Front Row Podcast

Deb, Joe and several community theater leaders wish all of you a warm and peaceful 2018 holiday season. They also discuss community theaters joining together to build communications and cooperation with Alan Semonian. Subscribe to Front Row Podcast in iTunes, or visit our website. Contact the show directly via email info@frontrowpodcast.com or leave your comments on our hotline at 248-631-4077. Last minute gift ideas? How about a KISS Kasket?

Deb and Joe host two interviews of shows opening this week - Dr. Jason Dilly, the director of Stagecrafters' production of Fool for Love and Aaron Sohaski, the actor portraying Eddie in that show. They also spoke with Carla Margolis, Mama Rose in St. Dunstan's production of Gypsy. After Deb promoted the interview show in the echo fashion of a Monster Truck Show commercial, Joe continually expressed his admiration for Truckasaurus and hoped that he could be worked into more community theater shows.   Subscribe to Front Row Podcast in iTunes, or visit our website. Contact the show directly via email info@frontrowpodcast.com or leave your comments on our hotline at 248-631-4077.

Deb and Joe interview Maureen Mansfield, director of Farmington Players’ production of Brighton Beach Memoirs. Barefoot Productions – An Enemy of the People Audition – Norma & Wanda Southgate Players – Evil Dead Ridgedale Players – Audition – In-laws, Outlaws and other People (who should be shot) Subscribe to Front Row Podcast in iTunes, or visit our website. Contact the show directly via email info@frontrowpodcast.com or leave your comments on our hotline at 248-631-4077.

Deb and Joe let their dogs (Ginger and Puck) take over this week's episode. They (Deb and Joe) interview Tom Arwady and Toni Harte, director and choreographer respectively of Ridgedale Players production of The Wedding Singer. Farmington Players - Audition - Let Nothing You Dismay Grosse Pointe Theatre - Camalot Lakeland Players - 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee Audition - 1984 Players Guild of Dearborn - Go Back for Murder Audition - Guys and Dolls Southgate Players - Audition - Lion King, Jr. Spotlght Players - Oklahoma!   Subscribe to Front Row Podcast in iTunes, or visit our website. Contact the show directly via email info@frontrowpodcast.com or leave your comments on our hotline at 248-631-4077.

Deb and Joe celebrate the beginning of a third season of Front Row Podcast! They interview Tim Wittlinger, director of the Village Players of Birmingham's  production of Rehearsal for Murder. Avon Players - Steel Magnolias Barefoot Productions - Gunplay The Clarkston Village Players - The Dixie Swim Club  - Nonsense Downriver Actors Guild- Nonsense  - Audition for Nothing You Dismay Farmington Players- Audition for Nothing You Dismay Grosse Pointe Theatre - Camelot - Go Back For Murder Players Guild of Dearborn- Go Back For Murder Audition for Guys and Dolls Pontiac Theatre IV - The Bible: The Complete Word of God (abridged) Richmond Community Theatre - The Producers Spotlight Players - Oklahoma! Stagecrafters at the Baldwin Theatre - The Wild Party The Starlight Theater - Elf, Jr. / Auditions for Freaky Friday Subscribe to Front Row Podcast in iTunes, or visit our website. Contact the show directly via email info@frontrowpodcast.com or leave your comments on our hotline at 248-631-4077.

This week, Deb and Joe decide to produce a junior version of David Mamet's Glengarry Glen Ross, Jr. They interview Kori Bielaniec, director of the Players Guild of Dearborn's youth production of Grease, along with several members of the cast. Subscribe to Front Row Podcast in iTunes, or visit our website. Contact the show directly via email info@frontrowpodcast.com or leave your comments on our hotline at 248-631-4077.

This week, Deb and Joe receive an Hanukkah / Christmas gift in June, when they discover that the Bill and Ted Trilogy is in pre-production. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XgniTzdiw_0 They can barely contain their eighties glee before welcoming Jim Territo, creator of The Daedalus 2 Mission: A Space Opera at Planet Ant Theater. Jim was joined by the director of the show, Rachel Biber. Also this week: Auditions for Oklahoma at Spotlight Players - July 9 & 10 Disney's Alice in Wonderland Jr. at Starlight Players - June 28 - July 1.  Subscribe to Front Row Podcast in iTunes, or visit our website. Contact the show directly via email info@frontrowpodcast.com or leave your comments on our hotline at 248-631-4077.

This week, Deb and Joe interview three youth players of St. Dustan's upcoming musical, Oliver. Subscribe to Front Row Podcast in iTunes, or visit our website. Contact the show directly via email info@frontrowpodcast.com or leave your comments on our hotline at 248-631-4077.

This week, Deb and Joe interviewed Ryan Moore, director of Avon Players – The Bridges of Madison County, May 18th – 20th, 25th – 27th, June 1st – 2nd. Richmond Community Theater - Sweeney Todd, The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, runs May 18th, 19th, 20th, 25th, 26th,  and 27th, 2018 Village Players of Birmingham production of She Loves Me, runs May  18th, 19th and 20th, 2018.  Starlight Theater - Children of Eden, runs May  18th, 19th and 20th, 2018. Youth Summer Theater Camp Downriver Actors Guild – Summer Camp 2018  Stagecrafters – Audition - The Wild Party June 2nd, 2018 Subscribe to Front Row Podcast in iTunes, or visit our website. Contact the show directly via email info@frontrowpodcast.com or leave your comments on our hotline at 248-631-4077.

This week, Deb and Joe discuss record the show in the middle of Joe's final dress rehearsal for Sweeney Todd, The Demon Barber of Fleet Street at Richmond Community Theater. Joe interviews director Bryan Braun (who didn't know Joe was recording a podcast during the final dress rehearsal). The show runs May 11th, 12th, 18th, 19th, 20th, 25th, 26th,  and 27th, 2018. Village Players of Birmingham production of She Loves Me, runs May 11th, 12th, 13th, 18th, 19th and 20th, 2018. Joe interviews director Kevin Branshaw and leading actor Kathleen Duffy. Avon Players – The Bridges of Madison County, May 18th – 20th, 25th – 27th, June 1st – 2nd  Barefoot Productions – What Would You Do?, May 11th-13th, 18th-20th, 2018 Clarkston Village Players – Leading Ladies, May 11, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19 Downriver Actors Guild – Heathers – The Musical, May 11th - 20th, 2018 Players Guild of Dearborn – Sweet Charity, May 11-13, 18-20, and 25-27, 2018 Ridgedale Players – Fox on the Fairway, May 11th - 20th, 2018 Rosedale Community Players – Kiss the Moon, Kiss the Sun, May 11-12 Southgate Community Players – Into the Woods, May 11-12 Stagecrafters – Annie, May 11- June 3 Subscribe to Front Row Podcast in iTunes, or visit our website. Contact the show directly via email info@frontrowpodcast.com or leave your comments on our hotline at 248-631-4077.

This week, Deb and Joe discuss follow the acting career of Milky White, appearing in Into the Woods at Farmington Players. The Baker (Jason Wilhoite) and the Baker's Wife (Wendy Krekeler) discuss this great production. Subscribe to Front Row Podcast in iTunes, or visit our website. Contact the show directly via email info@frontrowpodcast.com or leave your comments on our hotline at 248-631-4077.

This week, Deb and Joe discuss whether theater seasons should be selected for actors or audience members and talk to the director of St. Dustan's Theater production of Clybourne Park, Alan Ellias. Subscribe to Front Row Podcast in iTunes, or visit our website. Contact the show directly via email info@frontrowpodcast.com or leave your comments on our hotline at 248-631-4077.

This week, Deb and Joe discuss the Scottish play and talk to the director of Farmington Players' production of And Then There Were None, Laurie Smalis. Subscribe to Front Row Podcast in iTunes, or visit our website. Contact the show directly via email info@frontrowpodcast.com or leave your comments on our hotline at 248-631-4077.

This week, Deb and Joe discuss Stage Kisses with the director of Peter and the Star Catcher, Kevin Fitzhenry, at Grosse Pointe Theater  Subscribe to Front Row Podcast in iTunes, or visit our website. Contact the show directly via email info@frontrowpodcast.com or leave your comments on our hotline at 248-631-4077.

This week, Deb and Joe wish everyone a Happy 2018 and welcome John Luther, director of Stagecrafter's production of Into the Woods. Avon Players: Boeing, Boeing – January 19-February 3.  Fri/Sat 8:00, Sun 2:00 Auditions – Dial M for Murder – Sunday, January 21 5:30 and Monday, January 21 starting at 6:30.  Cuts and info available on their website.   Birmingham Village Players:  Ain't Misbehavin’ – January 19-Feb 4, Fri/Sat 8:00, Sun 2:00 Clarkston Village Players: Escanaba in Love – already running through January 27.  Thurs 7:30, Fri/Sat 8:00 and Sun 2:00   Farmington Players:   Auditions – Into the Woods – Sunday, January 21 1:00 PM.  Info and cuts available on their website Grosse Pointe Theater:  Peter and the Star Catcher – Opens Sunday, Jan 21 and then runs 25-28 and Feb 1-3.  Thurs/Fri/Sat 8:00, Sun 2:00 at Pierce Auditorium in Grosse Pointe Park GPT is also holding tap workshops for their upcoming production of 42nd Street on Saturdays – January 20, February 17, March 10 and March 17 at 315 Fisher Road starting at 2:00 each date. Players Guild of Dearborn: Neil Simon’s Fools – already running through January 28 – Fri/Sat 8:00, Sun 2:00.   Stagecrafters:  Into the Woods – January 19-Feb 11 Thurs/Fri/Sat 8:00, Sun 2:00 on the Main Stage   Subscribe to Front Row Podcast in iTunes, or visit our website. Contact the show directly via email info@frontrowpodcast.com or leave your comments on our hotline at 248-631-4077.

This week, Deb and Joe share their theatre audience horror stories and invite their listeners to share their stories for future episodes. Avon Players: A Christmas Story – two chances left to catch it – Dec 8 & 9.  Performances at 8:00 PM – plus a special matinee performance on Saturday, 12/9 at 2:00 Barefoot Productions: Moving from Plymouth to a Civic Center Plaza in Livonia.  They are looking for some help with their move and renovation – if you have building skills or otherwise wish to lend a hand, check their website for details. Birmingham Village Players:  Seussical Junior – Dec 7-10 – performances   Thurs/Fri 7:00, Sat 2:00 and 7:00 and Sun at 2:00 Sing in the Season “Snowed In” – fundraiser – Dec 17 at 2:00 PM   Downriver Actors Guild: Annie – already running – performing through Dec 17.  Fri/Sat 7:30 and Sun 3:00 Farmington Players: Greetings - When Andy brings his Jewish atheist fiancé to meet his traditional Catholic family on Christmas Eve, it’s a recipe for disaster.  But when Andy’s intellectually disabled younger brother Mickey unexpectedly spouts the word “Greetings!” the entire family’s belief system is turned upside down.  Author Tom Dudzick also penned our successful production of Miracle on South Division Street.  Already running – performing through Dec 17.  Fri/Sat 8:00 and Sun 2:00 Grosse Pointe Theater:  1940’s Radio Hour – opens today Dec 3 and runs 7-10 and 14-16.  Evening performances at 8:00 and Sunday matinees at 2:00.  Performing at University Liggett School Auditorium. Ridgedale Players:  Junior Actors of Ridgedale – The Story of the Velveteen Rabbit – Dec 9 & 10 Performances at 10:00 AM and 1:30 PM on Saturday and 1:00 and 3:30 PM on Sunday. Stagecrafters:  Elf Junior!  - runs Dec 8 – 17 – Thurs/Fri 8:00 PM, Sat at 2:00 PM and 8:00 PM and Sun at 2:00 PM Auditions for Bug a Thriller – Sunday and Monday, Dec 10 and 11 – registration at 6:00, start at 6:30 Starlight Theater:  Best Christmas Pageant Ever – current running through Dec 17 – performances at 7:30 PM St. Dunstan’s Theatre Guild Ultimate Christmas Show (abridged) – Dec 8-17, Fri/Sat 8:00, Sun 2:00 Subscribe to Front Row Podcast in iTunes, or visit our website. Contact the show directly via email info@frontrowpodcast.com or leave your comments on our hotline at 248-631-4077.

This week, Deb and Joe interview local playwright Joseph Zettelmaier, author of It Came from Mars playing at Rosedale Community Players,  about his career. Birmingham Village Players: Leading Ladies   Grosse Pointe Theater:  Fisk for Footlights Sunday, November 5, 2017 – 6:00 pm Join Jef Fisk for an evening of amusing music & thoughtful FUN City Kitchen 16844 Kercheval Avenue Grosse Pointe, MI All proceeds benefit GPT   Auditions for How to Succeed in Business without Really Trying November 4-5, 1-4:00 PM At 315 Fisher Road   Ridgedale Players:  On Golden Pond November 3-19 – Fri/Sat 8:00 and Sundays at 2:00   St Dunstan’s:  Children’s show ----  Cinderella and the Cookie Caper November 3-12 Fridays at 7:30, Sat/Sun shows at 1:00 and 3:00 PM   Stagecrafters:  A Raisin in the Sun November 3-18, Thurs/Fri/Sat 8:00, Sun 2:00   Subscribe to Front Row Podcast in iTunes, or visit our website. Contact the show directly via email info@frontrowpodcast.com or leave your comments on our hotline at 248-631-4077.

This week, Deb and Joe, in the spirit of Halloween, invites you to send them your audio clip (.wav or .mp3) telling us about a ghost story from your theater. They also interview Dale Feldpausch, director of Birmingham Village Players' production of Leading Ladies. Audition - Other Desert Cities - Grosse Pointe Theatre The Graduate - Richmond Community Theater It Came from Mars - Rosedale Community Players Sister Act - Downriver Actors Guild Subscribe to Front Row Podcast in iTunes, or visit our website. Contact the show directly via email info@frontrowpodcast.com or leave your comments on our hotline at 248-631-4077.

This week, Deb and Joe bid community theater's nicest guy adieu in a tribute to his contribution to the arts in Metro Detroit. Those wishing to pay respects to Bill's family may contact the Edward Swanson & Son Funeral Home. Rehearsal for Murder - Barefoot Productions Audition: Almost Maine - Barefoot Productions Here on the Flight Path -  Clarkston Village Players Sister Act - Downriver Actors Guild The Laramie Project - The Lakeland Players Falsettos - St. Dunstan's Theatre Detroit '67 - Stagecrafters     Subscribe to Front Row Podcast in iTunes, or visit our website. Contact the show directly via email info@frontrowpodcast.com or leave your comments on our hotline at 248-631-4077.

This week, Deb and Joe interview Chris Polhill, Director of Becky's New Car at Ridgedale Players and Nancy Cooper, Director of Calendar Girls at Farmington Players.   Ridgedale Players - Becky's New Car Farmington Players - Calendar Girls Grosse Pointe Theater - The Pirates of Penzance Players Guild of Dearborn -  Come Blow Your Horn Southgate Community Players - Annie Jr. Subscribe to Front Row Podcast in iTunes, or visit our website. Contact the show directly via email info@frontrowpodcast.com or leave your comments on our hotline at 248-631-4077.  

This week, Deb and Joe kick off the second season of Front Row Podcast by interviewing Danielle Caralis, the lead of Birmingham Village Players' production of Anything Goes.  Auditions for St. Dustan's The Ultimate Christmas Show (directed by host Deb). Now playing: Avon Players - Ship of Dreams: Titanic - The Musical Stagecrafters - Sister Act Downriver Actor's Guild: Princess Dianna - The Musical   Subscribe to Front Row Podcast in iTunes, or visit our website. Contact the show directly via email info@frontrowpodcast.com or leave your comments on our hotline at 248-631-4077.

This week, Deb and Joe interview Master Carpenter and set builder Michael Campion as they bid season one of Front Row Podcast adieu.      Subscribe to Front Row Podcast in iTunes, or visit our website. Contact the show directly via email info@frontrowpodcast.com or leave your comments on our hotline at 248-631-4077.  

This week, Deb and Joe interview Erin Johnson, the lead of St. Dustan's production of 42 Street.  Clarkston Village Players: Performance - Driving Miss Daisy  Downriver Actor’s Guild: Performance - Dearly Departed Grosse Pointe Theater: Audtions - The Pirates of Penzance    Stagecraft's: Performance - Jesus Christ Superstar Subscribe to Front Row Podcast in iTunes, or visit our website. Contact the show directly via email info@frontrowpodcast.com or leave your comments on our hotline at 248-631-4077.

This week, Deb and Joe interview Marie Lee, Director of Ridgedale Players' production of Picasso at the Lapine Agile. Clarkston Village Players: Self Help – comedy, May 5-20, Fri/Sat 8:00, Sun 2:00 Downriver Actor’s Guild: Oliver, May 5-21, Fri/Sat 7:30, Sun 3:00 Grosse Pointe Theater:  Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, May 7-20, Thurs/Fri/Sat 8:00, Sun 2:00 Ridgedale Players: Picasso at the Lapine Agile, May 5-21, Fri/Sat 8:00, Sun 2:00 Players Guild of Dearborn: Sugar – (The Some Like it Hot musical), May 5-28, Fri/Sat 8:00, Sun 2:30 Richmond Community Theater: The Odd Couple (female version), May 5-14, Fri/Sat 8:00, Sun 2:00 (doors open a half hour before curtain) Southgate Community Players: A Chorus Line, May 5-13,  - May 5, 6 and 12 at 7:00 PM and May 13 at 3:00 PM Stagecrafters: Audition – Footloose – youth theater production, Saturday, May 6 at the Baldwin Theater , Registration at 8:00 AM, Auditions at 9:00 AM Sterling Civic Theater: Audition – The Wizard of Oz, May 8, 9, 10, 11, 16, 17, 6:30-8:30 PM  Subscribe to Front Row Podcast in iTunes, or visit our website. Contact the show directly via email info@frontrowpodcast.com or leave your comments on our hotline at 248-631-4077.

This week, Deb and Joe interview two of the cast members of Spamalot, Tom Arwady and Jason Dilly, opening this weekend at Farmington Players.  Rosedale Community Players: The Gin Game - opening April 28 Stagecrafters: Edward Albee's Seascape – through April 30 Starlight Theater:  Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat – April 28   Subscribe to Front Row Podcast in iTunes, or visit our website. Contact the show directly via email info@frontrowpodcast.com or leave your comments on our hotline at 248-631-4077.

This week, Deb and Joe interview Eric Swanson, half of "Gerianne & Eric - The Dynamic Duo", a Broadway sing along at Pronto in Royal Oak.  Barefoot Productions:  Auditions – The Roles I’ll Never Play Cabaret fundraiser, April 20-21, 7:00 PM Downriver Actor’s Guild: Drop Dead Disco – Interactive Dinner Theater, April 21-29 at 7:30 PM Grosse Pointe Theater:  Shrek Jr (Youth show) - April 22-23 (at GP War Memorial) at 2:00 PM Ridgedale Players:  One Act Theater fundraiser – most of the play selections written by local playwrights, April 21 and 22 at 8:00 PM Stagecrafters: Seascape – April 21-30, Fri/Sat 8:00 and Sun 2:00 Subscribe to Front Row Podcast in iTunes, or visit our website. Contact the show directly via email info@frontrowpodcast.com or leave your comments on our hotline at 248-631-4077.

This week, Deb and Joe interview one of Metro Detroit's most prolific stage managers, Justine Dearth. Barefoot Productions: The 39 Steps – March 31-April 9, Fri/Sat 8:00, Sun 2:00 Downriver Actor’s Guild: Summer Theater Immersion Camp programs for kids starting at age 5 and up to teen-agers – camp and application info available. Grosse Pointe Theater: Be Our Guest – Beauty and the Beast Tea with Belle – May 13, 12:30 PM. Includes meet and greet, tea and light lunch and a performance of Beauty and the Beast – tickets can be purchased on the GPT website. GPT Scholarship Auditions – live in GP, attend GP high school, be a child or grandchild of GPT member. Lakeland Players: College and Camp scholarships available – application deadline is May 1.  Hit their website for further details. Stagecrafters: Red Velvet Cake Wars – through April 9 Starlight Theater: Auditions for Bridges of Madison County – April 3  at 7:00 and 4 at 6:00. Cinderella Jr. – through April 2 Subscribe to Front Row Podcast in iTunes, or visit our website. Contact the show directly via email info@frontrowpodcast.com or leave your comments on our hotline at 248-631-4077.

This week, Deb and Joe interview Mark Carley, director of Birmingham Village Players' production of You Can't Take it With You, opening this week. Avon Players: The Mousetrap – March 10-25, Fri/Sat 8:00, Sun 2:00 Auditions for The Addams Family – Sun March 12, 5:30 and Mon Mar 13, 6:30 Clarkston Village Players: The House on the Cliff – Mar 10-18, Thurs 7:30, Fri/Sat 8:00 and Sun 2:00 Grosse Pointe Theater: The Glass Menagerie – March 12-25, Thurs/Fri/Sat 8:00, Sun 2:00 Dearborn Players Guild: The Lion in Winter – March 10-26, Fri/Sat 8:00, Sun 2:00 Auditions for the musical Sugar March 13 & 14, 6:30 Richmond Community Theater: The Complete Works of Wm Shakespeare (abridged) – March 10-12, Fri/Sat 8:00, Sun 2:00 Auditions for the female version of The Odd Couple – March 13-14, 7:00 Rosedale Community Players: Accepting script submissions for their one act play festival  - deadline for submission is April 30.  Check their website for details Warren Civic Theater: Peanuts Pajama Party Sock Hop – March 11 from 6:15-8:30 PM at Warren Community Center with cast of You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown – tickets are $5 or $10 (or $12 at the door)  Subscribe to Front Row Podcast in iTunes, or visit our website. Contact the show directly via email info@frontrowpodcast.com or leave your comments on our hotline at 248-631-4077.

This week, Deb and Joe are shocked to find out that Dopey and Doc have been renamed in a version of Snow White. Director Jeffery Nelson and lead actress Anita Newby join us to talk about Stagecrafters' next show Lady Day at Emerson's Bar & Grill. Joe and Deb talk about some of their favorite non theater podcasts, including Deb's of Serial and Joe's of Hardcore History.    Downriver Actor’s Guild School of Rock – Feb 24 – March 5, Fri/Sat 7:30, Sun 3:00 Lakeland Players The Mystery of Edwin Drood – Feb 24-26, Fri/Sat 7:30, Sun 4:00 Golden Age Musical Review – fundraiser for Chippewa Valley Schools (at Chippewa Valley High School) Sat, Feb 25 at 1:00 and 7:00 www.cvchoirs.seatyourself.biz Pontiac Theater IV Auditions for the youth show Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs – Sun Feb 26 at 4:00, Mon Feb 27 and Tues Feb 28 at 6:30 at the Michigan School for the Arts in Pontiac Ridgedale Players Urinetown the Musical – Feb 24 – March 12, Fri/Sat 8:00, Sun 2:00 Auditions for Picasso at Lapine Agile – Mon, Feb 27 at 7:00 St Dunstan’s Theater Continuing to hold tap workshops for 42nd Street – Sat Feb 25 and Sat March 4  and Sat March 11 - 10:00-11:30 at the playhouse, cost is $15/per class Subscribe to Front Row Podcast in iTunes, or visit our website. Contact the show directly via email info@frontrowpodcast.com or leave your comments on our hotline at 248-631-4077.

This week, Joe and Deb imagine what The Misanthrope, Jr. would be like. The talk about what a show producer does with prolific producer Bryan Conroy (Village Players -You Can't Take it With You. Barefoot Productions: The Misanthrope – February 17-26, Fri/Sat 8:00, Sun 2:00 Grosse Pointe Theater:  Love, Loss and What I Wore – February 16-26, Fri/Sat 8:00, Sun 2:00 – at the  Purdon Studio Theater - performing at Grosse Pointe Woods Presbyterian Church on Mack Ave. Pontiac Theater 4: Treasure Island – children’s theater - February 17-25 Fri/Sat 7:30, Sun 2:00 – at the Michigan School for the Arts in Pontiac Rosedale Community Players: Readers Theater – February 17 at 7:00 at their theater in Southfield St Dunstan’s: Tap classes in prep for auditions for 42nd Street – Saturday, 2/18 10:00-11:30 am at the playhouse $15/session to drop in Starlight Theater: Peter Pan Jr. – through 2/19 Auditions – Cinderella Jr. – 2/19, 6:30-8:00 PM Auditions – Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat – Mon/Tues, Feb 20 and 21 youth at 6:30 and adults at 7:30 Village Players: Auditions for Sweet Charity – Sun, Feb 19 at 6:30, callbacks on Mon, Feb 20 Warren Civic Theater: Auditions for You Can’t Take it With You – Sun, Feb 19 and Thurs, Feb 23 – go to their website to schedule your audition time.  Callbacks Sat, Feb 25 3-5:00 Subscribe to Front Row Podcast in iTunes, or visit our website. Contact the show directly via email info@frontrowpodcast.com or leave your comments on our hotline at 248-631-4077.

This week, Deb and Joe talk to Jerry Nehr, director of Other Desert Cities at the Fine Arts Society of Detroit. In our Tech Talk segment, stage combat expert Brian Moultrup discusses the best way to take a punch on stage. Becky's New Car opens this week at Farmington Players. Special thanks to Birmingham Village Players for letting us record interview segments in their green room. Subscribe to Front Row Podcast in iTunes, or visit our website. Contact the show directly via email info@frontrowpodcast.com or leave your comments on our hotline at 248-631-4077.

This week, Deb and Joe talk to master set designer Drew Hall about what goes into creating a great set. Mike Trudel shares the plight of Grosse Pointe Theater and his newspaper opinion piece which set off a community firestorm. Auditions this week include Oliver at the Downriver Actors Guild and A Chorus Line at Southgate Community Players. Subscribe to Front Row Podcast in iTunes, or visit our website. Contact the show directly via email info@frontrowpodcast.com or leave your comments on our hotline at 248-631-4077.  

This week, Deb and Joe traveled to Rosedale Community Players in Southfield, where The Kings of Unionville opens on January 27, 2017. Director Lance Alan and assistant director Karen McHugh discuss the show. RCP Promotions Director Chuck Goddeeris discuss the theater and his involvement in the Community Theater Association of Michigan.   Upcoming auditions include The 39 Steps at Barefoot Productions in Plymouth.  Subscribe to Front Row Podcast in iTunes, or visit our website. Contact the show directly via email info@frontrowpodcast.com or leave your comments on our hotline at 248-631-4077.

This week, Deb and Joe interviewed the director Gerry Haines and lead Gary LaKind of In the Heights, opening at Stagecrafters in Royal Oak on January 20, 2017. Listen to commercials for Arsenic and Old Lace by director Paul Bruce and Doubt: A Parable by theater president Kathleen Duffy.   Subscribe to Front Row Podcast in iTunes, or visit our website. Contact the show directly via email info@frontrowpodcast.com or leave your comments on our hotline at 248-631-4077.

This week, Deb and Joe discussed holiday shows:   Christmas Then and Now  at the Downriver Actors Guild. The Best Christmas Pageant Ever at Farmington Players. The Best Christmas Pageant Ever at the Starlight Theater. Sing in the Season at Birmingham Village Players. Jef Fisk and Theresa Selvaggio from Grosse Pointe Theater talk about GPT leaving the Grosse Pointe War Memorial after 58 years and what the future holds for the theater. Subscribe to Front Row Podcast in iTunes, or visit our website. Contact the show directly via email info@frontrowpodcast.com or leave your comments on our hotline at 248-631-4077.

This week, Deb and Joe discuss the impact the recent election could have on participation in community theater. They also talked about actors auditioning for roles in shows.  Shows playing: Stagecrafters - The Best Man (Nov 17-19 – 8:00, Nov 19 also at 2:00 pm) Grosse Pointe Theater - The Sunshine Boys (Nov 17-19 – 8:00) St Dunstan’s – The Misfit Elves Epic Pirate Adventure – children’s show (Nov 19-20 at 1:00 pm and 3:00 pm Upcoming opening:   Avon Players - Forever Christmas  (Nov 25-Dec 10, Fri-Sat, 8 Sun, 2) Paul’s Players - Steel Magnolias (One weekend only- November 18-20 Fri-Sat, 7:30, Sun, 2) Auditions: Avon Players -  Escanaba in da Moonlight (Nov 28-29, starts at 6:30)  Downriver Actor’s Guild – School of Rock (Sun, Nov 27 – 5-9:00 Tues, Nov 29 – 6:30-10:00)       Subscribe to Front Row Podcast in iTunes, or visit our website. Contact the show directly via email info@frontrowpodcast.com or leave your comments on our hotline at 248-631-4077.

This week, Deb and Joe travel to Richmond Community Theater to talk to Craig McNabb, director of Dinner with Friends, opening on October 21.   Other openings: Rosedale Players  – Minus Some Buttons October 28-November 12, Fri/Sat at 8 and Sun at 2   Starlight Theater– The Toxic Avenger October 28-November 6, Fri/Sat at 7:30, Sun at 2 Also – auditioning Best Christmas Pageant Ever – already had first night but second night is this Sunday, Oct 23, 2:30-4:00 (adults and kids)   Birmingham Village Players – Mame October 28-November 13, Fri/Sat at 8, Sun at 2   Auditions: Clarkston Village Players – Consider the Oyster (farce comedy) October 23-23, starts at 6:00 PM at Depot Theatre   Downriver Actor’s Guild – Chicago October 24-25, starts at 6:30 PM Subscribe to Front Row Podcast in iTunes, or visit our website. Contact the show directly via email info@frontrowpodcast.com or leave your comments on our hotline at 248-631-4077.

This week, Deb and Joe take the show to the St. Dustan's Theater in Bloomfield Hills. Deb is appearing in "Dirty Rotten Scoundrels" and we discussed the show with Director Marcus Laban and Board member Stephanie Peltier discussed their upcoming season. Upcoming shows:   Downriver Actors Guild (Wyandotte) – Bonnie & Clyde Oct 14-29, Fri/Sat 7:30 and Sundays at 3:00 Also upcoming….auditioning Chicago – Oct 24-25, 6:30-10:00 Spotlight Players (Canton) – Haunting of Billop House Oct 20-23, Thurs/Fri/Sat, 7:30, Sat/Sun matinee at 2:00 St. Dunstan’s (at Cranbrook) – Dirty Rotten Scoundrels Oct 14-29, Fri/Sat, 8:00, Sun 2:00 Also upcoming…auditioning August, Osage County  - Oct 17-18, starting at 6:30 (callbacks following second night of auditions on 10/18) Stagecrafters 2nd Stage (Royal Oak) Trevor Oct 14-23, Thurs/Fri/Sat, 8:00, Sun 2:00 Also upcoming…auditioning In the Heights on the Main Stage – Oct 15 registration starting at 9:00 AM and auditions starting at 10:00, Oct 16 – call backs only, starting at 5:00 PM Auditions: Grosse Pointe Theater (Purdon Studio) – Love, Loss and What I Wore Oct 15, 2:00-5:00 Callbacks Oct 16, 6:00-8:00 Subscribe to Front Row Podcast in iTunes, or visit our website. Contact the show directly via email info@frontrowpodcast.com or leave your comments on our hotline at 248-631-4077.

This week, Deb and Joe head to the Baldwin Theatre in Royal Oak, home of Stagecrafters. Deb shares audition details for Junie B. in Jingle Bells, Batman Smells at Barefoot Productions in Plymouth and the opening of Agatha Christie's The Mousetrap at the Starlight Theater in Waterford. David Musslewhite, director of Trevor on Stagecrafters'  2nd Stage, discusses the Michigan premiere of this show. Shar Douglas, director of The Best Man, discusses that show and the rest of the theater's season. Subscribe to Front Row Podcast in iTunes, or visit our website. Contact the show directly via email info@frontrowpodcast.com or leave your comments on our hotline at 248-631-4077.

This week, Deb and Joe take the show to the venerable theater on 12 Mile Road known as "The Barn," home of Farmington Players. Deb and Front Row Podcast get mentioned this week in a Detroit News article.  Show openings this week include "Sleepy Hollow - A Musical" at the Downriver Actors Guild and "The Vast Difference" at Farmington Players. Upcoming auditions include "Fiddler on the Roof" at Grosse Pointe Theatre and "Elf, The Musical" (youth production) at the Village Players of Birmingham.  Our special guests this week are Tony Targan and David Reinke. Tony (director of Spamalot) discusses the history of The Barn (it really was a barn) and about the theater in general. He shares the upcoming season of "The Vast Difference," "The Best Christmas Pageant Ever," "Becky's New Car," and "Monty Python's Spamalot." David, the director of "The Vast Difference" talks about the show and his involvement in the premier production of the show in the nineties. Learn more about Farmington Players by reading Tony's blog. Subscribe to Front Row Podcast in iTunes, or visit our website. Contact the show directly via email info@frontrowpodcast.com or leave your comments on our hotline at 248-631-4077.

Deb and Joe take the show to the Players Guild of Dearborn this week.  The coming of International Podcast Day on September 30, 2016 excites Joe into a state of mania. Show openings this week include Two by Two at the Players Guild, South Pacific at the Spotlight Players in Canton Township  and Singin' in the Rain at Grosse Pointe Theatre. Our special guests this week are Ron Williams and Brian Townsend. Ron shares a little history about the theater and shares the upcoming season of Two by Two, Legally Blonde, Arsenic and Old Lace, A Lion in Winter and Sugar. Ron, the director of Legally Blonde discusses the upcoming auditions for the show. Brian shares his experience with being a member of the cast of Two by Two and promotes the theater's upcoming fundraiser Murder at the Courthouse, coming up on October 29th.  Subscribe to Front Row Podcast in iTunes, or visit our website. Contact the show directly via email info@frontrowpodcast.com or leave your comments on our hotline at 248-631-4077.

In FRP 005, Deb and Joe visited Ridgedale Players in Troy (248-988-7049). “The overture is about to start, You cross your fingers and hold your heart, It's curtain time and away we go, Another op'nin', another show” Joe and Deb space on the show of origin of that song while introducing the big opening week in Detroit community theatre.  Joe was sure that the Cole Porter tune is in Anything Goes, so of course it can actually be found in Kiss Me Kate. Show openings include Once Upon a Mattress at Richmond Community Theater, Assassins at Avon Players, Plaza Suite at Village Players of Birmingham, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee at Barefoot Productions, Lend Me a Tenor at Clarkston Village Players and the season kickoff fundraiser of I’ll Be Waiting at Rosedale Community Players, Disney’s The Little Mermaid at Stagecrafters and You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown at our host theater, Ridgedale Players. As the hosts offered each cast to “Break a Leg,” Deb explained the origin of that phrase. You can find many of these in an article by Eddie Deezen. Our special guests this week are Eileen White and Aaron Filipski of Ridgedale to talk about their new season (You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown, The Haunting of Hill House, Urinetown – The Musical and Picasso at the Lapin Agile. Eileen and Aaron discuss the two things Ridgedale Players are known for: great theater and serving sandwiches after each showv performance, a tradition dating back to the Great Depression. Subscribe to Front Row Podcast in iTunes, or visit our website. Contact the show directly via email info@frontrowpodcast.com or leave your comments on our hotline at 248-631-4077.

This week, Deb and Joe traveled to 315 Fisher Road in Grosse Pointe Farms, home of the legendary Grosse Pointe Theatre! Discussion kicked off with recognition of Sterling Civic Theatre winning the 4 The Best award for Best Theater Group for the fourth year in a row. Grosse Pointe Theatre's vice president, Danielle Caralis, talked about the upcoming season: Singin' in the Rain, The Sunshine Boys, Fiddler on the Roof, The Glass Menagerie and Disney's Beauty and the Beast. Visit their website for ticket information or call  (313) 881-4004. Zak Shugart discussed his starring role as Don Lockwood in Singin' in the Rain. You can subscribe to Front Row Podcast in iTunes, or visit our website. Contact the show directly via email info@frontrowpodcast.com or leave your comments on our hotline at 248-631-4077.

In FRP 003, Deb and Joe run down auditions at: Stagecrafters for The Best Man, Spotlight Players for Moon over Buffalo and Warren Civic Theatre for Shrek The Musical, Jr.. Show openings include: The Starlight Theater for Disney's The Lion King, Jr.  Richmond Community Theater's Once Upon a Mattress.  Legendary community theater choreographer Valerie Mould says goodbye to our community during our feature interview. She discusses memories from both on and off stage during her thirty years in this area, as well as what the future holds. Contact Front Row Podcast at the website or email at info@frontrowpodcast.com

Front Row Podcast - All about Community Theatre in the Metropolitan Detroit area. Hosted by Deb Dworkin and Joe Munem, the show focuses on the talented artists working on all levels in local community theatre. In FRP 002, Deb and Joe visit Village Players of Birmingham. Kathleen Duffy, the president of Village, discussed the upcoming season and her own acting pursuits - appearing soon in the Players Guild of Dearborn's upcoming production of Two By Two. Michael Gravame, director of Village's production of Mame, discussed the show and the upcoming auditions. Contact Front Row Podcast at the website or email at info@frontrowpodcast.com

Front Row Podcast - All about Community Theatre in the Metropolitan Detroit area. Hosted by Deb Dworkin and Joe Munem, the show focuses on the talented artists working on all levels in local community theatre. FRP 001, the premier episode of the podcast, was recorded at Avon Players in Rochester Hills. Deb and Joe discuss what the show is all about, a little about their own backgrounds in theatre and in life. They promoted upcoming auditions for shows in the Detroit area: Downriver Actors Guild - "Bonnie & Clyde," Grosse Pointe Theatre - "The Sunshine Boys," The Lakeland Players - "Heaven Can Wait," Pontiac Theatre IV - "Disney Beauty and the Beast," Rosedale Community Players - "Minus Some Buttons," Spotlight Players - "The Haunting of Billop House," St. Dustan's Theatre Guild - "Dirty Rotten Scoundrels," Stagecrafters - "Trevor" & "The Best Man," The Starlight Theater - "The Mousetrap," Village Players of Birmingham - "Mame." In this episode, two local theaters were thrown into the spotlight: Joe interviewed Larry O'Grady of Sterling Civic Theater. Both Deb and Joe spoke with JD Deierlein, president of Avon Players and the director of their season opening show Assassins.  Contact Front Row Podcast at the website or email at info@frontrowpodcast.com