Green Room On Air with Ray Renati

Hey there! 🌟 Meet Laurie Roldan, a singer whose passion for music shines through her incredible life story. 🎤 In this episode, Laurie shares how her love for singing started from a young age, inspired by her clarinet-playing dad and the timeless tunes of the Carpenters. 🎶 Laurie’s journey from shy kid to musical theater performer is truly inspiring. She opens up about her one-woman show, which intertwines her life experiences with the beloved songs of Karen Carpenter. 🎭 The show is a heartfelt cabaret concert that not only entertains but also motivates others to pursue their passions. 💖 With a fantastic band, guest stars, and even a kids ensemble, Laurie's performances are a must-see! And guess what? Her shows also support the local theater community. 🎉 So, grab a ticket, sing along, and get inspired by Laurie’s message of never giving up on your dreams. 🌈 LAURIE ROLDAN SINGS A SONG FOR YOU. A Cabaret Concert Inspired by the Music of Karen Carpenter Show Dates: August 17th, 7 PM and August 25th, 3 PM at the Gateway Theater in San Francisco. Don't miss it! 🎟️ TICKETS: https://42ndstmoon.vbotickets.com/events

From Broadway to classics, on stage and in concert, Lisa Vroman has established herself as one of America's most versatile voices. She starred on Broadway, LA and SF as Christine Daaé in The Phantom of the Opera and garnered theater critics’ awards for her portrayal. Her Broadway debut was in Aspects of Love and she was the first to play both Fantine and Cosette in Les Misérables. She has starred in major productions as Marian Paroo in The Music Man, Lili Vanessi in Kiss Me Kate, Birdie in Regina, Josephine in HMS Pinafore, Anna 1 in The Seven Deadly Sins, Rosalinde in Die Fledermaus, Laurey in Oklahoma, Anna Leonowens in The King and I, Mary Turner in Of Thee I Sing and Rosabella in The Most Happy Fella. Lisa appeared on PBS as Johanna in the Emmy Award winning production of Sweeney Todd and was featured in the London Royal Gala, Hey! Mr. Producer. She has played, sang and danced opposite Dick Van Dyke as Mary Poppins at the Hollywood Bowl Disney’s 75th, and played the role of Maria Callas in Terence McNally’s award-winning play, Master Class. Lisa is a frequent guest with symphonies including SF, Nashville, Philadelphia, Dallas, Utah, St. Louis, Houston, Pacific, Atlanta, Hong Kong, Cleveland, National, Florida, Cleveland, BBC Concert Orchestra, Boston Pops, Philly Pops, and the NY Pops. She is a graduate of the Crane School of Music, SUNY Potsdam (BM, Hon. Dr. of Music, Minerva Award), Carnegie-Mellon University (MFA), and is a George London Competition winner. Lisa has become an active mentor and sought-after clinician with many colleges and universities across the country and around the world. She has acted as a judge in both the Lotte Lenya Competition for the Kurt Weill Foundation and UCLA’s Walter Jurmann Competition, and regularly performs Weill’s music with symphonies throughout the country. Recent performances have included symphony concerts celebrating the music of George Gershwin, and her 2024 Bistro Award-winning cabaret, “Ingénue…Ingé-not-so-new!”, in NY. www.lisavroman.com Lisa also gave us the scoop on the upcoming "Broadway and Beyond" benefit for the Richmond/Ermet Aid Foundation. It's happening on July 14th at the Marines Memorial Theater, and it's set to be a night filled with incredible talent and heartwarming performances, all for a good cause. Trust me, you won't want to miss this intimate look into Lisa's world and the wonderful community she's part of. Head over to reef-sf.org for more details on the event. Let's support the arts together! Contact Ray at Green Room on Air: greenroomonair@gmail.com Leave a review on Apple Podcasts (iTunes) Visit Green Room On Air website: http://greenroomonair.com Connect with us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/raysgreenroom/

Hey folks, how you doing? Thanks for stopping by. You have reached Green Room On Air and I am your host, Ray Renati. It's a beautiful day today here in the South Bay. Sun shining, birds chirping, and I'm a happy camper. Hope you are too. Guess what? We have a great guest today. Her name is Valina Brown and she is a company member of the San Francisco Mime Troupe. She's an actor there, a singer, and has been a collaborator since 1992. She's won all kinds of awards and has acted in several of the San Francisco Mime Troupe's plays over the years. She's also performed at ACT, Berkeley Rep, Cal Shakes, and all the big professional theaters here in San Francisco. We're privileged to talk to her today about her life as an actor and the San Francisco Mime Troupe's upcoming show American Dreams, which will be playing this summer all over the Bay Area. We chat about everything from the true meaning behind the term "mime" as used by the San Francisco Mime Troupe, to Valina's personal journey in the theater world. We also dive into the exciting new production American Dreams and what it explores. You don't want to miss this delightful conversation!

Abigail Munn – Circus Bella Artistic and Executive Director (Interview begins at the 5:53 mark) Since its inception, Abigail Munn has been directing, creating, and producing new work for Circus Bella. Along with the more conventional duties she has also served as the company's truck driver, catering service and laundress. An accomplished dancer, choreographer, and aerialist, Munn holds a BFA in Modern Dance from UC Santa Barbara. As a child, born and raised in SF, she appeared with the Pickle Family Circus, and with Zoppe Italian Family Circus, Lone Star Circus, the Moisture Festival, the New Pickle Circus, Cabaret Verdelet, Circus Cabaret, Tease-O-Rama, Va Voom Room, and The Velvet Hammer Burlesque. Munn was commended in the NY Times for her performance in Alma Esperanza Cunningham’s Princess. Munn co-directed the nouveau-vaudeville troupe Kitty Bang, an internationally recognized three-time “Best of the Bay” winner that is influential in the modern Burlesque resurgence. Over the past few years Abigail has become increasingly involved in advocacy work for the Circus Arts. When transitioning Circus Bella performers to Employees, she became aware that the current workers compensation rates and policy descriptions in California were way out of step with the current reality of the Circus Industry. Munn embarked on a one-woman quest to help change this and after initiating a study from the Workers Comp Insurance Rating Bureau (WCIRB), rates were significant lowered (by 80%) for ALL Circus Companies in CA. In addition, she is a founding member and on the board of the American Circus Alliance. https://www.circusbella.org/

FOREVER PLAID Written by Stuart Ross Musical Continuity, Supervision, and Arrangements by James Raitt Director/Music Director Daniel Thomas Assoc. Music Director Tim Fletcher Choreographer Brittney Monroe April 18-May 5, 2024 Gateway Theatre, San Francisco FOREVER PLAID is a deliciously fun revue is chock-full of classic four-part harmonies and pitch-perfect melodies! Once upon a time, there were four guys (Sparky, Smudge, Jinx and Frankie) who discovered that they shared a love for music and then got together to become their idols – The Four Freshman, The Hi-Lo’s and The Crew Cuts. Rehearsing in the basement of Smudge’s family’s plumbing supply company, they became “FOREVER PLAID”. On the way to their first big gig, the “Plaids” are broadsided by a school bus and killed instantly. It is at the moment when their careers and lives end that the story of FOREVER PLAID begins… Singing in close harmony, squabbling boyishly over the smallest intonations and executing their charmingly outlandish choreography with overzealous precision, the “Plaids” are a guaranteed smash, with a program of beloved songs and delightful patter that will keep you laughing when you’re not humming along to some of the greatest pop hits of the 1950s. The hit parade of songs includes “Three Coins in the Fountain,” “Love Is A Many-Splendored Thing,” “16 Tons,” “Rags to Riches” and many more favorites!

FEB. 9 - MAR. 3, 2024 Directed by Austin Edgington The Pear Theatre www.thepear.org For Peter Pan on Her 70th Birthday by Sarah Ruhl When Ann thinks of her father, she immediately remembers playing Peter Pan in her hometown theater in Iowa, and the flowers he delivered after her performance. Her memory is jogged by the fact that she and her four siblings are in their father’s hospital room during his final moments. His death sparks a conversational wake that includes everything from arguments over politics to when each sibling realized that they grew up. A loving look at a family’s view of death, life and the allure of never growing up. “A work that is equal parts dark and light, recalling the ebullient excitement of youth, but also confronting the hard fact of mortality… Ruhl’s imagination is among the most adventurous at play today in the theater.” – The New York Times

Check out the amazing YouTube Channel called Soft White Underbelly where Mark Laita, a renowned photographer, has found a new calling in interviewing the hidden people of society. Be careful, though, because once you start watching you may not be able to stop. In 2021visited the surreal Immersive Van Gogh Experience in San Francisco. This is not to be missed. If you have any interest in art and music, this display will give you a free LSD trip and leave you healthy enough to drive home. It's not to be missed! ___________________________________________________________________ Music by Carly Ozard: carlyozard.com Closing Song - Angel from Montgomery sung by Ray Renati Green Room on Air Web Site: raysgreenroom.com Please take a little time and rate my podcast on Itunes - http://bit.ly/GreenRoomOnAir Contact Ray: GreenRoomOnAir@gmail.com

Let's take an extraordinary journey together discovering the hit senastion of the Toasters and Moose Christmas video! Contact Ray at Green Room on Air: greenroomonair@gmail.com Leave a review on Apple Podcasts (iTunes) Visit Green Room On Air website: http://greenroomonair.com Connect with us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/raysgreenroom/

From the New York Times: "Sondheim was a titan of musical theater. But four recent shows onstage in New York argue for his place among classical music luminaries, too." Today we take a look at the genius of Stephen Sondheim and how he fits into the world of classical American music. But first I give you two huge thumbs up for a TV show I recently discovered. Contact Ray at Green Room on Air: greenroomonair@gmail.com Leave a review on Apple Podcasts (iTunes) Visit Green Room On Air website: http://greenroomonair.com Connect with us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/raysgreenroom/

Step into the captivating world of radio as we sit down with the legendary radio personality, Alex Bennett. From his early days on the airwaves to becoming a trailblazer in the industry, Alex has a wealth of stories and insights to share. Join us in this exclusive podcast interview as we delve into the highs, the lows, and the untold tales of a radio icon. Get ready for a journey through the waves of entertainment with the one and only, Alex Bennett! Contact Ray at Green Room on Air: greenroomonair@gmail.com Leave a review on Apple Podcasts (iTunes) Visit Green Room On Air website: http://greenroomonair.com Connect with us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/raysgreenroom/ Closing Music by Carly Ozard

🎤 Get ready to jam to the beat of the viral sensation! 🎶 Join us on Green Room on Air for an exclusive interview with the real talents behind the hilarious mockumentary 'Chickens in the Shadows'—Estelle Piper and Tom Shaw, aka Toasters and Moose! 🍞🦌 🌟 The spotlight is on the dynamic duo as they spill the beans on the unexpected success of their on-screen hit, "Taste the Biscuit." From the quirky scenes in 'Chickens in the Shadows' to the moment the song took the internet by storm, this episode is your backstage pass to the making of a viral sensation. 🎬 Director Vincent Gargiulo brought the magic to life, and now Estelle and Tom share the behind-the-scenes stories, the laughter, and the unexpected journey from the shadows to the limelight. Discover the secrets behind the infectious lyrics, the catchy tune, and the dance moves that have fans across the globe chanting, "Taste the Biscuit!" 🕵️‍♂️ Did you know the real names behind the characters Toasters and Moose? Learn more about Estelle Piper and Tom Shaw as they reflect on the whirlwind of fame, the joys of creating music for the screen, and the moments that defined the 'Chickens in the Shadows' experience. 👉 Don't miss this exclusive opportunity to dive into the world of viral sensations with the stars of the show. Subscribe, hit the like button, and join us on Green Room on Air for a behind-the-scenes journey into the making and aftermath of "Taste the Biscuit." #GreenRoomOnAir #ChickensInTheShadows #TasteTheBiscuit #ViralHit #EstellePiper #TomShaw #BehindTheScenesInterview greenroomonair@gmail.comLeave a review on Apple Podcasts (iTunes)http://greenroomonair.comhttps://www.facebook.com/raysgreenroom/

My guest today is Aidan Park. Aidan is a nationally recognized stand-up comedian headliner, working actor, published author, certified life coach, public speaker, certified master level practitioner of Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP), and creator of the wellness brand, The Art of Being Yay! Aidan is known for having survived seemingly insurmountable challenges in his personal life. Yet, through it all, he reached notable success. He overcame being an undocumented immigrant living in poverty, an HIV diagnosis when he was a teen, a widow later in life, and mental health issues. In his new book, The Art of Being Yay!, comedian and happiness expert Aidan Park provides tools for authentic joy and empowerment sharing scandalous juicy stories from his past that "out drama" a Lifetime TV movie with tales of infidelity, death, scandal, heartache, love, friendships and betrayals! In The Art of Being Yay! discover: -The science of happiness and how to use them to your advantage -How to manage destructive negative emotions -How to create new thought patterns for lasting mental and behavioral change -Practical tools for empowering yourself for the life that you want -How an undocumented immigrant in poverty that was once a Craigslist "erotic services provider" became a happiness expert people pay lots of money to get advice from! https://www.aidanpark.com/ Amazon link - https://amzn.to/38z1jRF __________________________ rayrenati.com greenroomonair.com facebook.com/raysgreenroom

Since its inception, Abigail has been directing, creating and producing new work for Circus Bella. Along with the more conventional duties she has also served as the company's truck driver, catering service and laundress. An accomplished dancer, choreographer, and aerialist, Munn holds a BFA in Modern Dance from UC Santa Barbara. As a child, who was born and raised in SF, she appeared with the Pickle Family Circus, and later with Zoppe Italian Family Circus, Lone Star Circus, the Moisture Festival, the New Pickle Circus, Cabaret Verdelet, Circus Cabaret, Tease-O-Rama, Va Voom Room, and The Velvet Hammer Burlesque. Munn was commended in the New York Times for her performance in Alma Esperanza Cunningham’s Princess. Munn co-directed the nouveau-vaudeville troupe Kitty Bang, an internationally recognized three-time “Best of the Bay” winner that is influential in the modern Burlesque resurgence. Over the past few years Abigail has become increasingly involved in advocacy work for the Circus Arts. When transitioning Circus Bella performers to Employees, she became aware that the current workers compensation rates and policy descriptions in California were way out of step with the current reality of the Circus Industry. Munn embarked on a one woman quest to help change this and after initiating a study from the Workers Comp Insurance Rating Bureau (WCIRB), rates were significantly lowered (by 80%) for ALL Circus Companies in California. In addition, she is a founding member and on the board of the American Circus Alliance. abigailmunn.com KALEIDOSCOPE A Winter Big Top Spectacular December 15 - 31, 2023 The Crossing at East Cut Howard St. and Beale St, San Francisco From the moment you arrive, let us transport you to a delightful world of magic and splendor… Performed in the round in a 350-seat Circus Tent, the beauty of “Kaleidoscope” is the intimacy and immediacy of the one-ring circus. A diverse cast of 12 perform thrilling feats of balance and strength, demonstrations of grace and poise, outrageous humor, and slapstick antics. Original music is performed live by our beloved 6-piece Circus Bella All-Star Band. Let yourself be dazzled and join in the celebration. “Kaleidoscope” is the perfect show for families and children of all ages, looking for a joyous holiday event that will stay with you all season long and beyond! Our big top Circus Tent is located at the intersection of Main and Howard Streets, at the Crossing at the East Cut in Downtown San Francisco. The show runs 90 minutes with one 15 minute intermission. Now, more than ever, we all need more moments to sit down with each other, all together, to celebrate, reflect, and LAUGH! Tickets for the Circus -Contact Ray at Green Room on Air: greenroomonair@gmail.com Leave a review on Apple Podcasts (iTunes) Visit Green Room On Air website: http://greenroomonair.com Connect with us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/raysgreenroom/

Just some Friday musings about Long Covid, Luigi the Singing Janitor, and Old Age. Contact Ray at Green Room on Air: greenroomonair@gmail.com Leave a review on Apple Podcasts (iTunes) Visit Green Room On Air website: http://greenroomonair.com Connect with us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/raysgreenroom/ Closing Music by Carly Ozard

We welcome Dori Engel. Dori Engel is an Actor and Theatre Director, based in Tel Aviv, Israel. BA in Theatre and Acting from Tel-Aviv University, Graduated with distinction, 2004. Graduate of the course Acting Shakespeare in the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, London, 2009. Played in several theatres in Israel, among them Haifa Municipal Theatre and the Yiddish National Theatre. Among his main roles: Hamlet (title role), Raskolnikov in Crime and Punishment, Vladimir in Waiting for Godot and David in Love and Money. Dori started directing in 2010, aiming for international collaborations. His show Youth & Will, including artists from different countries, participated in the Edinburgh Fringe Festival 2011. He focuses on adaptations of classical texts, as his version of Kafka's The Trial and the opera The Lesson by composer Israel Sharon, based on Ionesco's play. Dori is highly involved in producing independent artistic projects, which focus on cross-cultural dialogue as means to create understanding and mutual learning. Among his recent directing works is a production of Romeo & Juliet in Hebrew and Arabic – a unique collaboration of Palestinian and Israeli artists, in a piece of political theatre. Contact Ray at Green Room on Air: greenroomonair@gmail.com Leave a review on Apple Podcasts (iTunes) Visit Green Room On Air website: http://greenroomonair.com Connect with us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/raysgreenroom/ Closing Music by Carly Ozard

Acknowledging the disaster in the Middle East. "The scripts are smart and the supporting players brilliantly cast. Expect plenty of penises but no smut." - Sydney Morning Herald So true. This show is fun and it's accurate. It boldly dives into the word of the late 60s and 70s and the struggle between feminism and eroticism that was so prevelent at the time. Contact Ray at Green Room on Air: greenroomonair@gmail.com Leave a review on Apple Podcasts (iTunes) Visit Green Room On Air website: http://greenroomonair.com Connect with us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/raysgreenroom/ Closing Music by Carly Ozard

The newly established Broadwest Entertainment has announced programming for their inaugural 2023—2024 season. Led by Artistic Director Pablo Rossil, the new Los Angeles-based production collective will stage four productions featuring some Broadway and Hollywood favorites, all in California. Next, Harmonies on Shakespeare: A Choral Celebration will present Shakespeare's prose in original choral renditions written by Michael Sobie, set to a 16-piece choir. Two performances will be held on November 18 at the Will Geer Theatricum Botanicum in Topanga. Kicking off the new year January 5, 2024 will be The Best of Evan and Zane, a musical duo comprised of Evan Rachel Wood and Zane Carney. Alongside a 30-piece orchestra, they will bring their greatest arrangements to the Alex Theatre in Glendale for one night only. Next, City on Fire: A Rockin' Broadway Revue will bring a rock twist on Broadway classics to the West Coast, featuring an electrifying band and guest vocalists, to be announced at a later date. Two performances will be held February 29 at Whisky A Go Go in West Hollywood. Click Here for Tickets and More Information. Contact Ray at Green Room on Air: greenroomonair@gmail.com Leave a review on Apple Podcasts (iTunes) Visit Green Room On Air website: http://greenroomonair.com Connect with us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/raysgreenroom/

Today we bring you NATHALIE LERMITTE who is starring it PIAF! The Show. With more than 600 performances in over 50 countries, and a million tickets sold, PIAF! The Show is the biggest French success in the world since 2015! Conceived and directed by Gil Marsalla, PIAF! The Show is unanimously considered by Edith Piaf's close friends, such as Ginou Richer, Edith Piaf's private secretary, Germaine Ricord, her friend, and above all Charles Dumont and Charles Aznavour, as: "...the most beautiful tribute ever produced on Edith Piaf's career...". In 2017, the ultimate consecration, Piaf! Le Spectacle was sold out at Carnegie Hall in New York and at the Olympia in Paris with the exceptional participation of Mr. Charles Dumont. In two 45 minute parts, PIAF! The Show tells the story of the career of the singer EDITH PIAF through her unforgettable songs in an original scenography with projections of images of Edith Piaf previously unpublished. CALENDAR LISTINGS WHAT: Gil Marsalla & Directo Productions (France) present… PIAF! The Show Starring French Sensation Nathalie Lermitte Conceived and Directed by Gil Marsalla WHEN: Mon. Nov. 6, 2023 - 7:30 pm - One Night Only! WHERE: Herbst Theater - 401 Van Ness Ave. San Francisco 94102 TICKETS: https://www.cityboxoffice.com/eventperformances.asp?evt=2923 Reserved Seating. (Tix: $45 - $65). INFO: 415-392-4400 or https://patrimoinemusicalfrancais.fr/en/piaf-the-show/ FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/piaftheshow/ INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/piaftheshow/ PIAF - direct WEB SITE: https://patrimoinemusicalfrancais.fr/en/piaf-the-show/ TIX LINK: https://www.cityboxoffice.com/eventperformances.asp?evt=2923 TRAILER: (1:07) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uskAmfipl3A Contact Ray at Green Room on Air: greenroomonair@gmail.com Leave a review on Apple Podcasts (iTunes) Visit Green Room On Air website: http://greenroomonair.com Connect with us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/raysgreenroom/

Rag goes to Colorado to audition for "Mousetrap". Get's Covid on the trip. Contact Ray at Green Room on Air: greenroomonair@gmail.com Leave a review on Apple Podcasts (iTunes) Visit Green Room On Air website: http://greenroomonair.com Connect with us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/raysgreenroom/

Encore Episode. Gary Stanford Jr. talks about his advocacy in the world of diversity in the theatre. Contact Ray at Green Room on Air: greenroomonair@gmail.com Leave a review on Apple Podcasts (iTunes) Visit Green Room On Air website: http://greenroomonair.com Connect with us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/raysgreenroom/