Jersey Arts Podcast

Today, we are speaking with the legendary violin virtuoso, Itzhak Perlman. Winner of four Emmy Awards, sixteen Grammys, including a Lifetime Achievement Award, a Kennedy Center Honor and the Presidential Medal of Freedom, Perlman is a superstar! A status, rarely afforded to classical musicians. He is beloved the world over for his talent, charm, and humanitarian efforts. He will be inspiring audiences at the State Theatre New Jersey this April as he celebrates his 80th year and performs with his longtime recital partner, Rohan DeSilva. The program will include Mozart’s Sonata for Violin and Piano, No. 3 in B-flat Major; Franck’s Sonata for Violin and Piano in A Major; Dvořák’s Sonatina in G Major; and others to be announced from the stage. Stay tuned to learn more about Perlman’s outlook on music, education, and life. Thanks for listening! The Jersey Arts Podcast is one medium of Feature Stories on Discover Jersey Arts (jerseyarts.com), where articles and videos also cover New Jersey’s vibrant arts and entertainment scene. Discover Jersey Arts is presented by ArtPride New Jersey. The program was co-founded by, and is currently supported by funds from, the New Jersey State Council on the Arts. Additional support for JerseyArts.com content is provided by the National Endowment for the Arts. Subscribe

It is a big year for the Gateway Playhouse in Somers Point as they near their 10th Anniversary Season, but as they brace for that landmark next summer, they are offering a plethora of opportunities to their community and hopefully to you in the meanwhile. In years past, the Gateway has split its season among straight plays and comedies with musicals. This year marks the first time that Gateway Playhouse has presented a full season made up entirely of musicals. Next on the marquee will be “Jesus Christ Super Star” followed by “Guys and Dolls” and then “9 to 5: The Musical.” They are offering a lot more than just their main stage musicals but we’ll let today’s guests introduce themselves and then we can jump into everything the Gateway’s got to offer. Thanks for listening! The Jersey Arts Podcast is one medium of Feature Stories on Discover Jersey Arts (jerseyarts.com), where articles and videos also cover New Jersey’s vibrant arts and entertainment scene. Discover Jersey Arts is presented by ArtPride New Jersey. The program was co-founded by, and is currently supported by funds from, the New Jersey State Council on the Arts. Additional support for JerseyArts.com content is provided by the National Endowment for the Arts. Subscribe

From the mind of Captain Underpants creator Dav Pilkey, Dog Man is half man, half police officer, and the beloved subject of 14 graphic novels, a major motion picture, and a theatrical production—Dog Man: The Musical. Director/choreographer Jen Wineman, book writer/lyricist Kevin Del Aguila, and composer Brad Alexander discuss bringing this beloved character and his strange, silly world to the stage. The Dog Man: The Musical tour will perform at Bergen PAC on Saturday, March 21st and State Theatre New Jersey on Sunday, March 22nd. Thanks for listening! The Jersey Arts Podcast is one medium of Feature Stories on Discover Jersey Arts (jerseyarts.com), where articles and videos also cover New Jersey’s vibrant arts and entertainment scene. Discover Jersey Arts is presented by ArtPride New Jersey. The program was co-founded by, and is currently supported by funds from, the New Jersey State Council on the Arts. Additional support for JerseyArts.com content is provided by the National Endowment for the Arts. Subscribe

Laurie Berkner has been dubbed “The Queen of Kids’ Music” by People Magazine, and it’s not hard to see why. Berkner’s songs have been streamed 1.7 billion times. She’s sold 1.5 million albums and appeared at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, Carnegie Hall, and the White House. She was even seen her in the recent HBO documentary, Happy and You Know It, which features some of the biggest names of the genre. A graduate of Rutgers and raised in Princeton, New Jersey, Laurie Berkner will be back on home turf when her tour stops at McCarter Theatre for two performances on Sunday, March 22nd. She discusses her upcoming concert, the creative process, how she got started, and her 18th album coming out in June— Walking with the Penguins. Thanks for listening! The Jersey Arts Podcast is one medium of Feature Stories on Discover Jersey Arts (jerseyarts.com), where articles and videos also cover New Jersey’s vibrant arts and entertainment scene. Discover Jersey Arts is presented by ArtPride New Jersey. The program was co-founded by, and is currently supported by funds from, the New Jersey State Council on the Arts. Additional support for JerseyArts.com content is provided by the National Endowment for the Arts. Subscribe

Today I had the pleasure of speaking with Eric Troyer and Dave Scott-Morgan of The Orchestra. This may be one of my favorite chats because I felt like a fly on the wall watching two very talented friends catch up. A somewhat talkative fly, but a fly nonetheless. If you’re unfamiliar, “The Orchestra Starring ELO and ELO Part II Former Members” is a successor band to Electric Light Orchestra, formed by former members of ELO and ELO Part II. At its inception as ELO Part II, the group featured five ELO members and has since evolved into a true rock supergroup, continuing today as The Orchestra, carrying forward the music, legacy, and spirit of ELO for audiences around the world. They can explain their history better than I can so I hope you’ll stick around and join me as we listen to two old friends banter, reminisce, and entertain the nosy fly on the wall. Thanks for listening! The Jersey Arts Podcast is one medium of Feature Stories on Discover Jersey Arts (jerseyarts.com), where articles and videos also cover New Jersey’s vibrant arts and entertainment scene. Discover Jersey Arts is presented by ArtPride New Jersey. The program was co-founded by, and is currently supported by funds from, the New Jersey State Council on the Arts. Additional support for JerseyArts.com content is provided by the National Endowment for the Arts. Subscribe

Theater aficionado’s will likely be familiar with the plays of Theresa Rebeck—the most Broadway-produced female playwright of our time and creator of the hit TV show, Smash. For the upcoming show, Samantha Inside Out at New Jersey Repertory Company, though, Rebeck is not the writer, but the director— a role she has increasingly enjoyed over the last several years. Samantha Inside Out is a one-woman show by playwright Marisa Smith, a multi-hyphenate in her own right, who co-founded the publishing company, Smith and Kraus, which specializes in monologues. The two women are longtime friends and collaborators who chat with Jersey Arts about their upcoming show and the ins and outs of the theater business. Thanks for listening! The Jersey Arts Podcast is one medium of Feature Stories on Discover Jersey Arts (jerseyarts.com), where articles and videos also cover New Jersey’s vibrant arts and entertainment scene. Discover Jersey Arts is presented by ArtPride New Jersey. The program was co-founded by, and is currently supported by funds from, the New Jersey State Council on the Arts. Additional support for JerseyArts.com content is provided by the National Endowment for the Arts. Subscribe

Today we’re speaking with comedian George Lopez about the ins and outs of fame, the current sociopolitical climate, and how these things inform his life and his comedy. You may know Lopez from his standup specials like 2025’s “Muy Catolico,” “We’ll Do it For Half,” and “The Wall: Live from DC.” Maybe from his 2002 sitcom “The George Lopez Show” or the more recent “Lopez vs. Lopez” in which he starred with his daughter Mayan. Perhaps his talk show “Lopez Tonight,” which made him the first Mexican-American to host a late-night talk show on English-language television, or one of his many feature film appearances. Heck, maybe you know him as an author. He has had his hand in so many different artistic avenues that it is hard not to be impressed. As a Chicano performer in an industry that still underutilizes Latino talent, he has become somewhat of an icon, with a career to aspire to. Stay tuned to get to know a side of George Lopez you may not have seen yet. Then make sure to grab your tickets for his appearance at NJPAC this February! Thanks for listening! The Jersey Arts Podcast is one medium of Feature Stories on Discover Jersey Arts (jerseyarts.com), where articles and videos also cover New Jersey’s vibrant arts and entertainment scene. Discover Jersey Arts is presented by ArtPride New Jersey. The program was co-founded by, and is currently supported by funds from, the New Jersey State Council on the Arts. Additional support for JerseyArts.com content is provided by the National Endowment for the Arts. Subscribe

If you’re an avid news viewer, you’ve probably heard discussions of the U.S. Constitution bandied about as of late. Is it being violated? Are we upholding it? Does anyone really know what’s in it? Well, if you’re not sure what’s in it but you’re intrigued and would like to learn through a fun and engaging night at the theater, Pioneer Productions Company invites you to their production of “What the Constitution Means to Me.” And if you do know what’s in it and enjoy lively debate, you’re still going to want to see this show! But what is it really about? The autobiographical two-time Tony-nominated play and Pulitzer finalist was written and first performed by Heidi Schreck. The synopsis reads: Fifteen-year-old Heidi earned her college tuition by winning Constitutional debate competitions across the United States. In this hilarious, hopeful, and achingly human play, she resurrects her teenage self in order to trace the profound relationship between four generations of women and the founding document that shaped their lives. Miriam Salerno will tackle the role of Heidi alongside Benjamin Weisman as the Legionnaire under the direction of Pioneer Artistic Director Daniel Vissers. Ashlee Vissers will appear as the Debater. Not only is this an engaging play, but this production is bookended by excitement, beginning with a pre-show USO performance by Jade Delos Santos and ending with a live debate where it is up to the audience to proclaim the winner! Thanks for listening! The Jersey Arts Podcast is one medium of Feature Stories on Discover Jersey Arts (jerseyarts.com), where articles and videos also cover New Jersey’s vibrant arts and entertainment scene. Discover Jersey Arts is presented by ArtPride New Jersey. The program was co-founded by, and is currently supported by funds from, the New Jersey State Council on the Arts. Additional support for JerseyArts.com content is provided by the National Endowment for the Arts. Subscribe

Today, we are highlighting the five-time Grammy Award-nominated band, Roomful of Blues. First formed in 1967, the group touts an impressive tenure approaching almost sixty years in the industry. While some new faces have come and gone in that tenure, the eight-piece blues band is still going strong- most recently welcoming their first female singer, D.D. Bastos, to the octet. Together, the group has released their latest album “Steppin’ Out” featuring the group’s signature blues, jump, swing and soul sound including timeless gems first cut by Etta James, Big Mama Thornton, Jimmy McCracklin, Tiny Bradshaw and more. Today I was honored to speak with lead guitarist and Roomful producer, Chris Vachon, and lead vocalist, D.D. Bastos, about their latest album, their journey into the band, and their love of the blues. Stay tuned to hear a special musical sneak peek as well. Thanks for listening! The Jersey Arts Podcast is one medium of Feature Stories on Discover Jersey Arts (jerseyarts.com), where articles and videos also cover New Jersey’s vibrant arts and entertainment scene. Discover Jersey Arts is presented by ArtPride New Jersey. The program was co-founded by, and is currently supported by funds from, the New Jersey State Council on the Arts. Additional support for JerseyArts.com content is provided by the National Endowment for the Arts. Subscribe

Today we are talking about a new musical concert experience celebrating the holiday spirit like never before! This holiday season, Koolist Entertainment is proud to launch a world premiere tour from the creators of Koolulam – The Mass Global Singing Sensation that swept the hearts of millions to sing together worldwide. Producers Kathi and Alan Glist of Glist Entertainment are on the podcast today to explain what makes this show so unique and moving. Married for 53 years, the duo make ideal partners both in entertainment and in life. They began their theatrical producing career with “Fiddler on the Roof,” “Oliver,” “The King & I” and “The Rothschilds” following that with their Off-Broadway sensation “I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change.” The multiple Tony Award winners are also responsible for having discovered the off-Broadway sensation, "Menopause the Musical," which has since run for over nineteen years in Las Vegas and is now the longest running musical in Vegas history! Their company, Glist Entertainment, has donated over one million dollars to Women’s Charities and most recently have raised and donated $75,000 to The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Stay tuned to learn more about the new sensation that is "Christmas Carolmania!" Thanks for listening! The Jersey Arts Podcast is one medium of Feature Stories on Discover Jersey Arts (jerseyarts.com), where articles and videos also cover New Jersey’s vibrant arts and entertainment scene. Discover Jersey Arts is presented by ArtPride New Jersey. The program was co-founded by, and is currently supported by funds from, the New Jersey State Council on the Arts. Additional support for JerseyArts.com content is provided by the National Endowment for the Arts. Subscribe

“It’s just nice to meet another human who shares my affinity for elf culture.” While that may be a quote from the movie, "Elf", it’s also the truth. Gina is a huge fan of the movie and elf culture! While she's yet to see its musical counterpart, she was thrilled to have the chance to speak with Buddy himself, actor Dustin Ceithamer who is portraying the lead in the "Elf, the Musical" at Surflight Theatre in Beach Haven this December. Directed and choreographed by Paula Hammons Sloan, the show is a fun holiday romp for the whole family and an exciting adaptation of a holiday classic. Matthew Sklar and Chad Beguelin are responsible for the musical score and the book was adapted by Bob Martin and Thomas Meehan. On today’s episode, Gina and Dustin chat about all things Elf, of course, and his experiences in both theater and film, including his tenure as a member of the Star Wars empire. What it’s like to be one of the coolest people in the galaxy? Thanks for listening! The Jersey Arts Podcast is one medium of Feature Stories on Discover Jersey Arts (jerseyarts.com), where articles and videos also cover New Jersey’s vibrant arts and entertainment scene. Discover Jersey Arts is presented by ArtPride New Jersey. The program was co-founded by, and is currently supported by funds from, the New Jersey State Council on the Arts. Additional support for JerseyArts.com content is provided by the National Endowment for the Arts. Subscribe

Today's episode is all about Ben Schwartz, improv, and his first ever performance in New Jersey. You may know him as Jean Ralphio in “Parks and Rec,” Yasper in “The After Party,” Josh Bath in “The Earliest Show,” (which is coming back soon!) Clyde in “House of Lies” or maybe as the voice of Sonic the Hedgehog. That barely grazes the surface. His portfolio is long and varied. With roots in improv, he is an alumnus of the Upright Citizens Brigade, and known for his quick wit and high energy. For the first time ever, he is bringing his improvisational show “Ben Schwartz & Friends” to the NJPAC this November. Stay tuned to hear our host Gina's "super chill" chat with Ben Schwartz. Thanks for listening! The Jersey Arts Podcast is one medium of Feature Stories on Discover Jersey Arts (jerseyarts.com), where articles and videos also cover New Jersey’s vibrant arts and entertainment scene. Discover Jersey Arts is presented by ArtPride New Jersey. The program was co-founded by, and is currently supported by funds from, the New Jersey State Council on the Arts. Additional support for JerseyArts.com content is provided by the National Endowment for the Arts. Subscribe

If you’re a fan of Hamilton, he needs no introduction. Okieriete Onaodowan – also known as Oak to friends and fans – originated the roles of Hercules Mulligan and James Madison in the mega-hit musical. He also played Dean Miller on the TV show Station 19 and leads the new series Demascus–now streaming on Tubi–which the LA Times called a “must-watch”. Born and raised in New Jersey, Oak is back in the Garden State at Two River Theater in Red Bank working on a play called The Monsters–a world premiere and co-production with Manhattan Theatre Club. Thanks for listening! The Jersey Arts Podcast is one medium of Feature Stories on Discover Jersey Arts (jerseyarts.com), where articles and videos also cover New Jersey’s vibrant arts and entertainment scene. Discover Jersey Arts is presented by ArtPride New Jersey. The program was co-founded by, and is currently supported by funds from, the New Jersey State Council on the Arts. Additional support for JerseyArts.com content is provided by the National Endowment for the Arts. Subscribe

The Rocky Horror Picture Show, Frankenweenie, Poor Things… the story of Frankenstein has been adapted many times over and continues to find new relevance with each interpretation. Playwright David Catlin’s version, called Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, does double duty by presenting a story within a story. The show depicts both the tale of Frankenstein as well as the famous spooky storytelling competition that inspired it–giving audiences a look into the making of Victor Frankenstein's creature and the making of the novel itself. Thanks for listening! The Jersey Arts Podcast is one medium of Feature Stories on Discover Jersey Arts (jerseyarts.com), where articles and videos also cover New Jersey’s vibrant arts and entertainment scene. Discover Jersey Arts is presented by ArtPride New Jersey. The program was co-founded by, and is currently supported by funds from, the New Jersey State Council on the Arts. Additional support for JerseyArts.com content is provided by the National Endowment for the Arts. Subscribe

John Pizzarelli is a guitarist and singer who has been hailed by the Boston Globe for “reinvigorating the Great American Songbook and re-popularizing jazz.” He’s been established as one of the prime contemporary interpreters of the Great American Songbook and has even expanded that repertoire by including the music of Paul McCartney, Joni Mitchell, Neil Young, Tom Waits, Antônio Carlos Jobim and the Beatles. In addition to being a bandleader and solo performer, Pizzarelli has been a special guest on recordings for major pop names such as Natalie Cole, Kristin Chenoweth, Tom Wopat, Rickie Lee Jones and Dave Van Ronk, as well as leading jazz artists such as Rosemary Clooney, Ruby Braff, Johnny Frigo, Buddy DeFranco, Harry Allen and, of course, his father Bucky Pizzarelli. He won a Grammy Award in the Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album category as co-producer of James Taylor’s American Standard in 2021. He has performed on America’s most popular national television shows such as The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, Conan, and Great Performances, as well as the talk shows of Jay Leno, David Letterman, Regis Philbin and the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. And my favorite fun fact, the wonder of it all, is that he was the singer in the popular Foxwoods Casino commercials for just under a decade. This October, he will be one of the featured headliners at the Jazz at the Point Festival hosted by the South Jersey Jazz Society. Stay tuned to drop in on one of our most relaxed conversations with the delightful John Pizzarelli. Thanks for listening! The Jersey Arts Podcast is one medium of Feature Stories on Discover Jersey Arts (jerseyarts.com), where articles and videos also cover New Jersey’s vibrant arts and entertainment scene. Discover Jersey Arts is presented by ArtPride New Jersey. The program was co-founded by, and is currently supported by funds from, the New Jersey State Council on the Arts. Additional support for JerseyArts.com content is provided by the National Endowment for the Arts. Subscribe

Let’s talk movies. Here's another episode where Gina geeks out about movies with people who do just that, for a living! This time with the folks behind Montclair Film. Joining me today are Tom Hall, Artistic Director of Montclair Film, and their new Executive Director, Tricia Haggerty Wenz. We’re talking about the Montclair Film Festival, running October 17-26th, and all things Montclair Film. Whether you’re a filmmaker, a movie lover, or just curious about film festivals - Montclair Film is the place to be. Stay tuned to learn more about this year’s festival lineup, what goes into programming a festival, and if you’re into this sort of thing, the parties where you can hobnob with actors, filmmakers, and like-minded cinephiles. Thanks for listening! The Jersey Arts Podcast is one medium of Feature Stories on Discover Jersey Arts (jerseyarts.com), where articles and videos also cover New Jersey’s vibrant arts and entertainment scene. Discover Jersey Arts is presented by ArtPride New Jersey. The program was co-founded by, and is currently supported by funds from, the New Jersey State Council on the Arts. Additional support for JerseyArts.com content is provided by the National Endowment for the Arts. Subscribe

Today we're speaking with trumpeter, Arturo Sandoval. He is a 10-time Grammy Award winner, an Emmy Award recipient, and a six-time Billboard Award winner. He also holds a Hispanic Heritage Award, the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Obama, a Doctorate in Fine Arts from the prestigious Notre-Dame University, and was recently honored with a Grammy® Lifetime Achievement Award in 2023 and most recently, in 2024 he was one of the honorees of the Kennedy Center. His career is a testament to his versatility and virtuosity. Born in Artemisa, Cuba, he was a protégé of the legendary Dizzy Gillespie and has evolved into one of the most dynamic live performers of our time. With a background so interesting that HBO turned it into the award-winning film starring Andy Garcia, "For Love or Country - The Arturo Sandoval Story," he is a treat to listen to whether he’s blowing the horn or telling you his life story. Stay tuned to learn more about one of the world’s most respected and admired musicians. Sandoval will be bringing his talent and charm to Rutgers University in Camden on September 27th at 7pm. Thanks for listening! The Jersey Arts Podcast is one medium of Feature Stories on Discover Jersey Arts (jerseyarts.com), where articles and videos also cover New Jersey’s vibrant arts and entertainment scene. Discover Jersey Arts is presented by ArtPride New Jersey. The program was co-founded by, and is currently supported by funds from, the New Jersey State Council on the Arts. Additional support for JerseyArts.com content is provided by the National Endowment for the Arts. Subscribe

Evan Sherman oozes the soothing essence of jazz, that quiet confidence that lulls you into a sense of calm. Today, we're talking to the Grammy-winning drummer about his career trajectory. Hailing from the great Garden State, Sherman has been a professional musician since his teenage years, having played alongside greats like Ron Carter, Cyrus Chestnut, Roy Hargrove, Jimmy Heath, John Lee, and Branford and Wynton Marsalis. In 2021, he released his debut quintet album, "Sidewalkin',' and he can be heard on Samara Joy's Grammy-winning 2023 recording of "Tight," and the 2024 release of "Portrait," as drummer and arranger. Hang tight to hear from Evan Sherman and experience that soothing essence for yourself. Thanks for listening! The Jersey Arts Podcast is one medium of Feature Stories on Discover Jersey Arts (jerseyarts.com), where articles and videos also cover New Jersey’s vibrant arts and entertainment scene. Discover Jersey Arts is presented by ArtPride New Jersey. The program was co-founded by, and is currently supported by funds from, the New Jersey State Council on the Arts. Additional support for JerseyArts.com content is provided by the National Endowment for the Arts. Subscribe

Join host Gina Marie Rodriguez as she speaks with Mr. Jon Crowley, the recently appointed Executive Director of the New Jersey Motion Picture & Television Commission, under the purview of the New Jersey Economic Development Authority. Prior to joining the NJEDA, Crowley worked within the television industry for over two decades, producing and directing several well-known television series, including "Impractical Jokers," "House Hunters International," "Big Brother," "Trading Spouses," and many more. He also happens to be a two-time Emmy Award winner and CableACE Writing Nominee. He now serves as the senior leader of all of New Jersey’s film initiatives, leading both the NJEDA’s film sector development work, as well as the management of the NJMPTVC. If you’re a filmmaker or considering joining the industry, this is one episode you won’t want to miss. And if you simply love movies and the behind-the-scenes that make them possible, this one’s for you, too. Stay tuned to meet Jon Crowley and learn just how impressive Jersey is when it comes to making movie magic. Thanks for listening! The Jersey Arts Podcast is one medium of Feature Stories on Discover Jersey Arts (jerseyarts.com), where articles and videos also cover New Jersey’s vibrant arts and entertainment scene. Discover Jersey Arts is presented by ArtPride New Jersey. The program was co-founded by, and is currently supported by funds from, the New Jersey State Council on the Arts. Additional support for JerseyArts.com content is provided by the National Endowment for the Arts. Subscribe

Today’s episode takes us to London, England. Well, sort of. East Lynne Theater Company’s production of “Every Brilliant Thing” is currently rehearsing across the pond and I was able to steal a few moments with actor Rohan Tickell and director Deirdre McLaughlin. Joining us from East Lynne’s headquarters in Cape May is Executive Director Mark David Boberick. But what is “Every Brilliant Thing” about? Its synopsis reads - “A son creates a list of things worth living for – all in an attempt to raise the spirits of his chronically depressed mother. He leaves the list on her pillow. He knows she’s read it because she’s corrected his spelling. “Every Brilliant Thing” is a hope-infused exploration of all the joys that can be found in life and a reminder that eventually, every storm runs out of rain. The Telegraph called it “funny, clever, and surprisingly uplifting.” Slant Magazine said it’s “one of those incredible, transformative phenomena of collective imagination.” Host, Gina Marie, calls it a comedy with heart. But we’ll let you listen to these talented folks explain what it is they love about the show and let you decide. Check out today’s episode to learn more about “Every Brilliant Thing.” Thanks for listening! The Jersey Arts Podcast is one medium of Feature Stories on Discover Jersey Arts (jerseyarts.com), where articles and videos also cover New Jersey’s vibrant arts and entertainment scene. Discover Jersey Arts is presented by ArtPride New Jersey. The program was co-founded by, and is currently supported by funds from, the New Jersey State Council on the Arts. Additional support for JerseyArts.com content is provided by the National Endowment for the Arts. Subscribe