by space travel. A culmination of his three-year residency, the piece is also a kind of love letter to Houston. Performances are December 5, 7 and 8 at Jones Hall.
Share your comments, questions and ideas at UYCN@houstonpublicmedia.org.
Music used: Invention No. 13 by J.S. Bach performed by András Schiff and Symphony No. 2, Ad Astra by Jimmy López Bellido (rehearsal excerpts) performed by the Houston Symphony, Music Director Andrés Orozco-Estrada
In this episode of the podcast “Unwrap Your Candies Now,” Catherine Lu chats with Houston arts writer Pete Gershon about Lawndale Art Center’s 40th Anniversary. They discuss the center's history and impact, from its DIY beginnings in 1979 as an annex for University of Houston art students and its role as an incubator for experimental art to current exhibits and plans for the future. Gershon is Chair of Lawndale’s Advisory Board and author of Collision: The Contemporary Arts Scene in Houston, 1972 – 1985.
Then, Ernie Manouse sits down with John Hemphill and Jessica E. Sherman, two of the stars of the National Touring Production of Evan Hansen. Broadway Across America presents this Tony and Grammy-Awarding winning musical at the Hobby Center from November 12 – 24.
Share your comments, questions and ideas at UYCN@houstonpublicmedia.org.
Music used: Philip Glass: Mad Rush from Glassmasters and Dear Evan Hansen courtesy of Broadway Across America
In this episode of the podcast “Unwrap Your Candies Now,” Ernie Manouse interviews actor and attorney John Raley, who stars in Inherit the Wind. Cone Man Running Productions will present the classic play by Jerome Lawrence and Robert E. Lee, inspired by the Scopes Monkey Trial, November 14 – 23 at Spring Street Studios. Raley talks about his career in law, his love of acting and how the two intersect.
Then, Catherine Lu features a sound portrait of writer Addie Tsai. Produced originally for HPM’s Voices and Verses series, the segment explores Tsai’s love of poetry, life as a writer and her poem “My First Twenty-Dollar Bill.” Tsai's first book, a queer Asian young adult novel entitled Dear Twin, will be released on November 15 by Metonymy Press. Brazos Bookstore will present Tsai in a reading on November 14 at 6:30pm.
Share your comments, questions and ideas at UYCN@houstonpublicmedia.org.
Music used in Addie Tsai's segment: Morning Passages from The Hours (excerpt) by Philip Glass/arr. Michael Riesman & Nico Mühly from The 5 Browns: In Hollywood, Fern (excerpt) by Zoë Keating from One Cello x 16: Natoma and Spiegel im Spiegel by Arvo Pärt (excerpt) from Arvo Part: Alina
In this episode of the podcast “Unwrap Your Candies Now,” Ernie Manouse interviews Broadway superstar and stage legend Bernadette Peters, who performs in Houston on November 2 at Jones Hall presented by Society for the Performing Arts.
Then, Catherine Lu previews the 7th Annual Houston Early Music Festival, November 7 – 17. She finds out about the city’s early music scene, uniqueness of historical instruments and upcoming festival concerts from Houston Early Music Executive Director Deborah Dunham, Ars Lyrica Houston Artistic Director Matthew Dirst and Mercury Houston Artistic Director Antoine Plante. The festival also features American Baroque Opera Co., Bach Society Houston, La Speranza, Piping Rock Singers and Viols of Houston.
Share your comments, questions and ideas at UYCN@houstonpublicmedia.org.
Music used: Bernadette Peters - Fever, Ars Lyrica Houston - Heart & Soul and Mercury - L’estro Armonico
In this episode of the podcast “Unwrap Your Candies Now,” Catherine Lu chats with MECA’s Resident Curator Theresa Escobedo and Program Director Liz Salinas about the traditions associated with Día de los Muertos and the organization’s free community festival in celebration of the holiday, from November 2–3.
Then, Ernie Manouse interviews Timothy Gulan and Brandon Michael Nase, who star in Broadway’s Cats, October 22 – 27 at the Hobby Center.
Share your comments, questions and ideas at UYCN@houstonpublicmedia.org.
Music used: Courtesy of Jilgueros de Altamira and Broadway Across America Houston
In this episode of the podcast “Unwrap Your Candies Now,” Ernie Manouse chats with Desdemona Chiang, director of Vietgone at the Alley Theatre, from Oct. 4 – Nov. 3. A mix of rom-com, road trip, hip-hop and 70s pop culture, the play by Qui Nguyen is inspired by the story of how his own parents met and fell in love in 1975 in an Arkansas camp for Vietnamese refugees.
Then, Catherine Lu learns more about the 12th Annual Houston Fringe Festival from producer and director Adam Castañeda. From a world premiere rock opera and genre-blending contemporary dance to solo acts and “Anything Goes,” the festival features local, regional and national performers. It runs from Oct. 24 – Nov. 10 at MATCH.
Share your comments, questions and ideas at UYCN@houstonpublicmedia.org.
Music used: Vietgone at Alley Theatre trailer
In this episode of the podcast “Unwrap Your Candies Now,” Catherine Lu chats with soprano Anna Diemer, Co-Managing Diva of Opera on Tap - Houston. One of the newest chapters of the international opera non-profit, the group of local singers brings affordable, interactive opera performances to bars, coffeehouses, breweries and other alternative venues.
Then, Ernie Manouse interviews actor, singer and dancer Juliette Redden, who stars in Theatre Under The Stars' new production of the Tony Award-winning Spring Awakening.
Share your comments, questions and ideas at UYCN@houstonpublicmedia.org.
Music used: Toothbrush Time performed by Opera on Tap Houston and "Mama Who Bore Me" from "Spring Awakening" courtesy of TUTS
In this episode of the podcast “Unwrap Your Candies Now,” Ernie Manouse chats with Philip Lehl, Co-Artistic Director of 4th Wall Theatre Company. Now entering its ninth season, the company’s 2019 – 2020 line-up opens with a reimagining of Tennessee Williams’ The Glass Menagerie, starring Kim Tobin-Lehl and Joseph “Joe P” Palmore.
Then, Catherine Lu interviews Marian Luntz, curator of film and video at the Museum of Fine Arts Houston. They talk about the MFAH’s film program, which dates back to 1939, and preview the 7th Annual Turkish Film Festival and first-ever Korean Film Days series.
Share your comments, questions and ideas at UYCN@houstonpublicmedia.org.
Music used: Laura’s Theme from The Glass Menagerie by Henry Mancini
In this episode of “Unwrap Your Candies Now,” Catherine Lu interviews Yoonshin Song, the Houston Symphony’s new concertmaster, who begins her appointment this 2019-2020 season. Selected from the orchestra's extensive three-year search to fill the position, she previously served as concertmaster of the Detroit Symphony Orchestra from 2011-2019.
Then, Ernie Manouse chats with Rebekah Dahl, singer, actor, co-founder and co-owner of The Music Box Theater, named “The Best Cabaret Theater in Houston” by the Houston Press in 2015. The company presents Keep It Brassy 3, featuring songs by Chicago, Sinatra, Bruno Mars, The Temptations, Adele, James Brown, Otis Redding, Aretha Franklin, Billy Joel and many others, through October 19.
Share your comments, questions and ideas at UYCN@houstonpublicmedia.org.
In this episode of “Unwrap Your Candies Now,” Ernie Manouse chats with Jake Speck, Executive Director of A.D. Players. The Christian-based theater company opens its 2019-20 Season of Hope with The Hiding Place. A World Premiere adaptation by A.S. Peterson, the play is based on the true story of Corrie ten Boom, who was active in the Dutch underground, hiding Jews during World War II.
Then, Catherine Lu interviews Alecia Lawyer, Founder, Artistic Director and Principal Oboe of ROCO. The orchestra’s milestone 15th Season, Coming of Age, features a record-breaking 21 World Premieres. First up is Lisa Bielawa's Centuries in the Hours, in the season-opening concert, Time for Hope. Written for mezzo-soprano Laurie Rubin, who has been blind from birth, the orchestral song cycle is based on diary entries of historically invisible American women from centuries past.
Share your comments, questions and ideas at UYCN@houstonpublicmedia.org.
Music used: Opening Theme to The Hiding Place (1975 film) and Murmurations by Derek Bermel from ROCO’s Visions Take Flight
In this episode of “Unwrap Your Candies Now,” Catherine Lu and Ernie Manouse preview the 2019-2020 seasons of eight of the major performing arts groups of Houston’s Theater District, and they chat with Mayor Sylvester Turner about the significant impact of the arts in the city. Recorded live at Jones Hall at the 26th Annual Theater District Open House on August 25, this episode also marks the radio debut of the podcast, which can now be heard Fridays at 10:30 pm on News 88.7.
Guests include:
Sylvester Turner, Mayor of Houston
Rob Melrose, Artistic Director, Alley Theatre
Perryn Leech, Managing Director, Houston Grand Opera
Toni Capra, Executive Director, Da Camera
Dan Knechtges, Artistic Director, Theatre Under The Stars (TUTS)
Meg Booth, CEO, Society for the Performing Arts (SPA)
Wendi Reichstein, Director of Regional Marketing, Broadway at the Hobby Center
John Mangum, Executive Director & CEO, Houston Symphony
Angela Lee, Director of Marketing and PR, Houston Ballet
Share your comments, questions and ideas at UYCN@houstonpublicmedia.org.
In this episode of “Unwrap Your Candies Now,” Catherine Lu learns about the Houston Chamber Choir's season-opening concert, featuring Annelies, the first major choral setting of The Diary of Anne Frank, composed by James Whitbourn with libretto compiled and translated by Melanie Challenger. The Choir presents the work’s Houston Premiere at the newly-reopened and expanded Holocaust Museum Houston, September 21 and 22. Catherine chats with the Choir’s Founder and Artistic Director, Robert Simpson, and the Museum’s Chief Marketing Officer, Robin Cavanaugh, about this collaboration.
Then, Ernie Manouse interviews Bryan-Keyth Wilson, director and choreographer of Obsidian Theater’s production of Othello: The Remix, August 30 – September 21 at MATCH. Originally created by The Q Brothers and the Chicago Shakespeare Theater, the show reimagines Othello as a rising hip-hop star and Iago as a jealous member of his entourage.
Share your comments, questions and ideas at UYCN@houstonpublicmedia.org.
Music used: Sinfonia (Kyrie) from “Annelies” by James Whitbourn
In this episode of “Unwrap Your Candies Now,” Ernie Manouse gets an inside look at A Chorus Line and what it’s like to cast and stage this Broadway classic with Megan Larche Dominick, Theatre Under The Stars’ Associate Artistic Director / Director of New Works. TUTS presents the Tony Award and Pulitzer Prize-winning musical that portrays the life of a Broadway dancer, September 10 – 22 at The Hobby Center.
Then, Catherine Lu chats with Bradly Brown, curator of the San Jacinto College South Campus Gallery, whose latest exhibit is Golf Coast. The interactive art installation is a mini-golf course modeled on seven Houston bayous, complete with the city’s freeways, landmarks and other local details surrounding it – and built mostly from recycled materials. Brown talks about the making of, and thinking behind, Golf Coast, on view and ready for play August 26 – September 27.
Share your comments, questions and ideas at UYCN@houstonpublicmedia.org.
Music used: One from A Chorus Line Original 1975 Broadcast Cast Recording and Putt Putt For The Fun Of It
In this episode of “Unwrap Your Candies Now,” Catherine Lu chats with Brandon Bell, Director of Education and Artistic Administrator, about Da Camera’s 2019 – 2020 season, which opens with Bon Appetit! – a concert with a musical take on Julia Child. Bell also describes the free activities that Da Camera has planned for the 2019 Theater District Open House, including musical caricatures composed on-the-spot by a Da Camera Young Artist-Composer.
Then, Ernie Manouse interviews Denise Fennell, star of Sister’s Back to School Catechism: The Holy Ghost and Other Terrifying Tales at Stages Repertory Theatre. Part of the Late Nite Catechism series, the interactive comedy puts the audience in Sister’s class, where she begins the school year with lessons about starting anew, the Church’s approved tales of ghosts and goblins and a Catholic-appropriate Halloween costume contest.
Share your comments, questions and ideas at UYCN@houstonpublicmedia.org.
Music used in Da Camera segment: Branford Marsalis Quartet - Cianna
In this episode of “Unwrap Your Candies Now,” Ernie Manouse chats with Martha Davis, lead singer of the ’80s new wave band The Motels, known for hits like “Only the Lonely” and “Suddenly Last Summer.” The Motels will perform in Houston’s Arena Theater on Thursday, August 22 as part of the Lost 80s Live tour.
Then, Catherine Lu previews the 2019 Houston Theater District Open House with Kathryn McNiel, CEO of Theater District Houston. McNiel shares fun facts about Houston’s downtown arts district and its annual festival, and gives an update on how the area has recovered two years after Harvey. The 26th Annual TC Energy Theater District Open House is on Sunday, August 25.
Share your comments, questions and ideas at UYCN@houstonpublicmedia.org.
In this episode of "Uwrap Your Candies Now," Catherine Lu chats with two local musicians of the World Doctors Orchestra - Drs. Charles and Grace Lee. A married couple who met while playing in the Texas Medical Center Orchestra, The Lees spearheaded the effort to bring the global orchestra of doctors to Houston, where they will present a series of events culminating in a concert on August 17. Proceeds will benefit A Children's House For The Soul.
Then, Ernie Manouse sits down with Cody Jenkins and Coleman Cummings, two of the stars of Rent. The 20th Anniversary touring production of Jonathan Larson's beloved Broadway rock musical plays August 6 - 11 at the Hobby Center.
Share your comments, questions and ideas at UYCN@houstonpublicmedia.org.
In this episode of Unwrap Your Candies Now, Ernie Manouse introduces us to two of the performers taking to the Miller Outdoor Theatre stage as part of the 2019 Houston Shakespeare Festival. Shannon Uphold (Audrey/Ensemble) is a 2nd-year graduate student in the UH Professional Actor Training Program enjoying her second year with the festival; and Laura Frye is making her HSF debut after graduating from the University of Houston 12 years ago. Debuting in 1975, the University of Houston School of Theatre & Dance produced Houston Shakespeare Festival has presented free performances of Shakespeare's timeless classics to thousands of Houstonians.
Also in this episode, Catherine Lu shares with us her sound portrait of poet Amir Safi. Safi grew up in College Station, Texas and is currently based in Houston. He is a graduate of Texas A&M University and the founder of Write About Now. His poems have been featured by A plus, Upworthy, HuffPost, Texas Monthly and others. Last year, he received the 2018 Poetry International Prize.
Saffron by Amir Safi
My mother picks up the pestle and mortar and does to saffron what the clerics have done to her country/ pours in steaming water till the liquid in the bowl becomes the Caspian swallowing the sun/ it smells like a home I have not returned to in 10 years/ saffron/ pound for pound/ the most expensive spice in the world/ worth more in its weight than gold/ if customs found it, they would surely throw it away/ but my grandmother is a high stakes smuggler/ her currency is my mother’s joy/ every time she visits, she brings some in her luggage/ and my grandmother always comes through/ and my mother always becomes a festival of lights/ looks at my father/ reminds him that it is her saffron/ approaches me with the same enthusiasm I had as a boy catching a fish/ holds the small packet between her thumb and her index finger and says/ you cannot find saffron this good in America, Amir/ you cannot find saffron like this anywhere, but Iran/ and this is where I learn the limitations of the American dream/ that you cannot find here what you already have/ and I laugh because if customs found it they would surely throw it away/ and I laugh at how borders can make the most valued feel worthless/ but, thankfully, they were not victorious this time/ nor are they ever/ because my grandmother is a high stakes smuggler/ her currency is my mother’s joy/ and my grandmother always comes through/ and my mother loves to feed her boys/ so my mother does what Iranian mothers do best/ and we eat until the diaspora dissolves/ until it’s time for my brother and I to fight over who does the dishes/ my mother exclaiming to my grandmother/ these boys are American/ they never learned taarof/ I tried to teach them, but they learned all of their manners from their father.
This poem first appeared in the Michigan Quarterly Review and is reprinted with permission of the author.
Music used: Seven Steps (excerpt) by Brooklyn Rider from Seven Steps, Follow the Scout (excerpt) by Mark O’Connor from Midnight on the Water and Escape Artist (excerpt) by Zoë Keating from Into the Trees
To learn more about this series, go here.
In this episode of “Unwrap Your Candies Now,” Catherine Lu finds out what it took for ROCO to bring together their new CD Visions Take Flight. Alecia Lawyer, ROCO Founder and Artistic Director, explains how Harvey complicated the making of this album.
And, Ernie Manouse chats with Chelsea Ryan McCurdy, one of the stars of Stages Repertory Theatre's The Doyle and Debbie Show. Chelsea shares tales of a life on the stage and beyond.
Share your comments, questions and ideas at UYCN@houstonpublicmedia.org.
In this episode of “Unwrap Your Candies Now,” Ernie Manouse chats with Viswa Subbaraman, Music Director, and Steven McCary, Board President, about A Topsy Turvy Mikado, this summer’s production by The Gilbert & Sullivan Society of Houston. Created by Artistic Director Alistair Donkin, this new version of The Mikado was inspired by Mike Leigh’s Academy Award-winning film and updates the original comic opera’s approach to the depiction of Japanese culture.
And, recently it was announced that Rice University would become the new home of the archives of the Houston Blues Museum. Catherine Lu chats with Sandy Hickey and Jomonica Phoenix, museum co-founders, and Norie Guthrie, special collections librarian and archivist, about the Houston blues scene and the artifacts that will be preserved, digitized and shared with the public.
Share your comments, questions and ideas at UYCN@houstonpublicmedia.org.
Music used:The Mikado Overture by Arthur SullivanGuitar Lightnin’ by Lightnin’ HopkinsLeavin’ Blues by Lightnin’ HopkinsShirley Jean by Big Walter “The Thunderbird” PricePack Fair and Square by Big Walter “The Thunderbird” Price
In this episode of “Unwrap Your Candies Now,” Catherine Lu finds out about Theatre Under The Stars’ new community engagement program, Public Works Houston, and its first collaboration with the company’s annual summer production at Miller Outdoor Theatre.
TUTS’ Seussical will feature a mega cast of community members and professional actors of all ages and is the culmination of a nine-month program that seeks to serve, learn from and empower Houston's diverse communities.
Catherine chats with Sara Brunow, Director of Community Engagement, and Megan Larche Dominick, Associate Artistic Director / Director of New Works.
Share your comments, questions and ideas at UYCN@houstonpublicmedia.org.
Music used: Excerpt from Seussical The Musical (Original Broadway Cast recording)
In this episode of “Unwrap Your Candies Now,” Ernie Manouse chats with two stars from Disney’s Aladdin The Musical: Major Attaway (Genie) and Jonathan Weir (Jafar). The actors share stories and insights about the production, which features favorite songs from the film, as well as new music by Tony and Academy Award winner Alan Menken, with lyrics by Howard Ashman, Tim Rice and book writer Chad Beguelin.
And, Catherine Lu finds out what local high school composers are creating through a collaboration between the AFA Summer Music Festival and a new artist collective called Chapel in the Sky, created by Houston composer, pianist and vocalist Meghan Hendley Lopez. She chats with Lopez, Amanda Heathco (AFA Director of Artistic Programming) and George Heathco (AFA faculty-composer) about how they’re teaching students to write pieces that blend classical and electronic music, inspired by the artwork of Felipe Lopez, to culminate in a concert on July 10.
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In this episode of “Unwrap Your Candies Now,” Catherine Lu chats with the Apollo Chamber Players' Artistic Director, founder and violinist Matthew Detrick and composer Erberk Eryilmaz about their July 6th concert at NASA in honor of the 50th Anniversary of Apollo 11. The centerpiece of the program will be a movement from Erylimaz’s Was Her Face the Moon or Sunlight? – a piece that will be sent to the moon in 2021 as part of The MoonArk project.
Then, Ernie Manouse interviews Houston-born Broadway, film and TV performer, DeQuina Moore. They chat about her career and latest role as Josephine Baker in The Ensemble Theatre's season-finale production Josephine Tonight. The musical biography draws on the early life of the iconic singer, actress and nightclub sensation who wowed audiences in America and Europe in the first quarter of the 20th century.
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In this episode of “Unwrap Your Candies Now,” Ernie Manouse talks with Jason Nodler and Tamarie Cooper, Co-Artistic Directors of Catastrophic Theatre, about Speeding Motocycle. First produced in 2006 to rave reviews, this original rock opera is based on the songs of legendary outsider artist-musician Daniel Johnston.
Catherine Lu chats with violist Brian Bires, First Place Winner of the 30th Annual Cynthia Woods Mitchell Young Artist Competition at the Immanuel & Helan Olshan Texas Music Festival. A homegrown talent, Bires was raised in Friendswood, attended Clear Lake High School and earned his Master’s degree from the University of Houston Moores School of Music.
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Music used in Brian Bires’ segment: Viola Concerto in g minor by Cecil Forsyth (excerpts) performed by violist Brian Bires and pianist Shannon Hesse. Recorded at University of Houston by Texas Music Festival and Afshin Farzadfar.
In this episode of “Unwrap Your Candies Now,” Catherine Lu chats with Mollie Haven Miller, executive director of Dance Source Houston, about the 5th Annual Barnstorm Dance Fest. The festival is curated by members of the local dance community (this year’s panel: Elijah Alhadji Gibson, Sue Schroeder and Janie Yao), who selected works that reflect the diverse identities and dance forms in Houston and beyond.
Ernie Manouse talks to Seth Andrew Bridges, one of the musketeers in the Alley Theatre’s production of Ken Ludwig’s The Three Musketeers. The New York-based actor and stunt performer is making his Alley Theatre debut while starring as “Porthos” in the company’s 2018-19 season finale production.
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Music used in the dance segment: Excerpt from score to Kalpana Subbarao's “Kathak - Flamenco / A celebration of cultures” by Kalpana Subbarao, Edith Niño, Shyama Mishra, Abhishek Balakrishnan, Jason Zinn, Jeremías García and Irma La Paloma.
In this episode of “Unwrap Your Candies Now,” Ernie Manouse chats with Cissy Segall Davis, managing director of Miller Outdoor Theatre, about the historic Houston venue. Opened in 1923 and named after Jesse Wright Miller, the Miller Outdoor Theatre offers the largest “always free” program of its kind in the country, with eight months of professional entertainment free of charge to the public, making it an especially popular summer destination.
Catherine Lu talks to artist Felipe Lopez about his exhibition, The Want In My Nature, on view at Deborah Colton Gallery through June 15. The father, husband and conceptual artist chats about nature, water and parenting – all of which inspire his works, in particular his video piece Ab Aqua Libertas (based on the water birth of his daughter) and his Faucet Series. Lopez is also the author of the paper Neo-Traditionalism, which presents his ideas and theories of a new art movement.
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In this episode of “Unwrap Your Candies Now,” Catherine Lu chats with Leslie Contreras Schwartz as she kicks off her two-year term as Houston Poet Laureate. The native Houstonian describes her plan to tackle mental health through poetry, and she reads “Roots” – a poem inspired by gardening and the urge to grow even under the harshest circumstances.
Ernie Manouse talks with Dan Knechtges, artistic director of Theatre Under The Stars, about the rarely-staged 1989 Tony Award-winning musical Jerome Robbins’ Broadway. A love letter to Broadway’s golden age, this musical anthology wraps up TUTS’ 50th Anniversary Season and includes scenes from On the Town, Peter Pan, The King and I, Fiddler on the Roof and West Side Story.
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In this episode of “Unwrap Your Candies Now,” Ernie Manouse talks with Eddie George about his transition from football to theater. The Heisman Trophy winner and former Houston Oiler/Tennessee Titan/Dallas Cowboy stars as “Billy Flynn” in the hit musical Chicago, which Society for the Performing Arts presents from June 4 – 9 at Jones Hall.
Catherine Lu chats with violinist Zoë Miller, concertmaster of the touring Broadway production of Miss Saigon. A graduate of Rice University’s Shepherd School of Music, Miller earned her master’s degree from New York University last year and has been traveling with the Miss Saigon US Tour since the fall. She shares behind-the-scenes stories and “secrets” from the pit orchestra of a major show.
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Music used in Zoë Miller’s segment: Excerpts from the Miss Saigon National Tour.
In this episode of “Unwrap Your Candies Now,” Catherine Lu talks with Houston Ballet Principal Dancer, Jessica Collado, about her life as a dancer and her lead role in The Merry Widow, from May 31 – June 9 at the Wortham Center.
Ernie Manouse chats with Society for the Performing Arts CEO, Meg Booth, about joining the organization this past December and about SPA’s 2019 – 2020 season. Booth previously served for over a decade as Director of Dance Programming at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.
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Music used in the ballet segment: The Merry Widow (excerpt) by Franz Lehar, Houston Ballet Orchestra conducted by Ermanno Florio.
In this episode of “Unwrap Your Candies Now,” Ernie Manouse chats with prolific actor Brett Cullen, who can be seen in Joker this fall with Robert DeNiro and Joaquin Phoenix. A University of Houston alum, Cullen is directing the World Premiere of Contradiction of the Southern Soul written by and starring Sally Mayes, at the UH Quintero Theatre from May 9-12.
Catherine Lu samples the Houston Chamber Choir’s new CD with conductor, Robert Simpson, who holds the Cullen Trust for the Performing Arts Artistic Director’s Chair. Released last month, Maurice Duruflé: Complete Choral Works was recorded at Rice University and produced by Grammy Award-winner Blanton Alspaugh. Simpson talks about the making of the album and reflects on how he started the choir back in 1995.
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In this episode of “Unwrap Your Candies Now,” Catherine Lu chats with Carleen Graham, director of HGOco, about Houston Grand Opera’s web opera series, Star-Cross’d.
And Ernie Manouse explores the Alley Theatre’s upcoming 2019-2020 season with the company’s new Artistic Director, Rob Melrose.
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Join Ernie Manouse and Catherine Lu as they welcome their first guests to the podcast, “Unwrap Your Candies Now.”
Ernie chats with director Marcia Milgrom Dodge about her new staging of the musical Ragtime, based on the novel by E.L. Doctorow, and brought lovingly to life by playwright Terrence McNally, lyricist Lynn Ahrens and composer Stephen Flaherty. Dodge was nominated for the 2009 Tony for her Kennedy Center production of this same show.
Catherine shares a sound portrait of Houston poet Outspoken Bean, who has been performing spoken word since 2005. He was nominated for Texas Poet Laureate in 2011 and ranked 9th at the National Poetry Slam 2014. He has collaborated with Houston Ballet and is the founder of Plus Fest. Music used in this segment: Forte, Sun Will Set and Possible (excerpts) by Zoë Keating from Snowmelt and One Cello x 16: Natoma
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Hosts Ernie Manouse and Catherine Lu chat about what to look forward to on “Unwrap Your Candies Now,” including how they came up with the title, their passions and what they love about Houston’s arts scene.
Share your comments, questions and ideas at UYCN@houstonpublicmedia.org.