ArtsBeat TV/Radio 7/01/22

PROGRAM NOTE: Tomorrow, 8AM on ArtsBeat TV/Radio from WCPC15 and 89.5fmWSKB. ABCD world premiere at Barrington Stage. Meet its playwright May Treuhaft-Ali. And Talya Kingston previews WAM Theatre’s MisCast. Watch! Listen! Stream! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1nN77t1B2a4

Pioneer Valley Radio ArtsBeat 6/28/22

New ArtsBeat on Pioneer Valley Radio. Jayne Atkinson hosts WAM’s Miscast; Once at Berkshire Theatre Group, Pippin at Playhouse on Park, and arts news for WMass and No.CT. segment begins at: 7:28 https://pioneervalleyradio.podbean.com/e/brad-shepard-today-tuesday-june-28-2022/

Westfield News/MassLive ArtsBeat 6/27/22

Westfield News/MassLive ArtsBeat 6/27/22. Summer theatre full tilt. A menu of offerings at Chester Theatre, Barrington Stage, Berkshire Theatre Group, Great Barrington Public, plus Hamilton in Hartford. https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2022/06/arts-beat-chester-theatre-season-opens-with-jane-austen-remix.html

Athenaeum Spotlight 6/29/22

PROGRAM NOTE: NEW Athenaeum Spotlight WED from WCPC15 and 89.5fm/WSKB. Guy McLain talks about the current exhibit featuring art by Ruth Kjaer, including a video of the acclaimed exhibit. Watch! Listen! Stream! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_W4GTUbgwWc

Pioneer Valley Radio Review: A'int Misbehavin' at Barrington Stage

Now on Pioneer Valley Radio. ArtsBeat reviews Barrington’s Stage’s Ain’t Misbehavin’: The Fats Waller musical. All sizzle and sass. https://pioneervalleyradio.podbean.com/e/brad-shepard-today-wednesday-june-22-2022

ArtsBeat TV/Radio 6/24/22

PROGRAM NOTE: NEW ArtsBeat TV/Radio FRI 8AM from WCPC15 and 89.5fm/WSKB. Ashley Fedigan previews the Talcott Mountain Music Festival season, and meet David Toole, Andrea Goss and Andy Taylor from “Once” at Berkshire Theatre Group. Watch! Listen! Stream! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aOaNwOfrWb8

ArtsBeat on Pioneer Valley Radio 6/21/22

New ArtsBeat on Pioneer Valley Radio. Hamilton at the Bushnell, MOSSO sings Sondheim, Pride@Prejudice at Chester and arts news for WMass and No.CT. segment begins at: 5:18 https://pioneervalleyradio.podbean.com/e/brad-shepard-today-tuesday-june-21-2022/

Westfield News / MassLive ArtsBeat 6/21/22

Westfield News/MassLive ArtsBet 6/21/22. Pippin at Playhouse on Park, Anne of Green Gables at Goodspeed, Sondheim at MOSSO and arts news for WMass and No.CT. https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2022/06/arts-beat-award-winning-performers-join-mosso-for-sondheim-concert.html

On The Mark TV/Radio 6/22/22

PROGRAM NOTE: NEW On The Mark WED from WCPC15 and 89.5fm/WSKB. CISA’s Claire Morenon talks about locally grown food, and Peter Cowles takes us behind the scenes at Studio 120. Watch! Listen! Stream! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VXyylAQ-AV4

Pioneer Valley Radio review: Hartford Stage: Kiss My Aztec

New on Pioneer Valley Radio. My review of Hartford Stage’s “Kiss My Aztec”. Simply put, “I laughed my Aztec off”. segment begins at: 6:20. https://pioneervalleyradio.podbean.com/e/brad-shepard-today-wednesday-june-15-2022/ .

ArtsBeat TV/Radio 6/17/22

PROGRAM NOTE. NEW ArtsBeat TV/Radio FRI AM from WCPC15 and 89.5fm/WSKB. MOSSO celebrates Stephen Sondheim on June 23 at Symphony Hall. Meet conductor Tim Stella and Broadway’s Florence Lacey as they talk about Broadway and Sondheim. Watch! Listen! Stream! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dlmyPXQgTCg

Media Release: MOSSO Sondheim Celebration Cast Changes

DATELINE: June 15, 2022 Contacts: Beth Welty, Assistant Principal Second Violin: 339-368-2996 Robert Lawrence, Violin: 917-841-3307 Mark G. Auerbach, Public Relations: 413-427-7352 or mgauerbach@gmail.com CAST CHANGE FOR MOSSO’S SONDHEIM CELEBRATION ON JUNE 23, AT SYMPHONY HALL Springfield, MA: MOSSO, the Musicians of the Springfield Symphony Orchestra, will celebrate the music of legendary composer and lyricist Stephen Sondheim on Thursday, June 23, at 7:30 PM in Springfield Symphony Hall. The Sondheim Celebration, conducted by Tim Stella, will feature Broadway stars Hugh Panaro and Lisa Vroman. Joining the cast are Ron Raines and Florence Lacey, who recently co-starred in the Broadway revival of Sondheim’s Follies. According to conductor Tim Stella, “Stephen Sondheim has been a Broadway legend as both composer and lyricist, and his string of hits include the lyrics to West Side Story (which was recently remade as a film), Company (currently a sell-out on Broadway), A Little Night Music (headed to Barrington Stage this summer), Encore’s Into The Woods transferring to Broadway, and more. I’m so looking forward to hearing his great melodies performed by a full orchestra, and showcased by some of the best names on Broadway.” Tim Stella conducted The Phantom of the Opera on Broadway, and before that, Jesus Christ Superstar, A Funny Thing Happened On the Way to the Forum, Guys and Dolls, The Most Happy Fella, Hello Dolly!, and Legs Diamond. He served as vocal coach to Emmy Rossum and Gerard Butler, who portrayed Christine and the Phantom respectively, in the movie version of Phantom. Stella has also served as the resident music director of Goodspeed Musicals, and a conductor at Radio City Music Hall. Hugh Panaro is best known for having played the role of the Phantom in Broadway’s The Phantom of the Opera over 2,000 times. He made his Broadway debut as Marius in the original production of Les Misérables, a role he originated in the First National Company. He created the roles of Buddy in Side Show, Julian Caster in The Red Shoes, the title role in the American premiere of Martin Guerre, and the title role in Elton John’s Lestat. Lisa Vroman, who made her Broadway debut in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Aspects of Love, starred for several years on Broadway as Christine Daaé in The Phantom of the Opera. She also starred as Rosabella in New York City Opera’s The Most Happy Fella. Some of her notable roles are: Charlotte in A Little Night Music with Michigan Opera Theatre; Lili Vanessi in Kiss Me Kate with both Glimmerglass Opera and the MUNY Theater of St. Louis; and Marian Paroo in The Music Man at the Bushnell. She was the first to play both Fantine and Cosette in Les Misérables. She appeared as Johanna in the San Francisco Symphony's Emmy Award-winning Sweeney Todd in Concert, with Patti Lupone and George Hearn. Ron Raines is a Tony and Grammy Award nominee for the acclaimed 2012 production of Stephen Sondheim’s Follies. Ron has also starred on Broadway as Daddy Warbucks in Annie, Joseph Pulitzer in Newsies, Billy Flynn in Chicago, Gaylord Ravenal in Show Boat, and Nick Longworth in Teddy & Alice. He has delighted audiences around the country in A Little Night Music opposite Leslie Uggams. He has appeared on four PBS “Great Performances,” and was a three-time Emmy nominee for his role as the nefarious Alan Spaulding on CBS’s longest running daytime drama Guiding Light. Florence Lacey was last seen on Broadway in the critically acclaimed Kennedy Center production of Stephen Sondheim's Follies. She made her Broadway debut as Irene Malloy in Hello Dolly! for which she won the Theater World Award. And her biggest role was Eva Peron in Evita, a role she played on Broadway and on tour around the world. Her other Broadway credits include Les Misérables; The Grand Tour; and An Evening with Jerry Herman (Mac Award). In regional theater, she appeared in Pal Joey at Goodspeed Opera House and A Little Night Music at Connecticut Repertory Theatre. At the Kennedy Center in Washington D. C., she performed Sunday in the Park with George, Follies, and a concert version of My Fair Lady. MOSSO’s Summer Concerts continue with the return of Maestro Kevin Rhodes on July 21, in a MOSSO Benefit Concert of light classics and music of John Williams. Violinist Yevgeny Kutik, whose two prior solo appearances in Springfield were met with great acclaim, will perform select pieces. Tickets for both concerts, priced $60, $45, $25, and $10, are on sale at:SpringfieldSymphonyMusicians.com. MOSSO sponsors (to date) include: The Republican/MassLive, BusinessWest and Healthcare News, WWLP-22News & The CW Springfield, the Sheraton Springfield at Monarch Place, New England Public Media, the Musicians of the Boston Symphony Orchestra, and the Bolduc Schuster Foundation. MOSSO is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization, which is not a subsidiary of nor affiliated with the Springfield Symphony Orchestra Inc. MOSSO has presented their musicians in performances with local ensembles, including the Springfield Jazz and Roots Festival; in a full orchestral performance with Maestro Kevin Rhodes and MOSSO’s Virtuosos in Symphony Hall; and in a series of chamber ensemble concerts in Longmeadow and at the Westfield Athenaeum. For further information about MOSSO’s programs: SpringfieldSymphonyMusicians.com -30-

Pioneer Valley Radio ArtsBeat 6/14/22

New ArtsBeat on Pioneer Valley Radio. Two solo shows at Great Barrington Public Theater (one with Sharon Lawrence), Hartford Stage’s Melia Bensussen new play in Boston, an opera about Malcolm X. And Tanglewood’s open. segment begins at: 5:00 https://pioneervalleyradio.podbean.com/e/brad-shepard-today-tuesday-june-14-2022/

Westfield NewsMassLive ArtsBeat 6/13/22

Westfield News/MassLive ArtsBeat 6/13/22. TheaterWorks Hartford's new season, Sharon Lawrence is Katherine Graham at Great Barrington Public Theatre, and arts news for WMass and No.CT. https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2022/06/arts-beat-symphony-musicians-will-stage-tribute-to-sondheim.html

Media Release: MOSSO: Garmany Fund

DATELINE: June 13, 2022Contacts: Beth Welty, Assistant Principal Second Violin: 339-368-2996Robert Lawrence, Violin: 917-841-3307Mark G. Auerbach, Public Relations: 413-427-7352 or mgauerbach@gmail.com RICHARD P. GARMANY FUND DONATES $15,000 TO MOSSO TO CELEBRATE THE BROADWAY MUSIC OF STEPHEN SONDHEIM ON JUNE 23, AT SYMPHONY HALL Springfield, MA: The Richard P. Garmany Fund at the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving will be the lead sponsor of MOSSO’s, the Musicians of the Springfield Symphony Orchestra, celebration of the music of legendary composer and lyricist Stephen Sondheim. On Thursday, June 23, at 7:30 PM in Springfield Symphony Hall, the Sondheim Celebration, conducted by Tim Stella, will feature Broadway stars Hugh Panaro and Lisa Vroman. Also appearing are Ray Hardman and Kathleen Callahan-Hardman. “The Richard P. Garmany Fund at the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving is among the largest sponsors of MOSSO’s programs to date,” says MOSSO Chair, Beth Welty. She added, “MOSSO has come a long way since our first concert on the steps of Springfield Symphony Hall last year. We needed to develop an organization that would provide work opportunities for its professional musicians, because the Springfield Symphony Orchestra paused its performances in March, 2020. MOSSO formally received 501(c)(3) status and that enabled us to produce full-scale orchestral and chamber music performances. We appreciate the Richard P. Garmany Fund’s commitment to live, professional, and quality orchestral performances in Springfield. This funding allows MOSSO to present the first of two orchestral summer concerts in downtown Springfield. We haven’t had summer orchestral concerts in Springfield in decades!” The Richard P. Garmany Fund at the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving has been a major sponsor of arts and cultural programming in the region. Richard P. Garmany, who had worked for Aetna, died in 2008. He was a frequent audience member at many concerts throughout the region. MOSSO’s Summer Concerts continue with the return of Maestro Kevin Rhodes on July 21, in a MOSSO Benefit Concert of light classics and music of John Williams. Violinist Yevgeny Kutik, whose two prior solo appearances in Springfield were met with great acclaim, will perform select pieces. Tickets for both concerts, priced $60, $45, $25, and $10, are on sale at:SpringfieldSymphonyMusicians.com.MOSSO’s additional sponsors (to date) include: The Republican/MassLive, BusinessWest and Healthcare News, WWLP-22News & The CW Springfield, the Sheraton Springfield at Monarch Place, New England Public Media, the Musicians of the Boston Symphony Orchestra, and the Bolduc Schuster Foundation. MOSSO is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization, which is not a subsidiary of nor affiliated with the Springfield Symphony Orchestra Inc. MOSSO has presented their musicians in performances with local ensembles, including the Springfield Jazz and Roots Festival; in a full orchestral performance with Maestro Kevin Rhodes and MOSSO’s Virtuosos in Symphony Hall; and in a series of chamber ensemble concerts in Longmeadow and at the Westfield Athenaeum. For further information about MOSSO’s programs: SpringfieldSymphonyMusicians.com -30-

On The Mark TV/Radio 6/15/22

PROGRAM NOTE: NEW On The Mark WED from WCPC15 and 89.5fm/WSKB. Backstage at Old Sturbridge Village with Jim Donahue, and author Hillary Johnson on “The Why”, the historic ME/CFS call to arms. Watch! Listen! Stream! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1T6Olbt35S8

ArtsBeat TV/Radio 6/10/22

PROGRAM NOTE: New ArtsBeat FRI 8AM from WCPC15 and 89.5fm/WSKB. Julianne Boyd recaps her long tenure at Barrington Stage, and Tara Wilson Noth talks about her new play, “B.R.O.K.E.N code B.I.R.D switching”, premiering at Berkshire Theatre Group. Watch! Listen! Stream! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fQ1fqFvJDtU

ArtsBeat on Pioneer Valley Radio 6/07/22

New ArtsBeat from Pioneer Valley Radio. TheaterWorks announces its new season plus a Jacques Lamarre premiere. An Iliad at Shakespeare & Company. Steven Schoenberg (pictured) performs at the 1794 Meeting House, and arts news for WMass and No.CT. segment begins at: 6:25. https://pioneervalleyradio.podbean.com/e/brad-shepard-today-tuesday-june-7-2022/

Westfield News/MassLive ArtsBeat 6/06/22

Westfield News/MassLive ArtsBeat 6/06/22. Secondo premieres at TheaterWorks. Betty and the Patch premieres at The Majestic. An iliad at Shakespeare & Company and arts news for WMass and No.CT. https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2022/06/arts-beat-half-price-tickets-return-to-berkshire-box-offices.html

Athenaeum Spotlight 6/08/22

PROGRAM NOTE: NEW Athenaeum Spotlight with Guy McLain, WED from WCPC15 and 89.5fm/WSKB. Guy McLain and Mark G. Auerbach chat with Alexandra Kennedy from the Eric Carle Museum, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary. Watch! Listen! Stream! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ubAFJoWYqWE

ArtsBeat TV/Radio 6/03/22

PROGRAM NOTE: NEW ArtsBeat tomorrow 8AM from WCPC15 and 89.5fm/WSKB. Jacques Lamarre’s new play Secondo premieres at TheaterWorks this summer, and his frequent collaborator, Jeffrey Roberson, creator of Varla Jean Merman, talk about Varla’s new show at TheaterWorks. Watch!Listen! Stream! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NEkhpjCib4o

MOSSO Press Release: The Sondheim Celebration

DATELINE: June 1, 2022 MOSSO CELEBRATES THE BROADWAY MUSIC OF STEPHEN SONDHEIM ON JUNE 23, AT SYMPHONY HALL Springfield, MA: MOSSO, the Musicians of the Springfield Symphony Orchestra, will celebrate the music of legendary composer and lyricist Stephen Sondheim on Thursday, June 23, at 7:30 PM in Springfield Symphony Hall. The Sondheim Celebration, conducted by Tim Stella, will feature Broadway stars Hugh Panaro and Lisa Vroman. Also appearing are Ray Hardman and Kathleen Callahan-Hardman. The program will include: Orchestral Suite arranged by Don Sebesky, “Joanna,” and “Not While I’m Around” from Sweeney Todd “Being Alive,” “Side by Side,” and “Not Getting Married Today” from Company “Broadway Baby,” “Too Many Mornings,” and “Losing My Mind” from Follies “Send in the Clowns,” “Now/Soon/Later,” and “The Glamorous Life” from A Little Night Music “Comedy Tonight” from A Funny Thing Happened On the Way to the Forum “Not A Day Goes By” from Merrily We Roll Along Orchestral Suite arranged by Don Sebesky from Into the Woods “Finishing the Hat” and the Act 1 Finale from Sunday in the Park with George According to conductor Tim Stella, “Stephen Sondheim has been a Broadway legend as both composer and lyricist, and his string of hits include the lyrics to West Side Story (which was recently remade as a film), Company (currently a sell-out on Broadway), A Little Night Music (headed to Barrington Stage this summer), Encore’s Into The Woods transferring to Broadway, and more. I’m so looking forward to hearing his great melodies performed by a full orchestra, and showcased by some of the best names on Broadway.” Tim Stella conducted The Phantom of the Opera on Broadway, and before that, Jesus Christ Superstar, A Funny Thing Happened On the Way to the Forum, Guys and Dolls, The Most Happy Fella, Hello Dolly!, and Legs Diamond. He served as vocal coach to Emmy Rossum and Gerard Butler, who portrayed Christine and the Phantom respectively, in the movie version of Phantom. Stella has also served as the resident music director of Goodspeed Musicals, and a conductor at Radio City Music Hall. Hugh Panaro is best known for having played the role of the Phantom in Broadway’s The Phantom of the Opera over 2,000 times. He made his Broadway debut as Marius in the original production of Les Misérables, a role he originated in the First National Company. He created the roles of Buddy in Side Show, Julian Caster in The Red Shoes, the title role in the American premiere of Martin Guerre, and the title role in Elton John’s Lestat. Lisa Vroman, who made her Broadway debut in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Aspects of Love, starred for several years on Broadway as Christine Daaé in The Phantom of the Opera. She also starred as Rosabella in New York City Opera’s The Most Happy Fella. Some of her notable roles are: Charlotte in A Little Night Music with Michigan Opera Theatre; Lili Vanessi in Kiss Me Kate with both Glimmerglass Opera and the MUNY Theater of St. Louis; and Marian Paroo in The Music Man at the Bushnell. She was the first to play both Fantine and Cosette in Les Misérables. She appeared as Johanna in the San Francisco Symphony's Emmy Award-winning Sweeney Todd in Concert, with Patti Lupone and George Hearn. Ray Hardman has performed with the West Hartford Symphony, with Chorus Angelicus and Gaudeamus as bass soloist in Fauré’s Requiem, and with Broadway stars John Cudia and Kathy Voytko in an evening of Broadway songs at the Hill-Stead Museum. He has performed lead roles with the Producing Guild, Simsbury Light Opera, and the Theater Guild of Simsbury. Ray, who fronts a 60’s garage band called The Radiation, is Connecticut Public Radio’s Arts and Culture reporter. Lyric soprano Kathleen Callahan-Hardman performs opera, oratorio, and popular song repertoire. Most recently, Kathleen sang the lead role in Hartford Opera Theater’s Total Spiritual, as well as being the guest soloist at the West Hartford Symphony’s Holiday concert. Before the pandemic, she sang Violetta in Northampton (MA) Panopera’s La Traviata. She is the cantor at St. Brigid’s Church in West Hartford, CT. MOSSO’s Summer Concerts continue with the return of Maestro Kevin Rhodes on July 21, in a MOSSO Benefit Concert of light classics and music of John Williams. Violinist Yevgeny Kutik, whose two prior solo appearances in Springfield were met with great acclaim, will perform select pieces. Tickets for both concerts, priced $60, $45, $25, and $10, are on sale at:SpringfieldSymphonyMusicians.com. MOSSO sponsors (to date) include: The Republican/MassLive, BusinessWest and Healthcare News, WWLP-22News & The CW Springfield, the Sheraton Springfield at Monarch Place, New England Public Media, the Musicians of the Boston Symphony Orchestra, and the Bolduc Schuster Foundation. MOSSO is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization, which is not a subsidiary of nor affiliated with the Springfield Symphony Orchestra Inc. MOSSO has presented their musicians in performances with local ensembles including the Springfield Jazz and Roots Festival; in a full orchestral performance with Maestro Kevin Rhodes and MOSSO’s Virtuosos in Symphony Hall; and in a series of chamber ensemble concerts in Longmeadow and at the Westfield Athenaeum. For further information about MOSSO’s programs: SpringfieldSymphonyMusicians.com -30-