Category: interviews

The spirit of Ella Fitzgerald will come to life later this month, when the Wharton Center welcomes Grammy Award-nominated jazz violinist Regina Carter. The Detroit native is bringing her new Simply Ella show to East Lansing on Friday, February 22. Carter, considered one of the world’s best jazz violinists, was awarded the prestigious fellowship “genius grant” from the MacArthur Foundation in 2006.

I spoke with her about her 2019 Grammy nomination, the role of music in her life since childhood, and what she would ask Ella Fitzgerald if she had ever been given the chance.

Fans of Jessica Lang Dance, this is your last chance.

On January 24th, 2019, the final Michigan performance from Jessica Lang Dance will take place at the Wharton Center. Artistic Director Jessica Lang is the mastermind behind her company’s diverse lineup of original works. I spoke with her about the final tour with her company, her method for choreography, and what’s next for her.

It’s a new year, and a new musical will be inviting audiences on a journey to the past when “Anastasia” arrives at Wharton Center, January 15-20.

“Anastasia,” based on the 1997 animated film, explores what might have happened if Grand Duchess Anastasia of Russia were still alive, miraculously escaping the execution of her family in the early 20th century. The story follows Anya, an orphan with few keys to her past, who joins two con men aimed at passing her off as the Grand Duchess.

Stephen Brower stars as Dmitry, one of the men leading Anya on the journey to finding her family and a character many 90s kids will remember rivaling Prince Eric for their affections.

I spoke with him on a blustery and cold January day (how Russian of us) about his work in “Anastasia,” his unlikely activity outside of theatre, and what he hopes audiences will take away from the show.

The holiday season is upon us, and with it comes the time to gather as friends and family to celebrate all sorts of traditions, grand or small. What perfect timing that the Wharton Center will be welcoming its next Broadway show this week, during the nights of Hanukkah. “Fiddler on the Roof” will arrive in East Lansing Tuesday, December 4 and run through Sunday, December 9.

The Tony Award-winning musical, which first opened on Broadway in 1964, has been updated for a new generation of audiences thanks to Tony-winning director Bartlett Sher and the team behind “South Pacific,” “The King and I,” and 2017 Tony-winning Best Play, “Oslo.” The story is a celebration of family, traditions, and life itself.

Spaniard actress and singer Maite Uzal plays Golde, the wife of Tevye and mother to their five daughters. I spoke with her about the production’s updates, her personal traditions, and who introduced her to musical theatre in Madrid. Continue reading “Interview: Maite Uzal of “Fiddler on the Roof” talks traditions”

He has returned.

The Wharton Center will welcome “Love Never Dies,” the sequel to Andrew Lloyd Webber’s iconic “Phantom of the Opera,” October 9-14, 2018. Set 10 years after the Phantom’s disappearance from the Paris Opera House, “Love Never Dies” takes audiences to the sights and sounds of Coney Island in the early 20th century.

Bronson Norris Murphy stars as The Phantom in “Love Never Dies,” premiering the leading role in the show’s first North American production. I spoke with him about his experiences as The Phantom, what audiences can expect from the sequel, and his next dream role.

Continue reading “Phantom unmasked: An interview with Bronson Norris Murphy of “Love Never Dies””

School is back in session, and that means an exciting new Broadway season at the Wharton Center is set to kick off with a bang — a head bang, that is. Broadway’s “School of Rock” runs from September 18-23, 2018. Show and ticket information is available here.

Lexie Dorsett Sharp stars in the U.S. tour of “School of Rock” as Rosalie, the uptight principal at Horace Green who just might have a little rock star inside of her, waiting to be set free. I spoke with Lexie about originating the role in the national tour, her life on the road, and her Instagram-famous dog, Chip.

Continue reading “Interview: “School of Rock” is in session with Lexie Dorsett Sharp”

Each year, East Lansing audiences get a taste of Broadway thanks to the Wharton Center and its exciting lineup of shows. But did you know that the Wharton Center also offers many educational opportunities for the community to learn more about and engage in the theatre?

One of those opportunities is Take It from the Top;  its primary goal is to “serve as a catalyst for creativity for aspiring artists through professional mentoring, workshops, and structured programs that will inspire confidence and provide students a pathway to attain their highest potential.”

This week marks Take It from the Top’s 11th year at the Wharton Center. I personally have taken the one-day adult workshop twice, which helped me get out of my shell and over my anxiety about singing in public.

I had the opportunity to speak with Paul Canaan, executive director and co-founder of Take It from the Top, about his history with the Wharton Center and why it was important to him to develop a program that would help give back to young people pursuing theatre.

Learn more about how Take It from the Top came to be, and Paul’s most memorable experiences with students at the Wharton Center.
Continue reading “Interview: Chatting with Take It from the Top’s executive director and co-founder, Paul Canaan”

“Hi, this is Colin Mochrie.”

As a fan, I never anticipated that one day Colin Mochrie would be calling my house. When I said as much in my reply, he said, “Well, dreams do come true.”

It’s that dry, quick wit that has made Mochrie a fan favorite in the world of improv for the last few decades. Mochrie is best known for his work on “Whose Line Is It Anyway?” alongside Brad Sherwood, and enthusiasts of the popular TV series will have the chance to watch the magic happen live on stage.

The improv veterans will be visiting the Wharton Center on April 7, 2018 with The Scared Scriptless Tour, a completely improvised show based on audience suggestions and participation.

I spoke with Mochrie about the Scared Scriptless show, his recent foray into the world of Shakespeare, and the funniest person he knows.

Continue reading “Shakespeare, Stay Puft, and Richard Simmons: A conversation with Colin Mochrie”

From Paris to Little Havana, Wharton Center audiences have traveled back in time and all over the world this season. This month, they’ll be treated to a trip back to the time of Shakespeare. “Something Rotten!” the hilarious, Tony Award-nominated musical, arrives at the Wharton Center for a week of fun, March 13-18, 2018.

As assistant dance captain and a member of the ensemble, Mandie Black wears many hats in the touring production of “Something Rotten!” — literally. I spoke with her about her experiences with the show, how she got into theater, and the movie role she gave up to pursue work on Broadway.
Continue reading “Interview: There’s something about Mandie Black in ‘Something Rotten!’”