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It's always a challenge to work on a winter show when the weather can be so unpredictable. Ellen and Benita talk about working on winter shows, and review exciting upcoming events and shows in the Capital Region in 2026!

Introducing Mattering from How God Works: The Science Behind Spirituality. Follow the show: How God Works: The Science Behind Spirituality Feeling that our life is meaningful - that we add value to the world and are valued by the people around us, isn’t just a good feeling, it's a fundamentally necessary one. In fact, the need to matter is a universal human motive, second only to the needs of food and shelter.  On this episode we'll talk to author Jennifer Wallace about her new book on the topic of mattering, why we’re in a “mattering deficit,” the worrying impact this is having on our physical and emotional health, and what we can do to change that. And Duke researcher Patty Van Cappellen will share studies showing how spirituality and religious community can instill a deep sense of meaning in life that contributes to true human flourishing.  Jennifer Wallace is an award-winning journalist and the author of Mattering. You can find more about her work on her website. Patty Van Cappellen, Ph.D., is an associate research professor at the Social Science Research Institute and the Department for Psychology and Neuroscience at Duke University. DISCLAIMER: Please note, this is an independent podcast episode not affiliated with, endorsed by, or produced in conjunction with the host podcast feed or any of its media entities. The views and opinions expressed in this episode are solely those of the creators and guests. For any concerns, please reach out to [email protected].

"Shear Madness" has been translated into 28 foreign languages, in 36 foreign countries, playing worldwide in a host of cities including Barcelona, Buenos Aires, Madrid, Paris, Rejkavik, Rome, Tel Aviv, Melbourne, Johannesburg, Seoul, and Shanghai. Over 14.5 million people worldwide have joined in the fun. We chat with the creators, writers, and original cast members, Bruce Jordan and Marilyn Abrams, about the origins of the play in Lake George, NY to the huge success it is today. https://www.shearmadness.com/

We can't believe we're at the end of 2025 and our 6th year of podcasting! We also can't believe we're at the end of an era. The incredible Maggie Mancinelli-Cahill has wrapped up her 30 years as Producing Artistic Director at Capital Repertory Theatre. We chat with Maggie about her phenomenal run at The Rep, and what the theater scene looks like going into 2026.

Argentine playwright and actor Gaston Leguizamon's new short play, "In the Same World," will be presented at the International Human Rights Art Festival (IHRAF) at The Tank in NYC on December 11, 2025. We chat with Gaston about his company (VoxArt Lab Productions), his creative process, and the mission of the International Human Rights Art Festival.

The holiday season is upon us, and Christmas shows are now running! We catch up with a dear friend of the Capital Region, Alex Perone, who is traveling with "How The Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical" which is coming to Proctors Theatre Dec 2nd - 7th, 2025. We discuss the musical, traveling during the holidays, and what it's like taking a show on the road.

David Girard, Artistic Director of Troy Foundry Theatre, is back for the third year playing ALL the characters in an adaptation of Charles Dickens' classic "A Christmas Carol." We discuss the timeless appeal of the story, how it resonates in today's world, and the tricks to tackling a one-man show.   This episode is sponsored by Harbinger Theatre's production of "Swing State" running Nov 15 - 23, 2025

While we love everything about theater, it can cause burnout. Jumping from project to project while balancing other life commitments can take its toll. We chat about setting boundaries, recognizing the symptoms of burnout, and how to take care of yourself. This episode is sponsored by Harbinger Theatre's production of Swing State by Rebecca Gilman, running Nov. 14 - 23, 2025

The New Yorker published an article on Sept 2, 2025 asking if critics are too nice these days. So we decided to chat with reviewer Bill Kellert about his observations over the years. Has the modern world put an end to harsh criticism? 

Kimerer LaMothe does it all. An award winning author, dancer, playwright, and farmer, Kimerer's latest endeavor has been writing the musical, Nietzsche, about the famous German philosopher. We discuss the process of writing and mounting the new musical, as well as the timeliness of it's message. "A love that teaches us to hate is not love." "Do not throw away your love and your hope." Off-Brand Opera in NYC is producing the musical, running from Oct 10th - 12th, 2025. https://offbrandopera.org/nietzsche This episode is sponsored by Harbinger Theatre's production of "Deep Blue Sound", playing Sept 12th - 21st, 2025 at Steamer No.10 Theatre.

The theatrical experience starts as soon as you walk in the door and collect your tickets. Jeffrey Hocking has been the box office manager at Schenectady Light Opera Company (SLOC Musical Theater) for 10 years and has many stories to share. Jeffrey also manages the Capital District events calendar and announcement/audition mailing list that spreads info across the area to boost support and involvement in the theater community. https://capdisttheater.org/   This episode is sponsored by Harbinger Theatre's production of "Deep Blue Sound" running Sept. 12 - 21 at Steamer No. 10 Theatre.

Fort Salem Theater has been entertaining audiences with exceptional performances over the past several years, but now they are facing a financial crisis due to unexpected expenses and loss of funding. We talk to Kyle West and Jared West about their outreach for help to keep the curtain up in Fort Salem. https://mailchi.mp/fortsalem/urgent-appeal-for-support?fbclid=IwY2xjawMbRfRleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFla003enRMNFM3d0JQZFhRAR62lkvyGDF61FmYdQnenlPuw-lUO23sn_9X_T3B-n58Dr2qcHAQWmc24k9pnQ_aem_doqE0vxkEVG-FilVB-Knrw

The summer is coming to a close! But Ellen and Benita have been super busy exploring the wealth of summer theater in the area, including many new plays at companies such as the Cape Cod Theater Project and the Great Barrington Public Theater.

Michael Pizzi is Producing and Artistic Director of the Sandhills Repertory Theatre, bringing all NYC and Broadway talent to the Sandhills, with a percentage of ALL show net profits funding performing arts in Moore County schools. He is also the creator and producer of the Special Broadway Camp for children with special needs in the Sandhills.Besides being an artist, Michael is an occupational therapist, a health and wellness lifestyle coach and co-owner of the NC organization Sandhills Adaptive Living (SAL). We talk to him about the cabaret-style shows he had developed in the Berkshires, as well as how theater touches other elements of people's lives. https://sandhillsrep.org/ This episode is sponsored by Harbinger Theatre's production of "Between Riverside and Crazy", performing at Albany Civic Theater from July 18th - 27th.

Martha Banta, the Founding Artistic Director at the Adirondack Theater Festival, an Artistic Associate at New York Theater Workshop, the Associate Director of MAMMA MIA! on Broadway and the National Tours, and the Original Resident Director of RENT for NYTW, Broadway, two National Tours, and London, joins us to talk about her current production of "Gutenberg! The Musical!" at the Adirondack Theater Festival and thoughts about how to program shows for these current times. https://www.atfestival.org/ https://www.marthabanta.com/about This episode is sponsored by Harbinger Theatre's production of "Between Riverside and Crazy", performing at Albany Civic Theater from July 18th - 27th.