PODCAST · arts
Jersey Arts Podcast
by ArtPride New Jersey
The Jersey Arts Podcast presents in-depth, one-on-one conversations with the liveliest and most intriguing personalities in New Jersey’s arts scene. From the casts of hit shows to critically acclaimed film producers; from world-renowned poets to classically trained musicians; from groundbreaking dance visionaries to cutting-edge fine artists, our podcast connects you to what’s happening in your local arts community.
Episodes
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Cabaret Team Brings "Mary Astor's Purple Diary" To Life
You might know classic Hollywood actor Mary Astor from The Maltese Falcon or Meet Me in St. Louis, but in 1936 her name was splashed across newspapers for a very different reason. Astor was entrenched in a messy custody battle with her ex-husband, and at the center of what was then deemed “the...
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Kathryn Grody's Unexpected 3rd Act
It’s in the third act of a three-act story structure when everything comes to a head. The plot builds to its peak, the characters demonstrate development, and the audience/reader/listener experiences the story’s climax—and maybe even a moral. If the third act is the culmination of everything...
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Reminiscing on "Rocky Horror" with Film's Star, Barry Bostwick
We are fast approaching Spooky Season, and with that comes the inimitable Rocky Horror Picture Show season. The cult classic has become synonymous with October and Halloween, likely due to the fabulous costume opportunities afforded by its cast of characters. In this episode, Gina speaks with...
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Comedian Liz Glazer Returns to SOPAC with "Big Waitlist Energy"
If you’ve ever wondered if it’s too late to make a change, today’s guest may give you renewed faith in second acts. Liz Glazer is a former tenured law professor turned actor and standup comic. Her comedy special Do You Know Who I’m Not? is now streaming on YouTube and she has appeared on The...
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Axelrod Arts Honors the 25th Anniversary of 9/11 with 'Come From Away'
Today Gina is speaking with Broadway stars Joy Hermalyn and Brian O’Brien who will be starring together in the upcoming production of Come From Away at Axelrod Arts. The two have previously performed together in a production of Terrance McNally’s The Visit years ago. Today's interview became a…
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Ritz Theatre Company's Production of 'La Gringa' Broaches Life On the Periphery of a Culture
Today’s episode hits extra close to home for host Gina Marie Rodriguez. As a member of the Puerto Rican diaspora who often feels neither here nor there, she says she is honored to get the chance to speak with the director and cast of the Ritz Theatre’s production of “La Gringa.” La Gringa…
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Jorma Kaukonen and Hot Tuna Bring New Tour to New Jersey
Today’s guest is a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame® Inductee, GRAMMY® Award-winning musician, and one of the most influential guitarists of all-time. Jorma Kaukonen was named among Rolling Stone’s “100 Greatest Guitarists.” He pioneered a signature fusion of folk, blues, and rock and, ultimately,...
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Princeton Summer Theater Tackles Sam Shepard's 'True West'
If you’re familiar with the notion of sibling rivalry, today’s episode may be the one for you. Today, Gina is speaking with the cast and director of Princeton Summer Theater’s production of True West. Written by Sam Shepard, the play first debuted Off-Broadway in 1980 with Peter Boyle and Tommy…
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Jovin Webb Debuts New Single in Advance of Sophomore Album
*There is currently no live performance in NJ attached to this episode.* In today's episode, Gina speaks with the talented blues artist, Jovin Webb. Perhaps you’ve seen him on American Idol, maybe you’ve been following him since his early days or perhaps this is your first introduction to his...
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Bring on the Bacon! The Princeton Festival Features The Bacon Brothers
Today, Gina is speaking with the Bacon Brothers. Yes, that is Hollywood A-lister Kevin Bacon and Emmy Award-winning composer, Michael Bacon. The siblings have spent the better part of three decades creating their own mix of folk, rock, soul, and country music. They call that diverse sound...
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Assimilation, Immigration, and the Dance-Nation within West Side Story
“West Side Story” is making its way to the Paper Mill Playhouse in Millburn this May and we could not be more excited. If you’re unfamiliar with the classic tale, we suggest you buckle up and get ready for an evening of music you’ll be singing all the way home, and likely for the foreseeable...
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Pearls of Wisdom with Violin Virtuoso Itzhak Perlman
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.…
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The Gateway Playhouse Offers a Full Slate of Musicals and More
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...
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'Queen of Kids' Music' Laurie Berkner is Back on Home Turf for McCarter Concert
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...
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'Dog Man: The Musical' Unleashes the Pilkey-verse Onstage
From the mind of Captain Underpants creator Dav Pilkey, Dog Man is half dog, half policeman, 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...
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ELO Lives On with The Orchestra's Blue Skies Forever Tour
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…
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Theresa Rebeck, Marisa Smith, and NJ Rep's Theatrical Sandbox by the Jersey Shore
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...
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George Lopez on Comedy, Culture, and Representation
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.”...
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Pioneer Productions Company Presents 'What the Constitution Means to Me'
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...
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Roomful of Blues Welcomes First Female Vocalist in Over Fifty Years
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...
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'Christmas Carolmania' Ends Their World Premiere Tour at the Count Basie Center this Christmas
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...
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Spreading Joy (For All to Hear) with Surflight's Production of 'Elf, the Musical'
“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...
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'Ben Schwartz and Friends' Tour Stops at NJPAC for First Ever Performance in New Jersey!
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...
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Theater Meets Mixed Martial Arts for Hamilton's Okieriete Onaodowan in World Premiere Play
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...
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Shakespeare Theatre’s Frankenstein Reveals the Story Behind the Story
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…
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Staying 'Jersey Fresh' with John Pizzarelli
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...
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Movies and Mirth with Montclair Film
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...
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Legendary Arturo Sandoval Brings His Talent to Rutgers University to Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month
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...
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Experience the Essence of Jazz with Grammy-Winner, Evan Sherman
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...
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Movie Magic in the Garden State: Jon Crowley Talks Filmmaking in NJ
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…
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'Every Brilliant Thing' is the Perfect Show for East Lynne Theater Company's New Stage
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...
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Celebrating 20 Seasons of Premiere Stages with Original Play 'The Mallard'
Today we are highlighting Premiere Stages' twentieth season as they introduce their most recent production, “The Mallard,” written by Vincent Delaney and directed by John Wooten. --Freya and Gillian are teachers who have offended their school board and lost their jobs. Davis and Reagan are yard...
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'Rent' Moves into the Pioneer Productions Stage in Morristown
Today, we’re talking all things "Rent." Pioneer Productions Company of Morristown will be bringing the larger-than-life rock opera to a more intimate setting. With music and lyrics by Jonathan Larson, the Tony Award- and Pulitzer Prize-winning musical is quickly approaching its 30-year…
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John Gorka Visits the Lizzie Rose Music Room
Rolling Stone has called him "the leading singer-songwriter of the New Folk Movement." New Jersey’s own John Gorka is a world-renowned singer-songwriter who is most comfortable with a guitar in hand. You may hear him strum the guitar occasionally throughout the piece and not just during his live...
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'The Shark is Broken' Brings Hollywood Foibles to the Stage at George Street Playhouse
"Jaws." It was an iconic moment in cinema history. The three-time Academy Award-winning film is credited as the first true “summer blockbuster,” having toppled box office records to become the top-grossing film of 1975. And as we approach its 50th anniversary, George Street Playhouse is bringing...
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Melissa Etheridge Prepares for Upcoming NJPAC Performance
Grammy Award-winning Melissa Etheridge has been a household name for the last thirty years, but most recently she has released a new album entitled “I’m Not Broken” and executive produced a docuseries of the same name. The album and the series were recorded live at the Topeka Correctional…
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Bewitched by Botti: A Chat with the Grammy Winning Trumpeter
Jazz fans, rejoice! Grammy winning trumpeter, Chris Botti, will be gracing the stage of the Mayo Performing Arts Center this April. For nearly three decades now, Botti has been one of the most popular instrumentalists in the world, boasting collaborations with stars like Sting, Paul Simon…
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Broadway's Back at the State Theatre: 'Dear Evan Hansen' Takes the Stage
The six-time Tony Award winning show “Dear Evan Hansen” is bringing its North American Tour to the State Theatre in New Brunswick, NJ. The show boasts music and lyrics by EGOT winners - that’s an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and a Tony - Benjamin Pasek and Justin Paul. “Dear Evan Hansen” offers a score...
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Jonatha Brooke and Joyous Grief
Jonatha Brooke has a voice to soothe your soul, and the lyrics to nurture it. First introduced to audiences as a part of the duo, “The Story,” Brooke eventually turned to an illustrious solo career and has been gifting us with her own unique storytelling ever since. Jonatha has quite the...
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Grab Your Crowns and Ring in St. Paddy's with Pinky Patel at NJPAC
Pinky Patel is the crown adorned TikTok comedian you’ve come to know and love for her no holds barred, quick and quippy style. She speaks directly to audiences from her glam cave though sometimes she calls it - something else. She claimed TikTok stardom while still working her corporate 9 to 5…
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Baseball History Inspires Young Audiences in 'Catching the Moon'
Catching the Moon: The Story of a Young Girl’s Baseball Dream is a musical based on the children’s book of the same title written by Crystal Hubbard. It tells the story of Marcenia Lyle, a young, Black girl growing up in the 1930s who went on to become Toni Stone, the first female to play as a...
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New Jersey Symphony Puts the 'Tunes' in 'Looney Tunes'
35 years ago–well before orchestras performing film scores became popular–George Daugherty and his husband and producing partner David Wong developed Bugs Bunny at the Symphony. The concept was new at the time: a world-class orchestra would play full cartoon scores live alongside the films. It…
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Dancing through the Air: 'Noli Timere' Marks World Premiere at McCarter Theater
“Noli Timere” is Latin for “be not afraid,” and the name of the world premiere presentation from Director and Choreographer, Rebecca Lazier and Sculptor, Janet Echelman. The collaboration features eight multidisciplinary performers dancing up to 25 feet in the air within a voluminous,...
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Ferrell Studios Premieres Their First Full Length Play: 'The Shape of Things'
Founded by Luke Ferrell in 2022, Ferrell Studios offers exceptional and affordable performing arts education and theatrical productions. They offer a variety of classes and programs, including acting, musical theatre, playwriting, film and television acting, public speaking, and theory and...
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A Rockin' Christmas with Twelve Twenty-Four at the Levoy Theatre
Known for their electrifying renditions of classic holiday music, Twelve Twenty-Four combines the festive spirit with high-energy rock performances that will leave audiences of all ages wanting more. They are the longest running Trans Siberian Orchestra Tribute band having begun in 2002, over...
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Get to Know East Lynne Theater's Watson and Holmes
"How often have I said to you that when you have eliminated the impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the truth?" A quote from the one and only Sherlock Holmes, by way of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, in "The Sign of the Four." Now, as improbable as it may seem, the truth is - the...
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Oscar Nominee José Rivera Explores AI and Aging through Theater
Award-winning playwright José Rivera brings both his writing and directing talents to New Jersey Repertory Company’s production, Your Name Means Dream. Rivera’s play explores the imagined highs and lows of artificial intelligence through the lens of healthcare–telling the story of Aislin, an…
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American Theater Group Celebrates Family and Heritage with 'My Italy Story'
"My Italy Story," written by Joseph Gallo, directed by Charlotte Cohn, and starring Michael Notardonato, is a nostalgic exploration of family, heritage and the ties that bind us. Spurred by pleas to help reunite his fractured family, a young man quits his job as a New York account executive and...
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Let's 'FOCUS' on Jersey City
Art House Productions is collaborating with Kenia Rosete Dance to bring a new modern dance series to Jersey City. The show, titled “FOCUS,” will feature two to four artists per night, who will present their own original choreography. Each artists' piece is a bite-size performance that showcases…
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Norm Lewis: Actor, Activist & Broadway Icon
Theater icon Norm Lewis is known for a lot of things: breaking barriers as Broadway's first African-American Phantom in The Phantom of the Opera; lending his stunning baritone to the roles of Sweeney Todd, Porgy, and Jarvert; playing Senator Edison Davis on the hit TV show Scandal—the list goes…
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
The Jersey Arts Podcast presents in-depth, one-on-one conversations with the liveliest and most intriguing personalities in New Jersey’s arts scene. From the casts of hit shows to critically acclaimed film producers; from world-renowned poets to classically trained musicians; from groundbreaking dance visionaries to cutting-edge fine artists, our podcast connects you to what’s happening in your local arts community.
HOSTED BY
ArtPride New Jersey
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