Podcasts about Fabulous Fox Theatre

The Fabulous Fox Theatre is an institution in St. Louis. The marquee shines on Grand Avenue and welcomes St. Louisians to experience the best of Broadway right here in the Midwest. Opened as a movie theater almost 100 years ago, and then renovated and reimagined as a theatre in the early 1980s. Now it's one of the premier destinations for live theater across the US. We sat down with John O'Brien, the Vice President of Programming and Marketing, to pull back the curtain and take you backstage. From the history to the future, and how exactly they pick which shows to put on the stage. Take a look at the lineup for the 2025-2026 season. Tickets go on sale later this spring.

Debbie Monterrey is joined by Nathanael Hirst, a Belleville West grad, and Abby Powers, who attended Francis Howell North as the Hamilton tour returns to St. Louis and The Fabulous Fox Theatre.  Hirst plays George Eacker in the show, and Powers is a longtime stage manager for the production.

[01:50] Return to Civility[03:40] 13th Annual St. Louis Teen Talent Finals Interview with Lee Anne MatthewsOn April 8 at 7:30 pm, 14 acts (22 students) will participate in the finals of the 13th Annual St. Louis Teen Talent Competition at the Fabulous Fox Theatre. The final competition is FREE and open to the public. General Admission tickets are required and are available now at no charge through Metrotix online at metrotix.com and the Fox Box Office. The Finals production will be directed by St. Louisan Lee Anne Mathews, a veteran Equity actor on international stages, longtime director, COCA educator, and current artistic director with Westport Playhouse. [22:05] Continuing with public speaking, debate discussion, and final wrapup of the Teen Talent[26:50] Dred Scott Stamp[27:50] More on Saint Louis In Tune[29:55] Competitions - The physical and mental preparation[34:15] Days of the Day[44:15] Schwarz Studio Taxidermists - The country's oldest taxidermy shop calls St. Louis home[55:15] Interesting storyThis is Season 6! For more episodes, go to stlintune.com#schwarzstudio #taxidermy #teentalentcompetition #dredscott

People who live in northwest Gwinnett County will have a chance to get a year's worth of free pizza next week. A new Pizza Hut location, which is run by Flynn Restaurant Group, opened at 1550 Buford Highway in Buford on Dec. 23, but it's what the new store has planned for its grand opening festivities next week that will have tongues salivating. The first 25 customers who are in line at the store on Jan. 6 will get free pizza for a year. There are some limits on what pizzas qualify for the free pizza for a year, and what locations the pizzas can be picked up at. The deal is only valid at locations owned by Flynn Restaurant Group — which happens to be Pizza Hut's largest franchisee and which owns 10 other Pizza locations in Gwinnett County. In addition to the Buford location, Flynn Restaurant Group also owns locations in Sugar Hill, Suwanee, Auburn, Dacula, Duluth, Lawrenceville, Lilburn, Loganville, Norcross and Snellville. It also owns 15 other locations in metro Atlanta, including stores nearby cities such as Cumming, Flowery Branch, Hoschton and Alpharetta. Other limitations on the free pizza for a year offer customers only being able to use it to get two complimentary specialty pizzas or up to three topping large pizzas per month for a year, a limit of one pizza per party, it only being valid on carryout orders, and it only being valid on Thin N' Crispy, original pan and hand tossed crusts. The new store is expected to add 15 new jobs to the Buford and Sugar Hill area. Now in its seventh decade of delivering compelling performances all over the world, the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre — recognized by Congress as a vital American “Cultural Ambassador to the World” — will make its return to Atlanta's Fabulous Fox Theatre for a series of shows in mid-February. Led by artistic director Robert Battle, the Ailey troupe will showcase premiers, new productions and repertory favorites for five performances February 16-19 as part of a 22-city North American tour. While each performance will feature different choreographed works — including pieces by Kyle Abraham, Jamar Roberts and Twyla Tharp — each presentation will conclude with the stirring Ailey-choregraphed “Revelations,” which made its debut in 1960 and has been seen by more people than any other modern dance work. Ailey's Fox Theatre residency begins at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, February 16 with Tharp's 1997 piece “Roy's Joys,” a new production of the 1986 production of “Survivors,” Ailey's tribute to Nelson and Winnie Mandela, and “Revelations.  Tickets, starting at $29, are available at the Fox Theatre box office at 660 Peachtree St., or by calling 855-285-8499 or visiting www.alvinailey.org or www.foxatltix.com. The arts in Gwinnett made great strides in 2022 to return to the pre-COVID world, where more than one nonprofit was overjoyed to find their doors still open. As a result, the vitality and pure joy of being back on stage or opening gallery doors was evident in the work art lovers could again absorb. Below are just a few of the highlights that made this writer smile in 2022. There were so many great performances, great exhibitions, great moments that it is hard to choose. Spring was an exciting time for Gwinnett performing arts groups and audiences. ♦ Live Arts Theatre has been nurturing and growing talent for many years. In March, their efforts were enhanced when LAT Actor Rodney Johnson won Best Performer for his work in the play “Sea Wall” at both the Southeastern Theatre Conference and the Georgia Theatre Conference. ♦ The Aurora Theatre was the venue April 2-3 when Atlanta's amazing “Dance Canvas” highlighted the work of seven emerging choreographers. Dance Canvas' Founder and Director, Angela Harris, has a special relationship with the Aurora, having danced in a number of their productions over the years. ♦ Spring was also celebrated by the joining of two of the Southeast's premiere Barber Shop Choruses. Gwinnett's lauded Stone Mountain Chorus and Atlanta Harmony Celebration joined their voices together in a concert at Mountain Park's United Methodist Church on May 21. ♦ Also in May, Duluth photographer Mary Buck traveled to Spain and returned with another treasure trove of images. Buck is known for her extraordinary photos of birds, whether taken in her own backyard or on the other side of the world. Art Beat columns of summer and early fall seemed to be full of young, talented Gwinnett dancers finding success. ♦ Rachael Graham was once a featured performer at Gwinnett Ballet Theatre. Since this summer, she has sported a number of tiaras, dancing and singing as Disney Princesses on their Cruise Line in the Caribbean. ♦ Dreams came true for another ex-Gwinnett Ballet dancer. Runako Campbell is living the dream in New York City where she has performed in a variety of shows, commercials, and with the Metropolitan Opera Ballet. ♦ The Hudgens Center is one of Gwinnett's treasured arts entities, and The Hudgens Prize is a great example of how philanthropy can lift emerging artists into the spotlight. This year's winner is sculptor Olu Amoda who received the Prize with its $50,000 cash gift in October. ♦ “The Lion in Winter” was presented in early December by Lionheart Theatre, directed by Brandi Kilgore. Taking on such a renowned and powerful work is a true artistic test and certainly a highlight of Lionheart's season. As 2022 comes to a close, one more young artist is spreading wings and flying into her future. ♦ By the new year, 10-year-old Lillian Sears, who has trained at Duluth's Atlanta Professional Dance Academy, will begin studying at the Paris Opera Ballet. She is the first North American to be accepted into the POB's six-month audition program. Dreams do come true. Here's to 2023! Grayson's girls basketball team defeated Archbishop Chapelle (La.) 58-22 Thursday in the championship game of the St. Pius Christmas Classic. The Rams went 3-0 in the tournament, improving to 10-4 on the season. Tatum Brown was named tournament MVP, and Samara Saunders earned a spot on the all-tournament team. The Rams are back at home Friday where they'll open the New Year with a game against Brookwood. Georgia saw its population increase by 1.7% between 2020 and 2022, new numbers from the Census Bureau show. As of July 1, Georgia's population stood at more than 10.9 million, up from about 10.7 million at the same time in 2020. The Peach State's neighbor to the south, Florida, saw its population increase at a higher rate of 3% during the same timeframe, Census numbers show. South Carolina (2.9%), North Carolina (2.4%) and Tennessee (1.8%) also grew more than the Peach State, though Georgia has a higher population than the three states. However, Georgia's growth outpaced that of Alabama, which saw its population increase by 0.9%. For more information, visit www.lanierislands.com For advertising inquiries, please email j.southerland@bgadgroup.com For more information be sure to visit www.bgpodcastnetwork.com   https://www.lawrencevillega.org/  https://www.foxtheatre.org/  https://guideinc.org/  https://www.psponline.com/  https://www.kiamallofga.com/  https://www.milb.com/gwinnett  https://www.fernbankmuseum.org/                     See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Blackberry Smoke is playing their BIG annual homecoming show in Atlanta, Georgia at the Fabulous Fox Theatre this Friday after Thanksgiving! And Blackberry Smoke guitar player, Paul Jackson joins us to talk about the show, introduce us to his lovely wife Amanda, tell us the amazing story of the struggles he's overcome to become one of the greatest Dads and Musicians on the planet. Paul & Amanda Jackson have a lot to be thankful for and we're grateful that they joined us in the Braves Radio Network Studios for this special Thanksgiving Edition… Direct from Newnan, Georgia - Paul & Amanda Jackson - Welcome to Braves Country!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Blackberry Smoke is playing their BIG annual homecoming show in Atlanta, Georgia at the Fabulous Fox Theatre this Friday after Thanksgiving! And Blackberry Smoke guitar player, Paul Jackson joins us to talk about the show, introduce us to his lovely wife Amanda, tell us the amazing story of the struggles he's overcome to become one of the greatest Dads and Musicians on the planet. Paul & Amanda Jackson have a lot to be thankful for and we're grateful that they joined us in the Braves Radio Network Studios for this special Thanksgiving Edition… Direct from Newnan, Georgia - Paul & Amanda Jackson - Welcome to Braves Country!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week Lynn & Carl speak with Berklea Going, former Muny Kid who will be starring in Disney's Frozen: The Musical at the Fabulous Fox Theatre. Also new releases: Ticket to Paradise, Black Adam, Tar, Raymond & Ray and The Curse of Bridge Hallow. Plus Halloween Happenings & the Theater Roundup.

Lynn & Carl (traveling on the road to Riot Fest in Chicago) speak to John O'Brien from the Fabulous Fox Theatre about their 40th Broadways Series Season with eight shows beginning with "Ain't Too Proud" starting Tuesday. Plus there are bonus shows not in the package - and Carl cannot wait for the Illusionists Magic of the Holidays show. Then Lynn & Carl talk about all the new releases they didn't see and Confess, Fletch.

Lynn & Carl have an in-depth conversation with Broadway and film actress, singer, dancer and producer, Ashanti J'Aria, who is starring as Mrs. Greene in The Prom next week at the Fabulous Fox Theatre. Plus Carl had a moment with James Gunn at last week's Blues game.

"Nightmare Alley" in theaters, Santa pics in the area, "Cats" at The Fabulous Fox Theatre, plus more!

Russ Belin, vice president of the Southeast region for Broadway Across America, joins the Atlanta Real Estate Forum podcast to discuss the pandemic's effects on the theater industry and this year's exciting season at the Fabulous Fox Theatre. Belin joins hosts Carol Morgan and Todd Schnick for the Around Atlanta segment. Celebrating 40 years in the peach state, Broadway Across America is back in our beautiful city for a highly anticipated season of shows. Broadway Across America has 47 markets in the U.S. and presents the best of Broadway direct from New York. Acting as a middleman, Belin and his team handle subscriptions, marketing and present shows featured at the Fox Theatre. Broadway Across America works with producers to build out incredible displays for patrons to enjoy, typically bringing 10 to 12 shows per season. According to Belin, the past 18 months were tough for performers and patrons alike as the theater industry largely depends on the revenue from live shows. “It's been 550 days since we presented our last show,” Belin said. “Our job is to bring people together to make memories. It's been weird to not have that feeling.” The theater industry and Broadway Across America underwent many changes attempting to build seasons and reroute shows as pandemic conditions worsened. The main focus was to reschedule shows and plan and manage ticket subscriptions to ensure an easy return once it was safe to do so. According to Belin, it was amazing to see the support and excitement from season ticket holders during such a difficult time and how thankful his team was for the continued support. In residence until September 26, 2021, Hamilton is the first show to return to the Fox Theatre since its March 2020 closing. Belin expressed gratitude that a big show like Hamilton is the season debut after a turbulent previous year. Operating safely, about 4,500 patrons per show enjoy the magic of Broadway in person once again. Written by Tony-award winner Lin-Manuel Miranda, Hamilton is the story of Alexander Hamilton, a young immigrant from the Caribbean, and his journey to the United States. Working in tandem with acclaimed historical figures, such as Thomas Jefferson and George Washington, Hamilton built the U.S. treasury, as well as other developments, to make our newly formed country successful. Told uniquely and powerfully, Hamilton implements hip-hop, dance and expressive music to tell the story based on the biography by author Rob Chernow. Although Disney+ released the professional recording of the original cast of Hamilton during the height of the pandemic, it motivates many viewers to see the show live. Releasing shows on digital platforms allows for larger audiences to access the brilliance of Broadway. However, nothing compares to seeing a show in person! Although the current cast of Hamilton is not the original, it is a talented group of professionals, including a few Atlanta natives, that are passionate about delivering this show to audiences. This season marks 40 years of Broadway in Atlanta and will feature highlights such as Fiddler on the Roof, Disney's Frozen, Ain't Too Proud, Mean Girls and more!  “I'm excited that we're going to help the Fox doors reopen and get our audiences back there,” Belin said. Fiddler on the Roof is a great show to bring family and first-time theatergoers, winning multiple Tony Awards on its original run and the revival. Ain't Too Pride celebrates the career of The Temptations on their journey from Motown to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with well-known hits and a night filled with nostalgic fun. Disney's Frozen is a much-anticipated debut at the Fox Theatre and a great opportunity for families to experience the magic of Disney up close. Based on the pop culture hit by Tina Fey, Mean Girls will continue the stream of hit shows coming to the Atlanta area with comedy and catchy songs in this pop culture sensation. Despite current setbacks,

Russ Belin, vice president of the Southeast region for Broadway Across America, joins the Atlanta Real Estate Forum podcast to discuss the pandemic's effects on the theater industry and this year's exciting season at the Fabulous Fox Theatre. Belin joins hosts Carol Morgan and Todd Schnick for the Around Atlanta segment. Celebrating 40 years in the peach state, Broadway Across America is back in our beautiful city for a highly anticipated season of shows. Broadway Across America has 47 markets in the U.S. and presents the best of Broadway direct from New York. Acting as a middleman, Belin and his team handle subscriptions, marketing and present shows featured at the Fox Theatre. Broadway Across America works with producers to build out incredible displays for patrons to enjoy, typically bringing 10 to 12 shows per season. According to Belin, the past 18 months were tough for performers and patrons alike as the theater industry largely depends on the revenue from live shows. “It's been 550 days since we presented our last show,” Belin said. “Our job is to bring people together to make memories. It's been weird to not have that feeling.” The theater industry and Broadway Across America underwent many changes attempting to build seasons and reroute shows as pandemic conditions worsened. The main focus was to reschedule shows and plan and manage ticket subscriptions to ensure an easy return once it was safe to do so. According to Belin, it was amazing to see the support and excitement from season ticket holders during such a difficult time and how thankful his team was for the continued support. In residence until September 26, 2021, Hamilton is the first show to return to the Fox Theatre since its March 2020 closing. Belin expressed gratitude that a big show like Hamilton is the season debut after a turbulent previous year. Operating safely, about 4,500 patrons per show enjoy the magic of Broadway in person once again. Written by Tony-award winner Lin-Manuel Miranda, Hamilton is the story of Alexander Hamilton, a young immigrant from the Caribbean, and his journey to the United States. Working in tandem with acclaimed historical figures, such as Thomas Jefferson and George Washington, Hamilton built the U.S. treasury, as well as other developments, to make our newly formed country successful. Told uniquely and powerfully, Hamilton implements hip-hop, dance and expressive music to tell the story based on the biography by author Rob Chernow. Although Disney+ released the professional recording of the original cast of Hamilton during the height of the pandemic, it motivates many viewers to see the show live. Releasing shows on digital platforms allows for larger audiences to access the brilliance of Broadway. However, nothing compares to seeing a show in person! Although the current cast of Hamilton is not the original, it is a talented group of professionals, including a few Atlanta natives, that are passionate about delivering this show to audiences. This season marks 40 years of Broadway in Atlanta and will feature highlights such as Fiddler on the Roof, Disney's Frozen, Ain't Too Proud, Mean Girls and more!  “I'm excited that we're going to help the Fox doors reopen and get our audiences back there,” Belin said. Fiddler on the Roof is a great show to bring family and first-time theatergoers, winning multiple Tony Awards on its original run and the revival. Ain't Too Pride celebrates the career of The Temptations on their journey from Motown to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with well-known hits and a night filled with nostalgic fun. Disney's Frozen is a much-anticipated debut at the Fox Theatre and a great opportunity for families to experience the magic of Disney up close. Based on the pop culture hit by Tina Fey, Mean Girls will continue the stream of hit shows coming to the Atlanta area with comedy and catchy songs in this pop culture sensation. Despite current setbacks,

John O'Brien currently serves as Director of Programming for The Fabulous Fox Theatre in St. Louis, where he is responsible for programming the U.S. Bank Broadway Series. In addition to his work with Fox Associates, he is Editor of the industry newsletter Broadway Briefing and previously served as Director of Operations for Broadway Brands, publisher of Broadway Briefing and Broadway News. Prior to working with Fox Associates, John worked with various companies in New York and St. Louis, including Roundabout Theatre Company, The Muny, New York Musical Festival, and RKO Stage. John is a member of the Broadway League and the Independent Presenters Network and is a Tony Awards voter.

Lucy Schene, a contestant in the 11th Annual https://www.foxpacf.org/programs/teen-talent-competition/ (St. Louis Teen Talent Competition), and Judy Cullen, Executive Director of https://www.foxpacf.org/ (Fox Performing Arts Charitable Foundation) discuss the upcoming finals to be held on May 24 at the Fabulous Fox Theatre. $50,000 in prizes, cash awards, and college scholarships to the top competitors. Finalists will be judged on technical ability, interpretation, stage presence, and originality. This is Season 4! #Stlouis #teentalent #singing #dancing #broadway #musician #Kirkwood #kirkwoodhighschool #foxtheatre #judycullen #lucyschene #poetry #circusacts #competition #talentcompetition

"Motown The Musical" Interview Parts I and II Broadway comes to Worcester! Cynthia LaPan interviews Allison Semmes, the star of "Motown the Musical". It's on tour! Allison Semmes is Diana Ross in "Motown the Musical"! This Broadway star sits down with WCCA volunteer Cynthia LaPan to discuss the passion, the process, the joys and the challenges of being an actress in a nationally-touring company today (this interview took place at Hanover Theatre in Worcester, Masssachusetts). Image: thestagefaves.com. Derivative Works 3.0 Usage Attribution CCLicensebyncnd Follow the link and view more: Motown the Musical - Performance Motown the Musical LIVE - Motown: The Musical HOST: Sarah Bernard SHOW DATE: March 23 The new tour of Motown the Musical has arrived in St. Louis and guests joining us, are actors, Judith Franklin, who plays Martha Reeves and Elijah Ahmad, who plays Stevie Wonder… Story plot: Motown The Musical is the story of founder Berry Gordy's journey of building Motown Records and features more than 50 classic hits. Motown The Musical is currently performing at the Fabulous Fox Theatre in Grand Center. Parts III and IV More live interviews follow with Tony awards and scenes from Motown the stage play. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/stringer5/support

The Fabulous Fox Theatre and Opera Theatre St. Louis will host live performances after a year of cancelations. The changes come after a tumultuous year where productions were canceled because of the pandemic.

The show must go on! Join us for our second part of "TipTea does theatre..." as we go behind the scenes with Director of Programming at The Fabulous Fox Theatre, John O'Brien.

   The world has changed overnight. Things that only happen in the movies are playing out right before our eyes and it’s pretty surreal knowing we’re going through a major historical event. As COVID-19 continues to be a big, giant butt hole, humanity has had to learn a lot of new techniques to cope, especially when it comes to quarantine. Looking on the bright side is one of them. For instance, this pandemic may be horrible, but at least we’ve got something of our own now that we can throw in the faces of future generations like our forefathers have in the past.      “Boy, you don’t know how good you got it. Back in my day, they forced us to stay indoors … in the air conditionin’ … told us we couldn’t work for weeks and all we had to occupy us was eatin’ tater chips and layin’ around in our pajamas all day watchin’ Netflix and postin’ self-righteous memes on the Facebook!”      But for me, and maybe for you as well, I’ve found that finding stuff to keep myself entertained has brought me back to some things in my life I’ve neglected, namely my absolute passion for Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber’s adaptation of The Phantom Of The Opera. And that’s what this episode is about - My life with The Phantom.      I’m Michael Blackston. Join me as we open an enormous theatrical curtain on my Funny Messy Life.   _________________________      I grew up singing for audiences, and not just normal kid songs, either - songs like I’ve Been Working On The Railroad, Twinkle Twinkle Little Star, or I Like Big Butts And I Cannot Lie. No, while my first official solo at age five was called, Dead Eye Dick, I quickly graduated to fancier numbers like, The Rainbow Connection and Tomorrow from ANNIE. Then I pulled out the big guns. I think I was eight when I performed Memory from CATS in a competition and I would have won first place if the judges hadn’t been such push overs and gave the win to a little girl who turned a bunch of schoolyard flips to music and called herself a “tumbler”, Halfway through her act, she did something wrong, got scared and ran off the stage, and was eventually coaxed back on. I sang flawlessly, but got second place behind tumble girl. I deserved first place and I know it because my mom and my grandmother told me so. But I’m not bitter.      Anyway, singing Memory was the first time I was exposed to the magic of Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber. He composed CATS and would eventually become my hero as I started writing plays and musicals.      Jump forward into my teens. Fifteen to be exact. My step-father took my mother and I to New York City for the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. During the trip, my mother thought she’d surprise me with a night on Broadway - the Winter Garden Theatre, which was home to CATS. She thought I’d be elated, but alas, I was not. I was fifteen and my interests had temporarily changed from singing and performing to hunting and fishing and being the most obnoxious redneck I could possibly be. I told her I didn’t want to go see a bunch of dudes wearing tights dancing around like a bunch of sissies. I wanted to stay at the hotel while they went to the show.      Mama calmly told me that the tickets had already been purchased and I would love it and I was going and if I argued about it again, she would throw me right into the Hudson river. So I went and it was magical. It changed my mind about theatre right then and my world went from wanting to fish in the rain to wanting to sing in the rain.      Not long after that trip, my step-father surprised us again with a package of tickets at the Fabulous Fox Theatre in Atlanta. The shows included: The Buddy Holly Story, Annie, CATS again, and The Phantom Of The Opera. This time I WAS excited, but I didn’t know just how affected I would be after seeing Phantom. I think the finale scene where The Phantom is holding Christine’s dress and she rides away in a boat with Raoul and The Phantom wails in despair, “It’s over now - the music of the night” … that moment might have been the first time I cried at a show. It still gets me every time I hear it. It’s my favorite moment in the play because when the actor playing Erik - that’s The Phantom’s name - gets it right, it’ll tear out your heart and leaving you bleeding in the mezzanine … or the orchestra seats if you spent the big bucks.      From that moment on, everything was POTO, which is what cool Phans sometimes call it and is easier to keep typing out instead of Phantom Of The Opera. Phans, by the way and in this case, is correctly spelled with a PH.      First, I went out and bought the original London cast soundtrack with Michael Crawford and Sarah Brightman. I learned it note for note and walked around everywhere singing it. There was a used bookstore in town and one afternoon I found a large paperback that not only went into detail about the creation of the show, but had a step by step photo diagram of The Phantom’s makeup application and in the back was the full libretto. When that book caught my eye, I probably screamed like a fan girl, maybe cried a little, and held the book to my chest like it was an original manuscript of the Bible. You couldn’t have plucked it away from me if the entire female portion of the cast of CATS was just outside the window in their skin tight leotards, grinding away to Mr. Mistopholes.      I read that book cover to cover several times before lending it to a friend who never gave it back. I should have known better. In fact, let me jot ordering it again right onto my to-do list while I’m thinking about it.      For most of my adulthood, you could count on three loves in my life behind God and family. Those were Theatre in general, University of Georgia Football, and POTO. I needed nothing else. I had my Phantom picture frame, I had my official mask I bought from The Really Useful Group that wasn’t exact;y right had too much shine, but I didn’t care. I had my two revues that I performed Phantom numbers in wearing said mask … I was happy.      I dressed as The Phantom every single Halloween until I overheard someone say, “Here comes Michael dressed as The Phantom - again.” After that I gave it a year off, then dressed as The Phantom the next Halloween. There’s something about becoming that character for lovers of the musical that inspires passion and intensity. I never felt that way dressed as Dracula or Batman or a Hooters girl.      But there was a time that I lost my way. I had one kid, then another. I started writing plays and novels and became all consumed with those endeavors until Phantom slowly faded into the rest of the craziness around me.Instead of being a beacon lighting the path to a happy place, it was just another boat lost in the rocky sea of my life.      Then the pandemic hit and suddenly I was finding extra hours that needed filling. Actually, two things happened. The pandemic, yeah, but I also finished my second novel and began my current project, which is finishing my own musical. I started composing and needed something special in the way of inspiration.      One night, right at the beginning of when everyone was being told to stay home and only poke your head out the door to see how cold it is or if we’re going to have six more weeks of COVID, I saw my hero - Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber - videoing himself from quarantine, playing All I Ask Of You from Phantom. I couldn’t believe it. I was getting to see the man perform his own work from his home on his piano. It was one of the dearest things I’d ever experienced and suddenly the light was back, beckoning me to my own piano. Since this reawakening, I’ve made more progress on my show than I ever have. I joined a group on Facebook for Phantom lovers and everyone there has been amazing and helps to keep my creative juices flowing.      I don’t know, I guess everyone has that one specific thing. I have other loves in my life. I can’t seem to stop watching The Office from end to end, then starting right back over again. And there are plenty of other things too, but there’s something special about The Phantom. His deep, consuming love for Christine. His secret lair on the lake beneath the Paris Opera House - a lake that really does exist. The gothic, hauntingly beautiful melodies that pierce you to the marrow from the moment the main theme erupts at the beginning of the show when the mountain of a chandelier begins to rise from the stage and hovers ominously and foreboding above the audience. The knowledge that the time will come when that chandelier will come crashing down, making good on the deadly promises of The Phantom. It’s all a perfect experience that takes you in and makes you want to be there … to really be there.      So while this episode wasn’t necessarily very funny or messy, it does represent an integral part of my life. I plan to hold tightly to The Phantom from now on, because I never want it to be over - the music of the night.      If you enjoyed this episode, there’s a lot more you can listen to and hopefully a lot more to come. All you have to do is subscribe. Most folks do that via Apple podcasts, but it’s available wherever you listen to your podcasts and you can even subscribe at the website, funnymessy.com. Maybe you have a Phantom or theatre story of your own … I’d truly love to hear it and we can be pals. You can get in touch with me at the website in the comments sections of the blog, from the contact page, or if you’d prefer to email me, it’s funnymessylife@gmail.com.  

Today's episode comes from our April 2019 Leadership Luncheon. Tom sits down with Cindy Vargo, Vice President of Sales and Membership at The Fabulous Fox Theatre, to discuss how she builds fabulous company culture at one of the world's premiere performing arts venues.

Deborah Sharn talks with John O’Brien, Director of Programming for the Fabulous Fox Theatre in St. Louis about their Broadway season that includes the musicals, “Love Never Dies”, “Come From Away”, “Waitress”, “Fiddler on the Roof” and many more.

Disney's Aladdin will invade Atlanta's Fabulous Fox Theatre in September. Check out this exclusive with cast member Jay Paranada who play Iago. They discuss his career, getting this groundbreaking role and why you should see Disney's Aladdin soon! Tickets: https://atlanta.broadway.com/shows/disneys-aladdin/ Follow: @aladdin About Jay Paranada: Jay Paranada (Iago). Delightful Disney debut! Credits: Into The Woods (Baker), Guys and Dolls (Nicely), Miss Saigon (Engineer), Remarkable Journey of Prince Jen. Favorite roles: husband to Scott/daddy to Lily Bea. Maraming mahal to family/barkada, Tara Rubin Casting, Carry Company and Aladdin team! B.A. Sociology (PLU) & AMDA alumni. @jayparanada www.jayparanada.com About the show: ►Website: http://www.ashsaidit.com ►For $5 in ride credit, download the Lyft app using my referral link: https://www.lyft.com/ici/ASH584216 ► Visit http://www.pinnertest.com and use Promo Code: ashsaidit ►Become A Podcast Legend: http://ashsaidit.podcastersmastery.zaxaa.com/s/6543767021305 ►Review Us: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/ash-said-it/id1144197789 ►SUBSCRIBE HERE: http://www.youtube.com/c/AshSaidItSuwanee ►Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/1loveash ►Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ashsaidit ►Twitter: https://twitter.com/1loveAsh ►Google Plus: https://plus.google.com/u/0/+AshSaidItMedia ►Blog: http://www.ashsaidit.com/blog ►Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/1LoveAsh/ ►Newsletter: http://ashsaidit.us11.list-manage1.com/subscribe?u=2a2ca3b799467f125b53863c8&id=a6f43cd472 ►Casper Commercial Music Courtesy of http://www.BenSound.com #atlanta #ashsaidit #ashsaidthat #ashblogsit #ashsaidit® Ash Brown is a gifted American producer, blogger, speaker, media personality and event emcee. The blog on AshSaidit.com showcases exclusive event invites, product reviews and so much more. Her motivational podcast "Ash Said It Daily" is available on major media platforms such as iTunes, iHeart Radio & Google Play. This program has over half a million streams worldwide. She uses these mediums to motivate & encourage her audience in the most powerful way. She keeps it real!

Disney's Aladdin will invade Atlanta's Fabulous Fox Theatre in September. Check out this exclusive with cast member Jay Paranada who play Iago. They discuss his career, getting this groundbreaking role and why you should see Disney's Aladdin soon! Tickets: https://atlanta.broadway.com/shows/disneys-aladdin/ Follow: @aladdin About Jay Paranada: Jay Paranada (Iago). Delightful Disney debut! Credits: Into The Woods (Baker), Guys and Dolls (Nicely), Miss Saigon (Engineer), Remarkable Journey of Prince Jen. Favorite roles: husband to Scott/daddy to Lily Bea. Maraming mahal to family/barkada, Tara Rubin Casting, Carry Company and Aladdin team! B.A. Sociology (PLU) & AMDA alumni. @jayparanada www.jayparanada.com About the show: ►Website: http://www.ashsaidit.com ►For $5 in ride credit, download the Lyft app using my referral link: https://www.lyft.com/ici/ASH584216 ► Visit http://www.pinnertest.com and use Promo Code: ashsaidit ►Become A Podcast Legend: http://ashsaidit.podcastersmastery.zaxaa.com/s/6543767021305 ►Review Us: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/ash-said-it/id1144197789 ►SUBSCRIBE HERE: http://www.youtube.com/c/AshSaidItSuwanee ►Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/1loveash ►Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ashsaidit ►Twitter: https://twitter.com/1loveAsh ►Google Plus: https://plus.google.com/u/0/+AshSaidItMedia ►Blog: http://www.ashsaidit.com/blog ►Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/1LoveAsh/ ►Newsletter: http://ashsaidit.us11.list-manage1.com/subscribe?u=2a2ca3b799467f125b53863c8&id=a6f43cd472 ►Casper Commercial Music Courtesy of http://www.BenSound.com #atlanta #ashsaidit #ashsaidthat #ashblogsit #ashsaidit® Ash Brown is a gifted American producer, blogger, speaker, media personality and event emcee. The blog on AshSaidit.com showcases exclusive event invites, product reviews and so much more. Her motivational podcast "Ash Said It Daily" is available on major media platforms such as iTunes, iHeart Radio & Google Play. This program has over half a million streams worldwide. She uses these mediums to motivate & encourage her audience in the most powerful way. She keeps it real!

After watching The Lion King at the Fabulous Fox Theatre, I could not wait to speak with this starlet. Nia Holloway gives an incredible performance as Nala during the musical. She is a brimming young talent that has her sights set high. We discuss her early aspirations, The Lion King Audition and where you can catch her next. Go see The Lion King on Tour NOW! Its a once in a lifetime opportunity that you won't regret. Follow: @niaholloway Visit: https://spinrilla.com/mixtapes/nia-holloway1-nia-holloway-a-rookie-and-a-vet About the show: ► Visit http://www.pinnertest.com and use Promo Code: ashsaidit ►Website: http://www.ashsaidit.com ►SUBSCRIBE HERE: http://www.youtube.com/c/AshSaidItSuwanee ►Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/1loveash ►Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ashsaidit ►Twitter: https://twitter.com/1loveAsh ►Google Plus: https://plus.google.com/u/0/+AshSaidItMedia ►Blog: http://www.ashsaidit.com/blog ►Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/1LoveAsh/ ►Daily Podcast: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/ash-said-it/id1144197789 ►Newsletter: http://ashsaidit.us11.list-manage1.com/subscribe?u=2a2ca3b799467f125b53863c8&id=a6f43cd472 ►Pinnertest Commercial Music Courtesy of http://www.BenSound.com #ashsaidit #ashsaidthat #ashblogsit #ashsaidit®

After watching The Lion King at the Fabulous Fox Theatre, I could not wait to speak with this starlet. Nia Holloway gives an incredible performance as Nala during the musical. She is a brimming young talent that has her sights set high. We discuss her early aspirations, The Lion King Audition and where you can catch her next. Go see The Lion King on Tour NOW! Its a once in a lifetime opportunity that you won't regret. Follow: @niaholloway Visit: https://spinrilla.com/mixtapes/nia-holloway1-nia-holloway-a-rookie-and-a-vet About the show: ► Visit http://www.pinnertest.com and use Promo Code: ashsaidit ►Website: http://www.ashsaidit.com ►SUBSCRIBE HERE: http://www.youtube.com/c/AshSaidItSuwanee ►Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/1loveash ►Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ashsaidit ►Twitter: https://twitter.com/1loveAsh ►Google Plus: https://plus.google.com/u/0/+AshSaidItMedia ►Blog: http://www.ashsaidit.com/blog ►Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/1LoveAsh/ ►Daily Podcast: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/ash-said-it/id1144197789 ►Newsletter: http://ashsaidit.us11.list-manage1.com/subscribe?u=2a2ca3b799467f125b53863c8&id=a6f43cd472 ►Pinnertest Commercial Music Courtesy of http://www.BenSound.com #ashsaidit #ashsaidthat #ashblogsit #ashsaidit®

On today’s Around Atlanta segment of Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio, co-hosts Carol Morgan and Todd Schnick continue this month’s celebrations of Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio’s sixth anniversary. Today, Jamie Vosmeier, Senior Director of Sales and Marketing at the Fox Theatre, joins Carol and Todd to promote the Fabulous Fox’s seasonal events and upcoming […] The post Holiday Season Traditions and More at the Fabulous Fox Theatre appeared first on Atlanta Real Estate Forum.

Tim interviews Damian Darglington of the world's greatest Pink Floyd tribute act, Brit Floyd, appearing Thursday, May 25th at the Fabulous Fox Theatre. Tickets: www.foxtheatre.org Official Brit Floyd Site: http://www.britfloyd.com/ #PinkFloyd, #BritFloyd, #TheWall, #Animals, #FoxTheatre, #Atlanta, #Music, #ClassicRock

Deborah Sharn talks with Kristin Caskey, President of Fox Theatricals about the Fabulous Fox Theatre season which continues with Fun Home November 15-27, 2016 in St. Louis.

In 1929, William Fox was a movie mogul and The Fox Theatre was Atlantas crown jewel of movie palaces. Over the years it has hosted many award-winning performances. Comedies, tragedies, and dramas – in the form of movies, plays and dance – have all played on the big screen and the stage, creating more than a few memories along the way. On this months episode of Sidewalk Radio, host Gene Kansas welcomes in Beauchamp Carr, the Executive Vice President of The Woodruff Arts Center and a major player in helping the Fox Theater remain an Atlanta landmark in the 1970s. Also joining in on this months conversation are Chairperson of Emory’s Film and Media Studies, Matthew Bernstein and Leo Alvarez, the Urban Design Leader at Perkins+Will. As always, this episode of Sidewalk Radio is brought to you in part by Perkins+Will.

The Secrets of the Fox Theatre are revealed. By whom, you ask? The Phantom himself. RadioPotato goes deep inside the heart of the Fabulous Fox Theatre for an exclusive interview. See the full post here: http://radiopotato.com/interviews/the-phantom-reveals-5-juicy-fox-theatre-secrets

(0:00) Tombstone Blues, 2/20/99, Boulder Theater, Boulder, CO (SBD) (7:14) I Shall Be Released, 5/5/99, Arcadia Theater, Dallas, TX (Taper: Larry Fox) (24:06) Tom Thumb Blues, 8/1/03, Horning's Hideout, North Plains, OR (Taper: Jason Ho) (31:05) Tangled Up In Blue, 4/7/05, Big Easy Concert House, Spokane, WA (Taper: Ryan NeRoy) (40:37) My Back Pages, 4/22/04, Zepp Tokyo (SBD) (44:33) It Takes a Lot to Laugh (It Takes a Train to Cry), 10/16/04, The Backyard, Austin, TX (Taper: Joe Billerbeck) (48:24) You Ain't Goin' Nowhere, 3/26/05, Fillmore Auditorium, Denver, CO (Taper: Phil Rollins) (54:56) Meet Me in the Morning, 11/25/06, Fabulous Fox Theatre, Atlanta, GA (Taper: Joe Billerbeck) (1:01:14) Quinn the Eskimo, 10/28/01, Landmark Theater, Syracuse, NY (Taper: Benjamin Fleahman) (1:11:40) Knockin' on Heaven's Door, 3/25/02, Fillmore Auditorium, Denver, CO (Taper: Dave Koorey)