Podcasts about scranton cultural center

The Laurie Cadden Show from May 3, 2025 features guest Lily Opshinsky whose mom, Sandra Hailstone, is battling breast cancer and held a fundraiser recently. Also Laurie shares an exciting milestone, and her a Julie D. Imel talk about the power of implementing a "thought follows action" approach to life; and Laurie gives us an update on the Scranton Cultural Center's Curtain Call fundraiser.

The Laurie Cadden Show from April 12, 2025 featuring guests Hollie Suraci, Associate Real Estate Broker, ERA One Source Realty, gives us an update on the current real estate climate in our region and Deborah Peterson, Executive Director of the Scranton Cultural Center at the Masonic Temple, shares details on the center's upcoming fundraiser, Curtain Call.

The Laurie Cadden Show from March 8, 2025 featuring John Cardoni, General Manager and Technical Director at the Scranton Cultural Center at the Masonic Temple

John Cardoni joins Dan Kosloski to share an interesting story of a paranormal visitor to the Scranton Cultural Center's Library. Here the full interview with John Cardoni in our archive.   The Creepy Side of NEPA: Scranton, PA. It was our second episode of this series released October 3rd 2019. New to The Creepy Side of NEPA podcast? Be sure to catch up on our prior episodes available on all major podcasting platforms. Don't forget to like, subscribe, or follow depending on the podcasting platform that you are using. Have a creepy story, legend or an idea for an upcoming episode? Email us at GHOST@WNEP.COM and maybe we will feature your story on our next episode. Be sure to follow WNEP's Creepy Side of NEPA on Facebook for the latest show information. Subscribe to The Creepy Side of NEPA on YouTube. Now you can catch The Creepy Side of NEPA streamed every night at midnight on WNEP+. For more information on how to get WNEP+ please visit WNEP.COM Don't forget to like, subscribe, or follow The Creepy Side of NEPA wherever you listen!The Creepy Side of NEPA is hosted and produced by Daniel T. Kosloski

Laurie Cadden Show from November 30, 2024 with guests Rachael Fronduti, marketing manager of the Scranton Cultural Center at the Masonic Temple and Maureen McGuigan, director of arts & culture of Lackawanna County

Laurie Cadden Show from November 2, 2024 with guests Chrissy Manuel of UNC about "Feed a Friend" and Camille Reinecke, Arts and Education Outreach Manager at the Scranton Cultural Center.

Nancy Sanderson, Executive Director of the NEPA Philharmonic, speaking about the 2024-2025 season titled "Building Bridges." The first chamber music concert will take place at the Sordoni Art Gallery at Wilkes University, September 17 at 7:00; the first Pops concert is titled "Queen!" and it will be held at the FM Kirby Center in downtown Wilkes-Barre under the direction of Melisse Brunet on Friday, September 27 at 7:30 pm; and the first Masterworks concert will be presented on Sunday, November 3 at 3:00 at the Scranton Cultural Center. For more information: www.nepaphil.org/ 570-270-4444.

Marko Marcinko, Artistic Director of the Scranton Jazz Festival and Leader of the Festival Big Band, speaking about the 19th annual SJF to be held in downtown Scranton August 2, 3 & 4, 2024. Friday and Saturday will feature free jazz walks & on Saturday evening, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy will perform at the Scranton Cultural Center at 7:30 pm. Celebrated jazz saxophonist Joe Lovano will join the Scranton Jazz Festival Big Band under Marcinko's direction at 6:00 pm at the Ritz Theater. For more information: www.scrantonjazzfestival.org/

Marko Marcinko, Artistic Director of the Scranton Jazz Festival and Leader of the Festival Big Band, speaking about the 19th annual SJF to be held in downtown Scranton August 2, 3 & 4, 2024. Friday and Saturday will feature free jazz walks & on Saturday evening, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy will perform at the Scranton Cultural Center at 7:30 pm. Celebrated jazz saxophonist Joe Lovano will join the Scranton Jazz Festival Big Band under Marcinko's direction at 6:00 pm at the Ritz Theater. For more information: www.scrantonjazzfestival.org/

Maureen McGuigan, Director of the Lackawanna County Arts & Culture Department, speaking about the upcoming Wake Up with the Arts breakfast workshop on June 27, 2024, with the theme, "The Creative Economy & Technology".  Breakfast at 8:30 am; panel discussion at 9:00 am, at the Scranton Cultural Center, 420 N. Washington Avenue. Admission is free.  RSVP to 570-496-1724; arts-culture@lackawannacounty.org/ The annual Scrantastic Spectacular will take place on Courthouse Square on Wednesday, July 3rd, from 4:00 pm to 10 pm, with children's activities, regional bands and at 8:00 pm, the NEPA Philharmonic Brass & Percussion members will perform, leading up to the traditional fireworks display.www.scrantasticspectacular.com/

Maria Santomauro, Artist Acquisition & Program Manager at the Scranton Cultural Center, and Dave Brown, co-artistic director of the annual String Fling, speaking about the 2024 concert on Friday, April 19th at 7:30 (doors open at 7:00) in Shopland Hall at the Scranton Cultural Center.  The show will feature a number of bands including Dave Brown & The Dishonest Fiddlers. For more information: www.scrantonculturalcenter.org/

UFO investigator and Ancient Aliens star Nick Pope dives into a conversation that covers his background as UFO investigator for the British Ministry of Defense and also his work on History Channel's hit tv show  Ancient Aliens.   Nicks talks about how the possibility of connections between past civilizations and extraterrestrial visitations could have have influenced history as we know it.     Nick Pope and the cast from Ancient Aliens will be making a stop at the Scranton Cultural Center in downtown Scranton on Wednesday May 1st as part of their Ancient Aliens LIVE Tour.  Tickets for the event can be purchased online at https://www.ticketmaster.com/ancient-aliens-live-scranton-pa/event/02005F75F5AF5343?brand=scrantoncc&camefrom=CFC_SCC_SCCCAL_AAL #CreepySideofNEPA #NickPope #UFO #Alien #UFOresearch #AncientAliens   New to The Creepy Side of NEPA podcast? Be sure to catch up on our prior episodes available on all major podcasting platforms. Don't forget to like, subscribe, or follow depending on the podcasting platform that you are using. Have a creepy story, legend or an idea for an upcoming episode? Email us at GHOST@WNEP.COM and maybe we will feature your story on our next episode. Be sure to follow WNEP's Creepy Side of NEPA on Facebook for the latest show information. Subscribe to The Creepy Side of NEPA on YouTube. Don't forget to like, subscribe, or follow The Creepy Side of NEPA wherever you listen!The Creepy Side of NEPA is hosted and produced by Daniel T. Kosloski

Maria Santomauro, Programming Associate at the SCC and Coordinator of Guitarmaggedon; and Phyllis Hopkins, Musician and Band Leader, speaking about the 8th annual Guitarmaggedon at the Scranton Cultural Center, 420 N. Washington Avenue, on Friday, February 23, 2024, at 7:30 pm in the Grand Ballroom. For more information: www.scrantonculturalcenter.org/

Kynnedi Moryae' Porter, actor & dancer, speaking with WVIA's Lisa Mazzarella about the national touring production of HAIRSPRAY that will run in Scranton January 12-14, 2024, presented by Broadway in Scranton at the Scranton Cultural Center, 420 N. Washington Ave. Shows 1/12 at 7:30 pm; 1/13 at 2:00 & 7:30 pm; 1/14 at 1:00 pm. www.broadwayscranton.com/

Elizabeth Powers and Jahmeel Powers of the King's College Theatre faculty, speaking about their late friend Robert Anderson and his play "No It To Get" that he adapted as a gift for them. They will perform the piece at the 2023 Scranton Fringe Festival October 5th through the 7th in the Junior Ballroom at the Scranton Cultural Center. There will be shows October 5, 6 & 7 at 7:00 pm, with a Covid-safe matinee on Saturday at 2:00. www.scrantonfringe.org/

Zach Sprowls, Scranton-based pianist and composer, speaking about--and playing--his music in anticipation of the 2023 Scranton Fringe Festival where he will present his show "All Beginnings Are Hard," featuring piano and string trio. Performances will be held in the Jr. Ballroom at the Scranton Cultural Center on September 29 at 8:30 pm, September 30 at 2:00 and 8:30 pm and October 1 at 2:00. For more information: ZachSprowls.com/shows

Maureen McGuigan, Poet, Playwright, & Deputy Director of Arts & Culture for Lackawanna County, speaking about her new one-person theatre piece, "Remember You Must Die: A Comedy" to be presented at the 2023 Scranton Fringe Festival with shows October 5, 6 & 7 at 8:30 each night & also a matinee at 4:00 on the 7th, all in the Junior Ballroom of the Scranton Cultural Center. For more information: www.scrantonfringe.org/

Comedian Tom Papa, writer, performer, podcast producer, regular guest on NPR's "Wait Wait Don't Tell Me," who sometimes hosts the show, speaking about his love for radio and about his comedy before he appears at the Scranton Cultural Center, 420 N. Washington Avenue on March 10 at 7:30 pm. For information: www.SCCMT.org/ 570-344-1111

Maria Santomauro of the Scranton Cultural Center speaking about the 7th Annual Winter Blues Guitarmaggedon on Friday, February 24, 2023, at 7:30 pm. Featured will be the Alexis P. Suter Band; the Deb Callahan Band and Clarence Spady and the Electric City Band in the Grand Ballroom of the SCC, 420 N. Washington Ave. For more information: www.scrantonculturalcenter.org/

Nancy Sanderson, Executive Director of the Northeastern PA Philharmonic, speaking about the 2022 Holiday Concerts to be presented Friday, December 9 at 7 pm at the Scranton Cultural Center, and Saturday, December 10 at 7 pm at the FM Kirby Center in downtown Wilkes-Barre. Music Director Melisse Brunet will conduct, and the Choral Society of Northeast PA & Ballet Theatre of Scranton will be featured with the orchestra. www.nepaphil.org/

Thanks to a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities, an exciting project is taking place to help tell Scranton's Story. And as a proud Scrantonian, I'm thrilled to be able to share the details with you! “Scranton's Story, Our Nation's Story” explores the aspirational journey to fulfill our national ideals through the lens of Scranton, Pennsylvania, an iconic American city that has experienced many of the key elements of our nation's experience: industrial era growth and decline, waves of immigration past and present, and Black and Indigenous experiences. Learn more by listening to my conversation this week with a few of the key leaders of this project: Julie Schumacher Cohen, Kimberly Crafton, and Alejandra Marroquin. You'll learn the purpose of this project, how the city's stories will be saved for posterity and what is coming in the weeks and months ahead to get people talking to one another and sharing their stories, such as “All The Places We Come From: Stories, Food, & Community,” on Oct. 25, 2022, 6-7:30 p.m. (doors open at 5:30 p.m.) in Shopland Hall, Scranton Cultural Center, 420 N. Washington Ave., Scranton, PA in collaboration with Narrative 4. Learn more about this project and other events as they are scheduled at: https://www.scranton.edu/scrantonstory/index.html and be sure to follow them on Facebook and Instagram. Remember to subscribe to 'Uncorked with Funny Wine Girl' and share if you like. And if you don't enjoy the show, keep on scrolling! Follow Funny Wine Girl Jeannine on Facebook and Instagram for more fun and some wine inspiration. I appreciate you from the bottom of my heart and the bottom of my wine glass. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Dr. Alicia Nordstrom, Psychology Professor/Department Chair, & creator/director of The Voices Project; Dr. Lalaine Little, art historian & director of the Pauly Friedman Art Gallery at Misericordia University in Dallas, PA, speaking about "80 Minutes Around the World: Immigration Stories" created by award-winning storyteller Nestor Gomez of Chicago, a collaboration with The Voices Project. There will be 4 performances: April 28, 2022 at 7:30 pm & April 29 at 12:30 pm at Misericordia in Lemmond Theatre; April 29 at 7:30 pm at the FM Kirby Center in downtown Wilkes-Barre; and April 30 at 7:30 pm at the Scranton Cultural Center. Admission is free. www.misericordia.edu/voicesproject

Tannis Kowalchuk, farmer and artistic director of the Farm Arts Collective in Damascus, PA, speaking with WVIA's Lisa Mazzarella about "Dream on the Farm", a climate change-themed musical performance project to be presented at the Scranton Cultural Center, 420 North Washington Avenue, on Saturday, February 26, 2022 at 11:00 am. For more information: www.farmartscollective.org/

Nancy Sanderson, Executive Director of the Northeastern Pennsylvania Philharmonic, speaking about the annual PNC Holiday Pops concerts under the direction of Melisse Brunet, Friday, December 10, 2021 at the Scranton Cultural Center at 7pm, and again Saturday, December 11 at 7pm at the F.M. Kirby Center in downtown Wilkes-Barre. Joining the orchestra will be Ballet Theatre of Scranton & the Choral Society of NEPA. Masks will be required. www.nepaphil.org/

Jay Parini, novelist, poet, biographer, & professor of English & Creative Writing at Middlebury College, speaking about "Scranton in the Popular Imagination", a program on Tuesday, September 19, 2021, at 7:00 pm. at the Scranton Cultural Center. Parini will offer the keynote talk & will interact with a regional panel as well as the audience. The event is part of a two-year project supported by the NEH through an award to the University of Scranton. Registration is required: surveymonkey.com/r/ImagineScranton www.scranton.edu

Maureen McGuigan, Deputy Director of the Lackawanna County Arts & Culture Department, speaking about the effects of the pandemic on regional arts & cultural groups, and about two programs in September 2021: "The Art of Chinese Tea Ceremony", September 12 at the Scranton Cultural Center from 3 - 5 pm. Admission is free, but reservations are required: arts-culture@lackawannacounty.org/ 2) "Together in Song" with the Arcadia Chorale & Voce Angeli on September 19 at 3:00 pm at McDade Park in Scranton. Take a chair or blanket, and admission is free. www.lackawannacounty.org/

Camille Reinecke, Art & Education Outreach Manager at the Scranton Cultural Center at the Masonic Temple, speaking about the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic and the upcoming collaboration with Posture Interactive to present "Bright Side: A Virtual Variety Show" to benefit the Center. The event, featuring performances by regional artists, will be live- streamed on March 11, 2021, at 7:00 pm, with a pre-show Happy Hour at 6:00. www.ScrantonBrightSide.com/

Maria Santomauro, Director of Strategic Initiatives at the SCC, & Dave Brown, Singer/Songwriter, Guitarist & Bandleader, speaking about the 3rd Annual Steamtown String Fling at the Scranton Cultural Center on Friday, March 27 at 7:30. The performance will feature Dave Brown & The Dishonest Fiddlers; Milkweed; The Coal Cave Hollow Boys; Tyler Wescott & Chris Kearney, Emcee. www.sccmt.org 570-344-1111

Maria Santomauro, Director of Strategic Initiatives at the Scranton Cultural Center, & Bonnie Tallman, Executive Director of the Billtown Blues Association, speaking about Winter Blues Guitarmaggedon V: New Generation, Friday, February 21, 2020 at 7:30 pm, at the Scranton Cultural Center, 420 North Washington Avenue, featuring Vanessa Collier, "King" Solomon Hicks, & the Gabe Stillman Band, with Chris Barnes as MC. www.scrantonculturalcenter.org

James Patterson, Mouse King Emeritus; John Labrosky & Janet Yontas, Mouse King & Mouse Queen; Dancers Robert Zaloga; Ginger Cruz; Lilly McDonald; Meta Mihalchik; & Lia Fontanella, speaking about the 33rd annual production of The Nutcracker by Scranton Civic Ballet under Miss Helen Gaus, Friday, December 13, 2019 at 7:30 pm & Saturday, December 14 at 2:00 pm, at the Scranton Cultural Center. www.scrantoncivicballet.com

Maria Santomauro, Director of Strategic Initiatives at the Scranton Cultural Center; Drummer/Band Leader Patrick Marcinko III; Saxophonist Jim Buckley; Percussionist/Leader Justin Padro, speaking about their music and the 4th annual "Jump, Jazz & Jive" concert at the SCC in the Grand Ballroom, 420 North Washington Avenue, on Sunday, September 29, 2019, at 6:30 pm, featuring the Upper Valley Winds Big Band; the Justin Padro Trio; The Bog Swing Group; and the Tri-Tones. 570-344-1111 www.scrantonculturalcenter.org

Carl Shinko, Founder, Music Director & Conductor of Desiderata, speaking about the premiere concert of the new ensemble on Friday, July 26, 2019, at 8:00 p.m. at the Scranton Cultural Center in Shopland Hall. Tickets will be available at the door. The concert is titled, "Come Again, Sweet Love," and itwill feature music from the Renaissance and more contemporary pieces.

Rachael Fronduti, SCC Marketing Manager, and Camille Reinecke, Arts & Education Outreach Manager, speaking about the Youth Theatre Program's 2019 Summer Camp Program at the Scranton Cultural Center at the Masonic Temple, 420 N. Washington Avenue. There are successive sessions for young children through teenagers, and the program begins July 8 and runs through August 17. For more information--www.scrantonculturalcenter.org

Colson Whitehead, Winner of the Pulitzer Prize for his novel "The Underground Railroad", speaking about his work before the Annual Lackawanna County Library System's American Masters Lecture on Thursday, April 18, 2019 at the Scranton Cultural Center at 7:00 p.m. Admission is free but tickets are required: www.lclshome.org or at any Lackawanna County Library

Colson Whitehead, Pulitzer-Prize winning author, speaking about his work and his novel, "The Underground Railroad" before he presents the Lackawanna Library System's Annual American Masters Lecture on Thursday, April 18, 2019, at the Scranton Cultural Center at 7:00 p.m. Admission is free but tickets are required. www.lclshome.org or at any Lackawanna County Library.

Maria Santomauro, Director of Strategic Initiatives at the Scranton Cultural Center; and Guitarist Dustin Douglas, Leader of the band Dustin Douglas and the Electric Gentlemen, speaking about "Winter Blues Guitarmageddon IV" live at the Scranton Cultural Center at the Masonic Temple, Friday, February 15 at 7:30 p.m. On the program: The Slam Allen Band; The Clarence Spady Acoustic Band; Teddy Young and the Aces with special guest Dustin Douglas as emcee. www.scrantonculturalcenter.org 570-344-1111.

Medium Marisa Liza Pell is coming to the Scranton Cultural Center 5/5/18, she chats with Prospector about the show and great places to eat in Scranton.

In Episode 49, we sit down with Mickey Spain, an Irish folk singer/songwriter of Makem & Spain fame currently living and performing in Scranton, and his wife, Erin. He opens and closes the podcast with a few songs (and even throws a children’s song in the middle) before his upcoming shows at the Tomato Bar & Bistro in Pittston on March 3, Kilcoyne's Bar in Scranton on the first Saturday of every month, The Keys in Scranton on March 16, McCarthy's Red Stag Pub and Whiskey Bar in Bethlehem on March 17, and the first-ever Steamtown String Fling at the Scranton Cultural Center with The Dishonest Fiddlers, Brother Roy, MiZ, and Christopher Kearney on March 23. Before and during the interview, we drink Beer Boys crowlers of Harvest Ale, Rubaeus Raspberry Ale, and Mosaic Promise Ale by Founders Brewing Company, a favorite of ours that always delivers solid brews. We talk about Mickey growing up in Manchester, New Hampshire; how his father, being surrounded by folk music, and an injury got him to pick up a guitar; performing with his brother and forming Makem & Spain; how he met his wife and why he moved to Pennsylvania; recording with folk heroes like Tom Paxton, Roger McGuinn from The Byrds, Jonathan Edwards, Gordon Bok, David Mallett, and Noel Paul Stookey of Peter, Paul and Mary; whether or not you should meet your heroes; his relationship with his younger brother Liam; his inspiration and songwriting process; creating songs for kids and an interactive program for elementary schools; memorable people and places from touring the world; his initial reaction to the madness of Parade Day in Scranton and if the focus on drinking plays into Irish stereotypes and takes away from the celebration of the culture and heritage of Ireland; Erin’s work with the Parade Day committee and their attempt to clean it up over the years; Kilcoyne’s bringing Irish music back to the area after the closure of The Banshee with monthly shows; house shows and the general accessibility of his music; joining the stellar Steamtown String Fling lineup; his first open mic experience at NEPA Scene Rising Talent and how much he enjoyed meeting comedians and fellow musicians; and more. We also answer some questions and react to comments from live viewers, discussing Mickey’s musical influences, his beard, and forthcoming gigs. The award-winning NEPA Scene Podcast covers arts, entertainment, and the issues that matter to Northeastern Pennsylvania. It airs as a live video stream every Wednesday at 7 p.m. on NEPA Scene’s Facebook page and is available afterward on iTunes, SoundCloud, Stitcher, YouTube, and nepascene.com. This episode and all previous episodes are available now on NEPA Scene, the award-winning independent arts and entertainment website that combines the accuracy and professionalism of a print magazine with the immediacy and convenience of a blog, offering a wide variety of content to readers in NEPA, Philadelphia, New York, and beyond. The show is made possible by local sponsors Beer Boys, The V-Spot, Coal Creative, and viewers who tune in every week.

In Episode 27, we sit down with Scranton Fringe Festival co-founder and managing director Elizabeth Bohan and Fringe organizers and participants Simone Daniel and Laureen O'Handley to discuss this huge five-day festival returning to downtown Scranton on Wednesday, Sept. 27 through Sunday, Oct. 1. Before and during the interview, we drink some crowlers of Ouais by Une Année Brewery in Chicago, Turbo Shandy by Hoppin' Frog Brewery in Ohio, and R2 Koelschip by Draai Laag Brewing Company in Pittsburgh, provided by Beer Boys in Wilkes-Barre. The Turbo Shandy ends up being the most popular, while Rich is the only one who seems to enjoy the sour beers. We talk about founding the Scranton Fringe; the purpose of fringe festivals and why this is an important addition to the local arts scene; how it has developed over the past three years; the many diverse shows coming to 13 different venues; the work Laureen does with the Lackawanna County Children's Library and what the festival will bring there; Simone’s roles as an actress, organizer, and host of the Scranton Cultural Center preview party on Wednesday; how local women have helped create, organize, and maintain the Scranton Fringe; the Scranton Fringe’s rooster mascot; Elizabeth and Simone’s trip overseas to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe and how that has influenced this festival; regional food and our need for a pierogi or piggy lady; and more. To end the show, Rich turns our usual game with the guests on John and Brittany, reading them the names of Scranton Fringe shows and having them make up fake descriptions based solely on the titles. Elizabeth and Rich then explain what they’re actually about. The NEPA Scene Podcast covers arts, entertainment, and the issues that matter to Northeastern Pennsylvania. It airs as a live video stream every Wednesday at 7 p.m. on NEPA Scene’s Facebook page and is available afterward on iTunes, SoundCloud, Stitcher, YouTube, and nepascene.com. This episode and all previous episodes are available now on NEPA Scene, the award-winning independent arts and entertainment website that combines the accuracy and professionalism of a print magazine with the immediacy and convenience of a blog, offering a wide variety of content to readers in NEPA, Philadelphia, New York, and beyond. The show is made possible by local sponsors Beer Boys, The Keys, Loyalty Barber Shop and Shave Parlor, the F.M. Kirby Center, Coal Creative, and viewers who tune in every week.

In Episode 60, we sit down with Conor O'Brien and Simone Daniel of the local theatre group New Vintage Ensemble to talk about the professional troupe and their upcoming original production, “The Trouble with Sketch Shows,” at the Scranton Cultural Center on June 24 and June 25. We discuss how they both got into theatre, including funny stories about being an underage clown in a shady nightclub and why #sluttyclownbaby should be trending right now; the history of the New Vintage Ensemble and its connection to the former Vintage Theater; how the group “reinvents the familiar” in their own distinctive style and follows their mission statement; working with comedians and others outside the group in this upcoming production; how the “writers’ room” environment and different senses of humor shaped the show; directing and performing in sketches as opposed to a typical linear play; crafting jokes about Northeastern Pennsylvania without being predictable; partnering with the Scranton Cultural Center as well as The Cooperage Project in Honesdale; scheduling a late-night performance to begin establishing a downtown theatre culture and cultivating a regular audience; Conor and Simone’s weird relationship; and Conor’s response to being made fun of on Episode 45 of the podcast, when we had other members of the NVE on to talk about their previous production, “Hamlet.” In The Last Word segment, we briefly touch upon our thoughts and feelings after the tragic mass shooting in a gay nightclub in Orlando, Florida over the weekend before we leave to attend a vigil in Scranton to remember the victims that evening. Directed by Conor O’Brien and written by O’Brien, Simone Daniel, Timothy McDermott, Matt Serniak, Sarah Regan, and Kathleen Barrett, “The Trouble with Sketch Shows” runs Friday, June 24 at 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. and Saturday, June 25 at 8 p.m. in the Junior Ballroom at the Scranton Cultural Center (420 N. Washington Ave., Scranton). Tickets are $10 and can be reserved online at newvintagenensemble.com or purchased at the door. Professionally recorded every Monday at The Stude in TwentyFiveEight Studios in Scranton and released exclusively on nepascene.com every Tuesday, the NEPA Scene Podcast is a free supplement to the website, expanding on the arts and entertainment stories covered on the site and going beyond them to discuss other news and entertainment topics. Each week, the unedited and uncensored podcast features Rich Howells, NEPA Scene founder and editor, and Mark Dennebaum, president and owner of TwentyFiveEight Studios. Every episode streams on iTunes, SoundCloud, Stitcher, and nepascene.com.

In Episode 45, to be, or not to be, is not the question, but we have plenty of other queries for the New Vintage Ensemble! The Scranton theatre group is putting on William Shakespeare’s “Hamlet” at the Scranton Cultural Center Jan. 8-16, so we chat with director Casey Thomas and supervising producer and ensemble actress Mandy Pennington about how and why they got involved with this production; rewriting and modernizing the script; finding a good skull; casting and why the actors were chosen for their respective roles, including Conor O’Brien as Hamlet; the challenges of introducing Shakespeare to some and recreating his work in a fresh way for others; the striking promotional images for the show; working with the SCC and union members; how they first caught the acting bug; making movies with big stars in California; learning to love and appreciate Shakespeare; and how “Last Action Hero” relates to all this. In The Last Word segment, we talk about the Weekender, a local arts and entertainment publication that created a social media firestorm and made local and national news for insulting military veterans with an unfunny and poorly written article that should never have been published. We discuss how their downward spiral of empty shock value and clickbait content over the last year and a half has led to this point and give them some advice to get back on track. “Hamlet” runs Friday, Jan. 8 at 8 p.m.; Saturday, Jan. 9 at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m.; Friday, Jan. 15 at 8 p.m.; and Saturday, Jan. 16 at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. in Shopland Hall at the Scranton Cultural Center (420 N. Washington Ave., Scranton). Tickets are $15 and can be purchased at the Fidelity Bank Box Office at the Scranton Cultural Center in person, by calling 570-344-1111, or via all applicable Ticketmaster outlets, including ticketmaster.com. Professionally recorded every Monday at The Stude in TwentyFiveEight Studios in Scranton and released exclusively on nepascene.com every Tuesday, the NEPA Scene Podcast is a free supplement to the website, expanding on the arts and entertainment stories covered on the site and going beyond them to discuss other news and entertainment topics. Each week, the unedited and uncensored podcast features Rich Howells, NEPA Scene founder and editor; Mark Dennebaum, president and owner of TwentyFiveEight Studios; and Lauren Quirolgico, commercial and content strategist at Lavelle Strategy Group and editor at TwentyFiveEight. Every episode streams on iTunes, SoundCloud, Stitcher, and nepascene.com.

In Episode 44, it’s the “Star Wars” Holiday Special that you actually want to tune into! With Jer Tobin of Big Idea Photo and Video Productions filling in for Lauren this week because she hasn’t seen the new movie yet, we geek out about “The Force Awakens” with our nerdy guests - local comedians Dan Hoppel and Ted Hebert! In this spoiler-filled discussion, we chat about our favorite moments in the film, the new characters introduced, the prequels versus “Episode VII,” how director and co-writer J. J. Abrams was able to pull this blockbuster off in such a small amount of time, shots that stood out to us, the surprisingly updated humor in the movie, gripes we had and answers to common criticisms, speculation on the future of the franchise, and what kind of impact the movie had on us. Mark also tells the story of how he proposed to his girlfriend the night before in New York City, proving that geeks like us aren’t all dorky virgins. In The Last Word segment, we talk about some new listeners of the podcast that we met at the NEPA Holiday Show at the Scranton Cultural Center over the weekend and why they became fans of the show. Professionally recorded every Monday at The Stude in TwentyFiveEight Studios in Scranton and released exclusively on nepascene.com every Tuesday, the NEPA Scene Podcast is a free supplement to the website, expanding on the arts and entertainment stories covered on the site and going beyond them to discuss other news and entertainment topics. Each week, the unedited and uncensored podcast features Rich Howells, NEPA Scene founder and editor; Mark Dennebaum, president and owner of TwentyFiveEight Studios; and Lauren Quirolgico, commercial and content strategist at Lavelle Strategy Group and editor at TwentyFiveEight. Every episode streams on iTunes, SoundCloud, Stitcher, and nepascene.com.

In Episode 43, we record a special mid-week podcast with Tom May, vocalist and guitarist of The Menzingers. Just off the bus from Philadelphia to Scranton, he stopped in the studio to talk about the fifth annual NEPA Holiday Show coming up this weekend, including stories from the first year and how it has grown into a huge homecoming event, why they donate the proceeds to the Arts Alive program for local kids, and what’s in store for this year. We also discuss the band’s collaboration beer with Neshaminy Creek Brewing Company; growing up in Scranton and why the area continues to play a role in their music; a busy year of touring the U.S. and the U.K. with bands like Taking Back Sunday, letlive, and Me Without You; partying and funny stories from the road; traveling through foreign countries and meeting weird bus drivers and brutally honest Germans; the transition from an independent band to getting signed and their great relationship with Epitaph Records; what it takes to be a successful touring musician and advice for other artists hoping to make it in the music business; Pennsylvania polka and Rock 107; the new “Star Wars” movie and watching all six previous films again in preparation; and starting work on a new album and finding inspiration. The Menzingers will perform with Tigers Jaw; Captain, We’re Sinking; Three Man Cannon; Petal; and The SW!MS at the NEPA Holiday Show this Saturday, Dec. 19 at the Scranton Cultural Center (420 N. Washington Ave., Scranton). Tickets are $20 in advance or $25 at the door. Professionally recorded every Monday at The Stude in TwentyFiveEight Studios in Scranton and released exclusively on nepascene.com every Tuesday, the NEPA Scene Podcast is a free supplement to the website, expanding on the arts and entertainment stories covered on the site and going beyond them to discuss other news and entertainment topics. Each week, the unedited and uncensored podcast features Rich Howells, NEPA Scene founder and editor; Mark Dennebaum, president and owner of TwentyFiveEight Studios; and Lauren Quirolgico, commercial and content strategist at Lavelle Strategy Group and editor at TwentyFiveEight. Every episode streams on iTunes, SoundCloud, Stitcher, and nepascene.com.

In Episode 42, we sit down with Bobby Barnett, the vocalist and guitarist of Scranton/Philadelphia punk band Captain, We’re Sinking, and talk about his expectations for “Star Wars: The Force Awakens,” why he enjoys the prequels as well as the original trilogy, and we have him recite the lyrics to his band’s epic “Star Wars” rap that few people have ever heard. Then we get into how he started in music, including his ska roots; embarrassing early recordings and demos that Ben Walsh from Tigers Jaw still holds onto; why the challenging recording of “The Future Is Cancelled” almost ended the band and what saved them; how Captain, We’re Sinking’s next album is coming along with the support of Run for Cover Records; the history and importance of the annual NEPA Holiday Show and the arts program it raises money for; why he believes the Scranton music scene has produced so many successful bands and the ups and downs of the local scene; enjoying his work as a substitute teacher, except when kids recognize him from his band; the worst and most ridiculous shows he has ever played; his family’s private talent shows, competitiveness, and cool younger cousin; and joining his brother Greg Barnett (vocalist and guitarist of The Menzingers) for their first-ever acoustic tour in the U.K. next year. In The Last Word segment, we talk about the sad closing of 3 Guys and a Beer’d Brewing Company and why people should share more positive than negative stories through social media. Captain, We’re Sinking will perform with The Menzingers, Tigers Jaw, Three Man Cannon, Petal, and The SW!MS at the NEPA Holiday Show this Saturday, Dec. 19 at the Scranton Cultural Center (420 N. Washington Ave., Scranton). Tickets are $20 in advance or $25 at the door. Professionally recorded every Monday at The Stude in TwentyFiveEight Studios in Scranton and released exclusively on nepascene.com every Tuesday, the NEPA Scene Podcast is a free supplement to the website, expanding on the arts and entertainment stories covered on the site and going beyond them to discuss other news and entertainment topics. Each week, the unedited and uncensored podcast features Rich Howells, NEPA Scene founder and editor; Mark Dennebaum, president and owner of TwentyFiveEight Studios; and Lauren Quirolgico, commercial and content strategist at Lavelle Strategy Group and editor at TwentyFiveEight. Every episode streams on iTunes, SoundCloud, Stitcher, and nepascene.com.

After the first local screenings of director Paul Sorvino's "The Trouble with Cali" were held last week at the Scranton Cultural Center, we asked award-winning filmmaker John Mikulak and film critic/columnist Jeff Boam to join us in Episode 32 to review and talk in-depth about the controversial film. We begin with a brief history of how the indie movie was funded using Lackawanna County taxpayer dollars and all the drama that followed before attempting to describe the bewildering "plot" and our respective reactions to it. We all agree that the script, acting, editing, and directing are all awful, yet we also find that it’s so bad it’s good, so we explain why there’s a lot to love about this commercial and critical failure, noting its many unintentionally funny moments and comparing it to other cult classics like “The Room,” “Birdemic,” “Troll 2,” and B-movies by Ed Wood. We also get into Mikulak’s films and how his documentary “The Man Who Would Be Polka King” may become a feature film starring Jack Black. In The Last Word segment, we read reactions to NEPA Scene’s review of "The Trouble with Cali" and our suggestion to hold annual public screenings in the area. Read our detailed movie review: http://nepascene.com/2015/07/movie-review-trouble-with-cali-awful-people-say-why-should-see-it/ NOTE: At 56 minutes in, we enter spoiler territory with fair warning that reveals the ending and a shocking scene that we believe should not have been included in the final film. If you do not want to know the ending of the movie, you can pick it back up at 70:30. Professionally recorded every Monday at The Stude in TwentyFiveEight Studios in Scranton and released exclusively on nepascene.com every Tuesday, the NEPA Scene Podcast is a free supplement to the website, expanding on the arts and entertainment stories covered on the site and going beyond them to discuss other news and entertainment topics. Each week, the unedited and uncensored podcast features Rich Howells, NEPA Scene founder and editor; Mark Dennebaum, president and owner of TwentyFiveEight Studios; and Lauren Quirolgico, commercial and content strategist at Lavelle Strategy Group and editor at TwentyFiveEight. Every episode streams on iTunes, SoundCloud, Stitcher, and nepascene.com.