Stage Door, a theatre podcast hosted by two average guys

We sit down with director Josh and Charlie Brown himself, Brayden, to talk about the upcoming production of You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown and why this show means a little more to Braden than your typical role.Back in 2020, Brayden was preparing to play Charlie Brown during his senior year of high school. The show made it all the way to tech week before everything shut down. Six years later, he finally gets the chance to step into Charlie Brown's shoes and finish what he started.We talk about that full-circle moment, the surprisingly long history of the musical, the show's six iconic Peanuts characters, its unforgettable music, and why Charlie Brown's struggles with confidence, friendship, and figuring out where he belongs still connect with audiences today.We also get into Genoa Civic Theatre's intimate historic space, why this show is such a great fit for it, and, as usual, manage to take the conversation completely off the rails a few times along the way.You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown runs October 16–18 and October 23–25 at Genoa Civic Theatre.It's Charlie Brown. It's Snoopy. It's the Peanuts gang. And it's a show the entire family can enjoy.

We're taking the conversation onto the stage at Bowling Green State University.Join us for a quick tour of the BGSU theatre as we step onto the stage with Professor James Stover and get a look at the space where BGSU theatre and musical theatre students rehearse, perform, and bring productions to life.It's a closer look at one of the spaces BGSU students get to call their stage.Make sure you go listen to our full conversation about BGSU Theatre & Film on Stage Door.

A new theater company is taking shape in Northwest Ohio, and they're doing things a little differently.In this episode, we sit down with Cindy, Lucas, and Dan from In Addition Productions to hear how a guitar lesson, a love of writing, and one original musical grew into a brand-new theater company focused on giving local stories a stage.Cindy and Lucas share how their creative partnership led to the original musical Backwards In Heels and eventually their newest production, It's Like You Live Here, a five-vignette musical about the people living inside one neighborhood and the connections between them that aren't always obvious.But In Addition Productions has plans beyond its own shows. The company wants to create opportunities for local playwrights, composers, performers, and young writers to develop original work and actually see it performed.We also talk about the Toledo Young Playwrights Festival, where students from kindergarten through 12th grade can submit their own work for the opportunity to have it developed and performed, plus what In Addition Productions has planned for its upcoming season.If you believe Toledo has stories worth telling, writers worth hearing, and performers ready to bring something completely new to the stage, you'll want to meet In Addition Productions.Learn more about In Addition Productions:inadditionpro.org

What makes Bowling Green State University a great place to study theatre, musical theatre, and film?We headed to BGSU to find out.Professor James Stover and musical theatre student Gabrielle Dunn join us for a conversation about what makes BGSU's Department of Theatre and Film different. We talk about the culture of the program, the audition experience, performance opportunities, film projects, technical theatre, and why students are encouraged to become well-rounded artists instead of focusing on just one part of the industry.Gabrielle also shares her journey from Southview High School to BGSU, why Bowling Green ultimately became the school she wanted to attend, and the opportunities she's already had to perform onstage, work on film projects, and even learn her way around the costume shop.James explains BGSU's approach to theatre education and why giving students room to explore acting, musical theatre, film, directing, technical theatre, and other areas can better prepare them for careers in the arts.Plus, we talk about BGSU alumni working professionally in theatre and entertainment and some of the productions, Broadway guests, master classes, and special events coming to campus.If you're a high school performer considering theatre or musical theatre in college, or a parent trying to understand what makes one program different from another, this episode is worth a listen.

For years, members of the Northwest Ohio Theatre Educators Network talked about bringing students from area high schools together for one production. When the rights to Come From Away became available, they finally found the show that made sense.Production Coordinator Kory Meinhart joins cast members Jayden Armitage and Emma Brazeau to talk about why Come From Away became The TEN's first collaborative production and what it's been like bringing students and educators from 12 area schools together.They also talk about taking on a story connected to 9/11 when the student performers weren't even alive when it happened, the responsibility that comes with telling that story, and why the message of people opening their doors to strangers still matters. It's a conversation about theater, history, community and what can happen when school programs that normally work separately decide to build something together. As Kory explains in the episode, the students aren't simply representing their individual programs. They're learning from one another and celebrating what their schools can accomplish together.

The Stranahan Theater has undergone a major transformation, and Stage Door is getting an early look inside.Scott McGorty takes us through the newly updated theater, where 2,199 brand-new seats have replaced seating that was more than 50 years old. We check out the new pit seating, new carpet, cup holders and the completely refreshed look of the auditorium.But some of the most important changes are about accessibility. We tour the new ADA seating areas designed to provide easier access for guests using wheelchairs and walkers, along with accommodations that can support interpreters and captioning devices.Take a walk through the new Stranahan with us as the theater gets ready to welcome Toledo back inside for another season of live entertainment and Broadway.

Big changes are happening at the Stranahan Theater, and Toledo theater fans are about to experience them firsthand.Kyle sits down with Scott McGardy to talk about the Stranahan's first complete auditorium reseating in more than 50 years. All 2,199 seats have been replaced, cup holders are finally here, and major ADA improvements are making the theater more accessible and comfortable for everyone.But that's only part of the story.They also talk about the upcoming Broadway in Toledo season and why this year is a big one for the city. The Bodyguard will launch its national Broadway tour right here in Toledo, with the cast and creative team spending weeks in town rehearsing before opening night.Scott explains how Toledo landed the opportunity, what it could mean for future national tours, and why supporting Broadway in Toledo has an impact that reaches beyond the theater.Plus, Kyle makes plans to put those brand-new Stranahan seats through the official Stage Door seat test.New seats. A new Broadway season. A national tour launching in Toledo.There's a lot happening behind those Stage Doors.

Still Talking, about Sweeney Todd. Sometimes there's a lot more stuff to talk about after the "stop recording" button has been pushed. Here is just a little clip⁣Spotify:⁣https://open.spotify.com/show/214M4OKBbWcDivndnc2MTu⁣⁣Apple Podcasts:⁣https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/stage-door-a-theatre-podcast-hosted-by-two-regular-guys/id1573865415⁣

What happens when some of Northwest Ohio's most talented young performers take on one of Broadway's most challenging musicals?Stage Door , sits down with director Andrea and cast members Avery (Joanna) and Colin (Anthony) to explore Toledo Rep's Teen production of Stephen Sondheim's Sweeney Todd.Toledo Rep Teen presents Sweeney ToddAugust 14–16Four performances onlyTickets available at the Toledo Rep website

Still Talking, about Jagged Little Pill. Sometimes there's a lot more stuff to talk about after the "stop recording" button has been pushed. Here is just a little clip⁣Spotify:⁣https://open.spotify.com/show/214M4OKBbWcDivndnc2MTu⁣⁣Apple Podcasts:⁣https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/stage-door-a-theatre-podcast-hosted-by-two-regular-guys/id1573865415⁣

It's happening TODAY!⁣⁣⁣⁣The first-ever Toledo Area Theatre Fest is here, and it's shaping up to be an incredible day celebrating local theatre.⁣⁣⁣⁣Join theatre companies from across Northwest Ohio and Southeast Michigan for live performances, interactive workshops, food trucks, vendors, games, prizes, and plenty of opportunities to discover everything our local theatre community has to offer.⁣⁣⁣⁣Toledo Area Theatre Fest⁣⁣Saturday, July 11, 2026⁣⁣10:00 AM – 7:00 PM⁣⁣⁣⁣Ohio Theatre & Children's Theatre Workshop⁣⁣3114 Lagrange St.⁣⁣Toledo, Ohio⁣⁣⁣⁣Whether you're a performer, volunteer, theatre lover, or just looking for something fun to do today, stop by and experience the very first Toledo Area Theatre Fest. We hope to see you there!⁣⁣

“You live, you learn. You love, you learn.”⁣⁣On this episode of Stage Door, we sit down with Jaymes, Tallie, and Chloe from Stone Productions' upcoming NW Ohio premiere of "Jagged Little Pill".⁣⁣Inspired by the legendary music of Alanis Morissette, this isn't the story you might expect. It's not a biography. It's a powerful look at a family that appears perfect on the outside while dealing with the very real struggles hiding underneath.⁣⁣We talk about the impact of Alanis' music, why these songs still connect decades later, and how this show tackles topics like family expectations, identity, relationships, pain, and finding a way forward.⁣⁣Come for the nostalgia. Stay for a story that might hit closer to home than you expect.⁣⁣"Jagged Little Pill" Presented by Stone Productions⁣⁣Show Dates:⁣Friday, July 24, 2026 at 7:30 PM⁣Saturday, July 25 & August 1, 2026 at 7:30 PM⁣Sunday, August 2, 2026 at 3:00 PM⁣⁣Don't miss the NW Ohio premiere of this unforgettable musical.⁣

What happens when a shy high school senior auditions for a musical on a whim... and lands the lead?Andrew Kleopfer shares the remarkable journey that took him from never performing on stage to building a professional acting career in just a few years.Andrew talks about discovering theater at Whitmer High School, developing his craft at Owens Community College and the University of Toledo, chasing professional opportunities in Chicago, enduring more than 30 auditions before getting his first big break, and eventually returning home to launch a new Performing Arts Career Tech program at Whitmer.Along the way, we discuss rejection, confidence, mental health, teaching, artistic growth, and why success in theater is measured by much more than Broadway.

Still Talking, about Which Way to the Stage. Sometimes there's a lot more stuff to talk about after the "stop recording" button has been pushed. Here is just a little clip⁣Spotify:⁣https://open.spotify.com/show/214M4OKBbWcDivndnc2MTu⁣⁣Apple Podcasts:⁣https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/stage-door-a-theatre-podcast-hosted-by-two-regular-guys/id1573865415⁣

Starting a theatre company is equal parts passion, creativity, and controlled chaos.Joseph Ball sits down with the team behind the launch of That's Joe Biz Productions to share what inspired him to create a new production company dedicated to bringing fresh theatrical experiences to Northwest Ohio.Joe, Maxwell, and Megan discuss how the company came together, why they chose Which Way to the Stage as their inaugural production, and what it's really like wearing multiple hats as producers, directors, actors, designers, and builders while creating a show from the ground up.

Still Talking, with The Absolute Brightness of Leonard Pelkey Sometimes there's a lot more stuff to talk about after the "stop recording" button has been pushed. Here is just a little clip⁣Spotify:⁣https://open.spotify.com/show/214M4OKBbWcDivndnc2MTu⁣⁣Apple Podcasts:⁣https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/stage-door-a-theatre-podcast-hosted-by-two-regular-guys/id1573865415⁣

Based on the celebrated novel by James Lecesne, this powerful one-man show follows the investigation into the disappearance of a 14-year-old boy named Leonard Pelkey. As the story unfolds, a small community is forced to confront its assumptions, fears, and understanding of acceptance, identity, and love.John shares what drew him to this extraordinary piece, the unique challenges of portraying multiple characters in a solo performance, and why this story continues to resonate with audiences around the world. We also discuss the importance of bringing meaningful theatre to local communities and what audiences can expect when they experience this moving production.The Absolute Brightness of Leonard PelkeyAugust 8 & 9, 2026For tickets and information:www.act419.org

Still Talking, with The Toledo Area Theatre Fest. Sometimes there's a lot more stuff to talk about after the "stop recording" button has been pushed. Here is just a little post⁣⁣Spotify:⁣https://open.spotify.com/show/214M4OKBbWcDivndnc2MTu⁣⁣Apple Podcasts:⁣https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/stage-door-a-theatre-podcast-hosted-by-two-regular-guys/id1573865415⁣

For years, Toledo's theatre community has been growing. More companies. More productions. More opportunities. But also more competition for audiences, volunteers, performers, and support.What if there was one event that brought everyone together?In this episode, we sit down with Toledo Area Theatre Fest founder and president Anber Wilkes to talk about the first-ever Toledo Area Theatre Fest happening July 11, 2026. We discuss how a casual conversation among theatre friends turned into a community-wide event featuring live performances, workshops, vendors, food trucks, games, prizes, and opportunities to connect with theatre companies from across Northwest Ohio and Southeast Michigan.We also dive into:• How the idea for Theatre Fest was born• Why local theatre needs this event now more than ever• The workshops, performances, and activities planned for the day• Building a stronger, more connected theatre community• What organizers hope Theatre Fest becomes in the years aheadWhether you're a performer, director, technician, volunteer, or someone who's always wanted to get involved in theatre, this episode is your inside look at what could become Toledo's newest arts tradition.Get tickets: https://toledoareatheatrefest.ludus.comThe Toledo Area Theatre FestJuly 11, 202610:00 AM – 7:00 PMOhio Theatre & Children's Theatre Workshop3114 Lagrange St.Toledo, OhioListen now and find out why this is much more than just another theatre event. It's the beginning of something bigger.

Joe Caskey is living the dream.The DFW native and Oklahoma City University graduate joins The Stage Door Podcast to talk about making his national tour debut in A Beautiful Noise: The Neil Diamond Musical. From playing Elvis Presley and the Beast to stepping into one of the biggest touring productions in the country, Joe shares his journey, the realities of life on the road, and what it's like bringing Neil Diamond's legendary music to audiences across America.Created in collaboration with Neil Diamond himself, A Beautiful Noise tells the inspiring true story of how a kid from Brooklyn became one of the most successful recording artists of all time. Packed with iconic hits like "Sweet Caroline," "America," "Forever in Blue Jeans," and "Cracklin' Rosie," the musical celebrates the life and career of a true American music legend.A Beautiful Noise: The Neil Diamond Musical is the fifth and final production in the 2025-2026 Broadway in Toledo season and will play eight performances at the Stranahan Theater from June 16-21, 2026.Tickets are available at BroadwayInToledo.com, StranahanTheater.com, and Etix.com.Performance Schedule:Tuesday, June 16 – 7:30 PMWednesday, June 17 – 7:30 PMThursday, June 18 – 7:30 PMFriday, June 19 – 7:30 PMSaturday, June 20 – 2:00 PM & 7:30 PMSunday, June 21 – 1:00 PM & 6:30 PMFollow Broadway in Toledo:Facebook: @BroadwayInToledoInstagram: @BwayToledoNew episode streaming now.

Still Talking, with The Creative Women of The Wedding Singer. Sometimes there's a lot more stuff to talk about after the "stop recording" button has been pushed. Here is just a little post⁣⁣Spotify:⁣https://open.spotify.com/show/214M4OKBbWcDivndnc2MTu⁣⁣Apple Podcasts:⁣https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/stage-door-a-theatre-podcast-hosted-by-two-regular-guys/id1573865415⁣

What happens when the Director, Music Director, Choreographer, and Stage Manager of a musical are all women?You get a conversation full of creativity, collaboration, leadership, and some really honest insight into what it feels like to build a show together in a female-led creative room.Stage Door sat down with the powerhouse leadership team behind The Wedding Singer Musical, at The Village Players Theatre, to talk about the experience, the challenges, the energy in the rehearsal room, and why this production feels so special.New episode streaming now.

Stage Door Podcast sits down with Elijah Ahmad Lewis, currently starring as the Scarecrow in the all-new national tour of THE WIZ. A multi-award-winning performer with Broadway, television, film, and music credits, Elijah talks about the journey that shaped him as an artist, including working closely with legendary performers Patti LaBelle and Cicely Tyson.The conversation dives into his career, the energy he brings to the role, what makes this new production of THE WIZ feel so fresh, and why audiences continue to connect with its music, heart, and message nearly 50 years later.THE WIZ comes to the Stranahan Theater in Toledo May 26–31, 2026 for eight performances as part of the Broadway in Toledo Series. Tickets are available now through BroadwayInToledo.com and StranahanTheater.com

Tradition. Family. Chaos. Love. Fiddler on the Roof has been connecting with audiences for generations, and now two of the stars bringing this production to life join Stage Door Podcast to talk about the show everyone will be talking about this summer.Steve Smithberger, one of the two actors playing Tevye, and Lydia Schafer, starring as Golde, discuss the pressure and excitement of stepping into these legendary roles, what makes this story still resonate today, and why audiences continue to fall in love with Fiddler on the Roof year after year.From unforgettable music to deeply human moments, this production promises laughter, emotion, and a story that feels just as relevant today as ever.Fiddler on the Roof runs June 5–21.

Staging the Future: Where Theatre Changes Lives is program from the American Theatre Guild exploring how live theatre is shaping the next generation.The program is rooted in one core belief: access to the arts can transform lives, strengthen communities, and create lasting impact. Whether you're an educator, student, theatre professional, or advocate for arts access, this podcast brings you closer to the stories shaping the future of live performance.

Step inside the beautifully broken world of The Play That Goes Wrong: where missed cues, collapsing walls, and vanishing props aren't mistakes… they're the show.In this video episode, we go beyond the laughs of the Cornley Polytechnic Drama Society's disastrous (and wildly entertaining) production of The Murder at Haversham Manor, a loving parody in the spirit of The Mousetrap, to explore the real star of the performance: the set itself.From precision-timed breakdowns to perfectly executed “failures,” we unpack the craftsmanship, engineering, and backstage coordination required to make everything go wrong… exactly right. This isn't just slapstick, it's technical theater at its most impressive.Oregon Community Theatre's upcoming production, we highlight how the set becomes a living, breathing character, one that collapses, misbehaves, and steals every scene.Show Dates:April 24–25 and May 1–2, 2026 at 7:30 PMMay 3, 2026 at 3:00 PMTickets:https://octshows.org/

Still Talking, with Carrie. Sometimes there's a lot more stuff to talk about after the "stop recording" button has been pushed. Here is just a little post⁣⁣Spotify:⁣https://open.spotify.com/show/214M4OKBbWcDivndnc2MTu⁣⁣Apple Podcasts:⁣https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/stage-door-a-theatre-podcast-hosted-by-two-regular-guys/id1573865415⁣

It starts like any high school story… and ends in unimaginable horror.In this episode, we spotlight Carrie the Musical, brought to the stage by Stone Productions. Based on Stephen King's legendary story, this powerful show follows Carrie White, an outcast teen caught between relentless bullying at school and a deeply controlling home life.But Carrie is different, and as her telekinetic powers begin to surface, the tension builds toward one unforgettable night.From the locker room to prom night, what begins with teasing and cruelty escalates into a devastating chain of events that no one can escape. With a gripping score and emotionally charged performances, Carrie the Musical explores isolation, fear, power, and the consequences of pushing someone too far.Catch Carrie the Musical by Stone Productions:• Friday, April 24, 2026 at 8:00 PM• Saturday, April 25 & May 2, 2026 at 8:00 PM• Sunday, May 3, 2026 at 3:00 PMThis isn't just a prom night. It's the night everything changes.

Still Talking, with The Revolutionists. Sometimes there's a lot more stuff to talk about after the "stop recording" button has been pushed. Here is just a little post⁣⁣Spotify:⁣https://open.spotify.com/show/214M4OKBbWcDivndnc2MTu⁣⁣Apple Podcasts:⁣https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/stage-door-a-theatre-podcast-hosted-by-two-regular-guys/id1573865415⁣

What if the French Revolution wasn't just history… but a full-blown, fourth-wall-breaking comedy?In this episode, we dive into The Revolutionists, Lauren Gunderson's bold, irreverent, and wildly entertaining play that reimagines 1793 Paris through the voices of four fierce women who refuse to stay silent.Meet Olympe de Gouges, a playwright fighting to make her words matter. Charlotte Corday, an assassin determined to change the course of history. Marie Antoinette, the ribbon-loving former queen living in her own reality. And Marianne Angelle, a revolutionary force representing the fight against oppression beyond France's borders.Part comedy, part commentary, and part theatrical rebellion, The Revolutionists explores feminism, activism, legacy, and the power of chosen sisterhood—all while questioning its own story in real time.It's sharp. It's chaotic. It's hilarious. And it's more relevant than ever.Catch The Revolutionists at Black Swamp Players, running April 24–26 and May 1–3.

What happens when the very thing that defines you begins to slip away?In this episode, we explore Still Alice, the powerful stage adaptation of Lisa Genova's bestselling novel. Centered on Dr. Alice Howland, a brilliant linguistics professor at Columbia University, the play follows her journey after an early-onset Alzheimer's diagnosis turns her world upside down.As Alice fights to hold onto her identity, independence, and connection to her family, Still Alice delivers a deeply human look at life with dementia. Heartbreaking at times, yet ultimately hopeful, this production sheds light on a condition often misunderstood, reminding us what truly matters when everything else begins to fade.Adapted and directed by Christine Mary Dunford and originally produced by the Lookingglass Theatre Company, this 90–105 minute drama is both emotionally powerful and profoundly relevant.Catch Still Alice at The Village Players Theatre, running April 17 through April 26, 2026.

This might be the biggest Broadway season Toledo has ever had.We're talking:

Still Talking, with Tuesdays with Morrie. Sometimes there's a lot more stuff to talk about after the "stop recording" button has been pushed. Here is just a little post⁣⁣Spotify:⁣https://open.spotify.com/show/214M4OKBbWcDivndnc2MTu⁣⁣Apple Podcasts:⁣https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/stage-door-a-theatre-podcast-hosted-by-two-regular-guys/id1573865415⁣

What would you do if you had one final class on the meaning of life?⁣⁣In this episode, we take a closer look at Tuesdays with Morrie, the powerful stage adaptation of Mitch Albom's bestselling memoir, being performed by Actors Collaborative Toledo. This moving story follows Mitch, a career-driven journalist, who reconnects with his former college professor, Morrie Schwartz, after learning Morrie is battling ALS. What begins as a simple visit turns into a series of weekly conversations—one final course that explores love, work, aging, forgiveness, and what truly matters.⁣Show Dates:⁣⁣April 30, 2026 – 7:30 PM⁣May 2, 2026 – 7:30 PM⁣May 3, 2026 – 3:00 PM⁣⁣Get Tickets:⁣https://act419.booktix.com/⁣⁣Join us for a conversation about life, legacy, and the lessons we learn when time becomes our most valuable resource.

The gods are watching, and the adventure is just getting started.⁣⁣In this episode, we dive into The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical, presented as part of the University of Toledo's 2025–2026 theatre season at the Center for Performing Arts. Based on The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan, this high-energy production brings myth, monsters, and a powerful rock score to life in a story that has captivated millions.⁣⁣Performances run April 9–12 and April 15–19, with evening shows Thursday through Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday matinees at 2 p.m. Don't miss the free campus and community preview on Thursday, April 9.⁣⁣Tickets are available now: https://www.tix.com/ticket-sales/utoledo/2140⁣⁣Whether you're a longtime fan or new to Percy's world, this is one quest worth taking.

Big hair. Bright neon. One legendary dreamcoat.In this episode, we talk about St. Francis de Sales Musical Theatre's upcoming production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat—running April 30–May 3, 2026 at the Franciscan Theatre at Lourdes University.This high-energy Andrew Lloyd Webber classic gets a totally rad twist as the production reimagines the story in the colorful world of the 1980s. Expect bold costumes, retro choreography, and a Technicolor coat that might just steal the show.It's fast, fun, and packed with unforgettable songs—from “Any Dream Will Do” to “Go Go Go Joseph.”If you love musical theatre and a little 80s nostalgia, this is one show you won't want to miss.

This week on Stage Door, Holly and Kyle sit down to watch the classic movie musical Oklahoma!… and things get very honest, very quickly.Within minutes, Holly realizes something she simply cannot keep to herself: Curly is ridiculously hot! Cowboy swagger, that voice, the confidence of a man who rides up singing “Oh, What a Beautiful Mornin'” like he owns the prairie… yeah, Holly is openly hot and bothered.And Kyle? Let's just say he's not completely immune either.But while Curly is out there charming the entire territory, Jud is busy proving himself to be one of the creepiest characters in musical theatre history. Holly and Kyle break down exactly why he sets off every red flag imaginable.And then there's Aunt Eller, who might secretly be the most powerful person in the entire story. Calm, fearless, and absolutely not taking nonsense from anyone, she's basically running the territory while everyone else sings.In this episode they dive into:Why Curly might be the original musical theatre heartthrobWhy Jud gives off serious “call the sheriff” energyThe surprisingly bold moments hidden inside this classic musicalWhy Aunt Eller might be the real hero of OklahomaAnd a whole lot of blunt, slightly raunchy commentary along the wayIt's funny, unfiltered, a little inappropriate, and definitely not the polite theatre discussion you were expecting.If you love classic musicals but also appreciate honest reactions, hot takes, and calling creeps out when you see them… Step through the Stage Door and listen to the full episode.

What happens when we replace judgment with listening?In this episode, Issue Box Theatre, in partnership with the Greater Toledo Community Foundation, introduces The Belonging Project : a community-driven theatre initiative challenging stigma around homelessness in Toledo.Centered around a reimagined production of “Infinity,” the project brings together individuals with lived experience, service providers, and concerned community members to confront myths, spark honest dialogue, and build dignity through storytelling.With rehearsals launching in early 2026 and performances planned for May in downtown Toledo, this isn't just a play. It's a movement toward belonging.Interested in participating or sharing your story?Call 419-801-9289 to learn more.

Love on the Stage: Who knew that theatre would help change their lives, and bring these two couples together for life. Andrew, Courtney , Sarah, and Michael sit down with Stage Door, and tell how they fell in love

Big hats. Bigger hearts. And the show tunes you already know by heart.On the next Stage Door Podcast, we're talking all things Hello, Dolly! with Director Josh Wagner, Producer Kathy Dennis, and Christina starring as Dolly herself, as Epiphany Players brings this beloved classic to the stage.This musical comedy is packed with charm, heart, and enough brass to start a parade. If you've ever caught yourself humming “Put On Your Sunday Clothes” or “Before the Parade Passes By,” you already know why this one's a must-see. March 13, 14, 15, 20, 21, 22Tickets: https://cur8.com/14101/project/137174Dolly waits for no one.See you at the parade.

If you're in the mood for romance, comedy, and music that'll be stuck in your head for days, this one's for you.Toledo Opera is bringing the feel-good favorite The Elixir of Love to the Valentine Theatre on February 13 and 15, 2026, and it's packed with charm, heart, and plenty of laughs.This classic comedy by Gaetano Donizetti follows a lovable underdog who's convinced the only way to win true love is with the help of a not-so-mystical “love potion.” Spoiler alert: things don't go exactly as planned , and that's where the fun really starts.Conducted by J. Ernest Green, this production blends gorgeous music with playful storytelling, making it a perfect pick whether you're an opera regular or just opera-curious.Grab a date, grab a friend, or just grab a seat — this is one night at the theater guaranteed to leave you smiling. Tickets: https://tolo-internet.choicecrm.net/dist/#/events

Still Talking, with Book of Days. Sometimes there's a lot more stuff to talk about after the "stop recording" button has been pushed. Here is just a little post⁣⁣Spotify:⁣https://open.spotify.com/show/214M4OKBbWcDivndnc2MTu⁣⁣Apple Podcasts:⁣https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/stage-door-a-theatre-podcast-hosted-by-two-regular-guys/id1573865415⁣

We had a great time sitting down with Trevor and Marissa from Black Swamp Players to talk about their upcoming production of Book of Days, and why this play still hits close to home.⁣⁣Set in a small Missouri town, Book of Days starts with a mysterious death at a local cheese plant and quickly unravels into something much bigger. Part mystery, part dark comedy, the story digs into what happens when a community is forced to face uncomfortable truths it would rather ignore. We talk about the play's sharp humor, layered characters, and why Lanford Wilson's writing continues to feel timely decades later.⁣⁣If you love theater that makes you laugh, lean forward, and think a little harder on the way home, this conversation is for you.⁣⁣Book of Days runs February 20–22 and February 27–March 1.⁣Tickets available at: https://www.onthestage.tickets/black-swamp-players

Still Talking, with The Odd Couple: Sometimes there's a lot more stuff to talk about after the "stop recording" button has been pushed. Here is just a little post⁣⁣Spotify:⁣https://open.spotify.com/show/214M4OKBbWcDivndnc2MTu⁣⁣Apple Podcasts:⁣https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/stage-door-a-theatre-podcast-hosted-by-two-regular-guys/id1573865415⁣

Neil Simon's The Odd Couple is back on stage at Oregon Community Theatre, and this episode brings together the two directors making it happen. We're joined by Nancy Wright and Tony Esposito to talk about directing the female and male versions of this iconic comedy, what makes the story endure, and how each production brings its own energy, rhythm, and laughs to the stage.⁣⁣The Odd Couple runs February 13–15 and February 20–22, 2026, and audiences can experience both versions during the run. Whether you're a longtime theatre fan or just love smart comedy, this conversation is a great way to get excited for a classic done two different ways.⁣⁣Tickets: https://octshows.org/2026-winter-the-odd-couple/⁣

This week, we're joined by Maya Lagerstam from the National Tour of SHUCKED, the corn-fed, corn-bred musical comedy everyone's stalkin' about. Fresh off Broadway and headed to The Stranahan (Jan. 20–25, 2026), SHUCKED is the laugh-out-loud, country-fueled musical critics can't stop raving about.With a score by Grammy Award–winning hitmakers Brandy Clark and Shane McAnally (yes, the minds behind Kacey Musgraves' “Follow Your Arrow”), SHUCKED blends sharp New York comedy with Nashville swagger to create something totally original. We talk with Maya about life on the road, what makes this show hit so hard with audiences, and why a musical about corn somehow manages to be hilarious, heartfelt, and surprisingly hopeful.Called “more hilarious than any show since The Book of Mormon” and “totally original, unexpected, and brilliant,” SHUCKED is turning musical theater on its ear, one perfectly timed punchline at a time. If you love big laughs, great music, and shows that don't take themselves too seriously, this episode (and this musical) is for you.SHUCKED plays The Stranahan Jan. 20–25, 2026. Tickets available now.

Avenue Q starts with a fresh-faced Princeton showing up on a slightly questionable NYC street, and somehow ends up tackling jobs, relationships, racism, internet habits, and the search for meaning, all with puppets standing right next to humans like this is completely normal.In this episode, the cast and crew of Stone Productions' Avenue Q talk through what it's like working on a show that looks playful, sounds catchy, and then immediately asks you to confront very adult truths. The conversation covers the strange brilliance of telling serious stories with felt characters, the challenge of balancing humor with honesty, and why this Tony Award–winning musical still lands as sharply today as it did in 2004.There's plenty of laughter, a little self-awareness, and no shortage of appreciation for a show that proves you can sing about unemployment, relationships, and finding your place in the world, and somehow make it unforgettable.

We sat down with Aubrey and Liv for something we don't do nearly enough: a real post-show reflection.Months after Six the Musical closed, we got back together to honestly break it all down: what worked, what didn't, what surprised them, and what they'd absolutely do differently next time. Aubrey, who produced and directed the show, and Liv, one of the performers, brought two very different but equally important perspectives to the table.Less hype, more truth. Less “what we hope happens,” more “what actually happened.”

We sat down with Aubrey and Liv for something we don't do nearly enough: a real post-show reflection.Months after Six the Musical closed, we got back together to honestly break it all down: what worked, what didn't, what surprised them, and what they'd absolutely do differently next time. Aubrey, who produced and directed the show, and Liv, one of the performers, brought two very different but equally important perspectives to the table.Less hype, more truth. Less “what we hope happens,” more “what actually happened.”

In this episode, we talk with Jane Atwood of Atwood Music Studio about her holistic approach to vocal coaching and performance.Jane helps singers of all skill levels build strong, healthy voices by focusing on posture, breath support, resonance, diction, music literacy, interpretation, and vocal health. Her student-centered teaching style begins with understanding each singer's goals and creating a personalized path for growth in a supportive, encouraging environment.Whether you sing professionally or for personal fulfillment, this conversation offers insight into developing confidence, artistry, and long-term vocal strength.

Join hosts Thom and Kyle as they sit down with the creative minds behind Like You: A New Musical : writer/composer Tyler Milicic and composer/orchestrator Charles Ligus : for an in-depth, heartfelt conversation about bringing this original work to life.Like You tells the story of Evan and his new foster family as each person navigates themes of self-acceptance, love, and the meaning of found family. With 22 original songs and 14 named roles, it's a musical that's both expansive and deeply personal, offering something every listener can connect to.Four years after its initial conception, Tyler and Charles are nearing the finish line of their original concept album, recorded in top-tier studios with an incredible lineup of Northeast Ohio performers (and one standout drummer from across the globe). In this episode, they share the journey from early drafts to orchestrations to the final recording sessions, along with the challenges, surprises, and joy found along the way.Listen to the concept album recording on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL_39HUoX3oc4ck_QmmNR_xXCkdq0Ak0-bA story about family, identity, creativity, and community — told by the artists who built it from the ground up. Tune in and discover the heart behind Like You.