First off, I'd like to thank the ENTIRE cast of "Summer In The City" - all TEN members - for stopping in between two shows on a Sunday to talk about - the show!

We also talk about some of experiences they've had in this show or others - and this is all just in Part One of our conversation. Which is confusing, I know, because this is PART TWO of my interview series with the cast and creative team behind this musical revue playing in Calgary at the time of this interview.

Download it here, or direct from my Youtube Channel:

And check out my Calgary Herald review of the show!

In Part One of my interview series with the cast and creative team behind Stage West Calgary's production of "Summer In The City", I chat over the phone with the extremely busy Jeff Dimitriou.

Jeff's credits span live theatre, film and TV - if you're a fan of Degrassi, The L.A, Complex, So You Think You Can Dance Canada (Season 1), Twilight: Breaking Dawn (Part 1) or even the 2010 Olympics, you may be familiar with his far-reaching entertainment skills. Trust me, those credits are just the tip of the iceberg.

Jeff was a little under the weather for our conversation, but still exuded warmth and down-to-earth graciousness.

Before I forget, check out his website, at http://jeffdimitriou.com/home/  

And read my own review of the show for The Calgary Herald:

http://www.canada.com/business/Musical+review+brings+hits+alive/6480773/story.html  

In my first-ever video podcast. I chat with the cast and director of Stage West Calgary's "The 39 Steps", their 30th anniversary production.

Due to the limitations of YouTube dowload size restrictions, this interview has been compressed to about 10 minutes. If it doesn't load properly for you here, check it out on my YouTube channel:

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You'll hear from Mark Bellamy, John Ullyatt, Natascha Girgis, Andy Curtis, and Chris Hunt.

Don't forget my Calgary Herald review of the show, as well:

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This is one of those rare cases of the universe sharing an incredible opportunity with you.

In today's episode, I get to chat with Philly musician Pete Donnelly, who counts among his achievements a number of solo releases (including his new album, "When You Come Home"), as well as a lengthy career with The Figgs, and a current residence with the legendary NRBQ.

In addition to his new album, Pete (at the time of this interview) plans a six-week residency at MilkBoy Philadelphia, along with a diverse cast of special guest stars. Check that out between January 25 - February 29, 2012.

And for more on Pete, check out:

http://petedonnellymusic.com/  

A conversation on theatre with director & choreographer Liz Gilroy, and actor David Cotton. The two (at the time of this recording) were part of Stage West Calgary's production of "Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat". The pair discuss not only that show, but their careers in general. 

Don't forget to check my Calgary Herald review of the show:

http://www.calgaryherald.com/entertainment/Joseph+Technicolor+coat+looking+good+Stage+West/5735360/story.html?cid=megadrop_story

Thongs. e-Books. Indie Publishing. Thongs...

In the second installment of this two-part interview, I wrap up my chat with author & humorist Gordon Kirkland, whose award-winning collections and novels are available everywhere (including his own website)

Check out: http://www.gordonkirkland.com/ for info on his appearances, books, awards and links to much more.

In Part Two, there's loads of info for writers and fans of humour alike!

Note: This photo is circa 2008. The "Episode One" pic is from 2006... Side Note: When will I learn to take the gum out before photo ops, or at least grin a little less like Donkey from Shrek??

In the first installment of this two-part interview, I chat with author, writing instructor and humorist Gordon Kirkland, whose award-winning collections and novels are available eveywhere (including his own website)

Check out: http://www.gordonkirkland.com/ for info on his appearances, books, awards and links to much more.

In Part One of our phone chat, we talk about his career in general, and the craft of humour-writing.

Fasten your seatbelts...

A fun, candid chat with actor Scott Valentine. Among his many stage, screen and voice-over credits, Scott played Nick Moore on TV's "Family Ties".

Included here - we talk about his career, and the production he was appearing in when I caught up with him at Calgary's Stage West Theatre Restaurant - the riotous mobster farce "Shady Business". 

Oh, and just as a word or two of caution - for the first time in this series, the language gets a little bit salty - what can I say? Mr. Valentine is a passionate, expressive gentleman!

Don't forget to check out my official Calgary Herald review of "Shady Business":

http://www.calgaryherald.com/entertainment/Shady+Business+unrelenting+Stage+West/5396806/story.html

Note: There are frequent references during this interview to "viewers". There will be a shorter video version of this interview on my YouTube Channel:

http://www.youtube.com/user/thatdanguy1

Photo Courtesy Stage West: Naomi Costain pictured with Scott Valentine

A conversation on theatre, music, acting and directing (oh, and much more...) with Bob Walton, who along with his brother is the co-creator of Mid-Life! (The Crisis Musical), and others.

He's appeared on Broadway, on TV, and across North America in live theatre, and he shares stories on all aspects of his career.

You can find out more (hold on - AFTER listening to the interview) at:

http://www.waltonbrothersmusic.com/

And, you can read my review of the production that he was here in Calgary directing at the time of this interview at:

http://www2.canada.com/calgaryherald/news/entertainment/story.html?id=67bcefe0-e192-41cf-a40a-63ce2755337b

Which appeared in print and online in The Calgary Herald, as well as online in Regina's Leader Post...

Give a listen to this interview with singer and actor Nicholas Fera Marinucci, who I caught up with during a production of Stage West Calgary's "All Shook Up" - a jukebox musical based on the music of Elvis Presley.

Nicholas is preparing to release his upcoming album "Far From Wise", and talks about that project, as well as his career.

You can find out more about him at:

www.NicholasMarinucci.com

or

www.NicholasFera.com

You can also read my Calgary Herald review of the show at:

http://www2.canada.com/calgaryherald/news/entertainment/story.html?id=d976dce9-c191-4145-843c-82a8fb24c567