Shakespeare, Summer Stock, Superman & More

It’s a jam-packed episode celebrating arts, culture, and summer traditions! We kick things off with a look at Milwaukee’s 2025 Shakespeare in the Park season, launching this weekend. Susan joins us to share show details, the long-standing community love for the event, and how this year’s cast is taking on both acting and puppeteering roles to bring Shakespeare to life in unexpected ways. Then, actor Andrew Varela calls in live to reflect on his moving performance of the National Anthem at today’s Lance Sijan re-dedication ceremony. He and Sandy talk about the emotional impact of Sijan’s story and what it means to honor a true American hero through music. Next, Brandon checks in from the Harley-Davidson Museum with a live report on the Homecoming festivities. He gives us the vibe on-site and how it compares to last week’s scene—engines, fans, and all. In-studio, Hollywood historian and author David Fantle joins us for a deep dive into the 75th anniversary of Summer Stock. We talk Judy Garland, the iconic “Get Happy” number, the supporting cast, and why this film is sometimes overlooked despite being a true classic. David also previews the special 35mm screening at Milwaukee’s Oriental Theatre on July 16th, where he'll host a post-film Q&A. Finally, Word Balloon host John Siuntres joins us live by phone to review the new Superman film. He weighs in on how it compares to previous versions, including Zack Snyder’s, and gives his take on this summer’s blockbuster season overall.