Green Room On Air with Ray Renati

Ray Renati
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  • PERFORMING ARTS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY
Green Room On Air with Ray Renati

A weekly podcast that explores the exciting world of theatre, musical theatre, film, opera, and other performing arts. Based in the San Francisco Bay Area, your host, Ray Renati, explores local Bay Area theatre as well as theatre and live entertainment from New York City to London, to Paris. Drop by every week to hear a new episode.

  1. FEB 25

    Thomas Robert Simpson of Afro Solo

    ABOUT AfroSolo Theatre Company https://afrosolo.org AfroSolo Theatre Company’s mission is to nurture, promote and present African American and African Diasporan art and culture through solo performances and the visual and literary arts. Since 1994, we have presented the annual AfroSolo Arts Festival, a forum for African Americans and the larger African Diaspora as a way to give voice to the unique experience of being Black. Through art, we bring people of all ethnicities together to explore and share the human spirit that binds us all. AfroSolo Arts Festival is made possible through the support of the CA Arts Council, Grants for the Arts, Dream Keeper Initiative, Kenneth Rainin Foundation, SF Arts Commission, and The Friends of AfroSolo, AfroSolo's collaborative partners include AATAIN, Cultural Odyssey, Intersection for the Arts, Play Ground Theatre, The African American Art and Culture Complex, The Flow Fund, The Dr. George W. Davis Senior Center and the Yerba Buena Gardens Festival. AFROSOLO’S HISTORY AND MISSION: https://afrosolo.org/march2025 AfroSolo Theatre Company presents… AfroSolo ARTS FESTIVAL 31 - LET FREEDOM RING! PART 2 WHEN: Fri. March 28, 2025 – 7:00 pm Sat. March 29, 2025 – 7:00 pm Sun. March 30, 2025 – 3:00 pm WHERE: Potrero Stage* 1695 18th St. (at Arkansas St.), San Francisco, CA 94107 WHO: Performers Include: Douglass Haynes - vocalist Augustene Phillips - writer Libah Sheppard - writer Thomas Robert Simpson - writer Hugh Leeman – filmmaker Dr. Carl Blake (piano for Douglass Haynes) TICKETS: https://tickets.playground-sf.org/The... General Admission Seating. $0 - $35, pay what you can. No one turned away due to lack of funds. In Person & Live Streaming options available. WEB SITE: https://afrosolo.org FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?... INSTAGRAM:   / afrosolotheatrecompany   FOR INFORMATION VISIT: https://afrosolo.org or call 415-771-2376 _____________________ Thomas Robert Simpson, actor, director, producer, and writer, is the founder and artistic director of AfroSolo Arts Festival. Since 1991 he has concentrated on presenting African American and African Diasporan art and culture through solo performances and the visual and literary arts. For the past 17 years Mr. Simpson has produced the award-winning and critically acclaimed AfroSolo Arts Festival in SF, presenting over seventy-five artists. He has also showcased celebrity artists such as award-winning actor Ruby Dee, comedian and political activist Dick Gregory, beloved teacher, poet and social activist June Jordan, sensational black gospel singer Emmit Powell, and many others. In 2006 Mr. Simpson won a coveted Bay Area Jefferson Award for Public Service. In 2009 he was awarded a prestigious Certificate of Honor from the SF Board of Supervisor, as well as award from SF AIDS Foundation’s Black Brothers Esteem Program, The Reggie Williams Achievement Award and the Oakland Supper Club for his contributions to our community.

    18 min

  2. 12/17/2024

    Behind the Big Top: Abigail Munn and the Magic of Circus Bella

    Hey there! Welcome back to Green Room On Air with your host, Ray Vernotti. It's been a crazy time, folks! I caught COVID again, got over it, but the insomnia was a kicker. Anyway, I'm here and thrilled to have the amazing Abigail Munn back on the show! 🎪 Today, we're diving into the world of Circus Bella with Abigail, the visionary director and ringmaster. This isn't just any circus, folks! "Kaleidoscope" is coming up and it's going to be a winter big-top spectacle. You're in for clowns, a mind-blowing slack rope act, breathtaking aerialists, and the heart-pounding beats of Circus Bella's live band. We take a backstage tour and meet some of the extraordinary performers crafting magic under the tent. Plus, I've got a little plug for the show I'm in called "Truce," at City Lights Theater in San Jose. It's a moving tale from World War I that's capturing hearts. So, join us for a fun-filled episode as we chat, laugh, and explore the amazing world of circus wonder! Oh, and don’t forget to snag your tickets to "Kaleidoscope" at circusbella.org. 🎟️

    24 min

  3. 07/17/2024

    Laurie Roldan Sings the Songs of Karen Carpenter

    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

    19 min

  4. 07/07/2024

    From Broadway to Beyond: Lisa Vroman of "Phantom of the Opera" Fame

    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.comConnect with us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/raysgreenroom/

    32 min

  5. 06/26/2024

    Inside the Minds of the San Francisco Mime Troupe with Valina Brown

    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!

    34 min

  6. 05/06/2024

    Abigail Munn of Circus Bella and My Politcal Ramble

    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/

    26 min

  7. 04/02/2024

    Daniel Thomas of 42nd Street Moon

    FOREVER PLAID Written by Stuart RossMusical Continuity, Supervision, and Arrangements by James Raitt Director/Music Director Daniel ThomasAssoc. Music Director Tim FletcherChoreographer Brittney Monroe April 18-May 5, 2024Gateway 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!

    31 min

  8. 01/22/2024

    Peter Pan Turns 70!

    FEB. 9 - MAR. 3, 2024Directed by Austin EdgingtonThe Pear Theatrewww.thepear.org For Peter Pan on Her 70th Birthdayby 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

    11 min
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    16 Ratings

    About

    A weekly podcast that explores the exciting world of theatre, musical theatre, film, opera, and other performing arts. Based in the San Francisco Bay Area, your host, Ray Renati, explores local Bay Area theatre as well as theatre and live entertainment from New York City to London, to Paris. Drop by every week to hear a new episode.

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