This week on Curtain Call, we shine the spotlight on Jonathan Charles Fox—actor, journalist, photographer, radio personality, and one of the Catskills’ most passionate advocates for the arts. From his early days on stage and screen to his beloved column In My Humble Opinion and his adventures on Thunder 102 with sidekick Gidget, Jonathan has spent a lifetime telling stories and uplifting others. In this heartfelt conversation, he shares behind-the-scenes tales, his love for theatre, and the quiet joy he finds in capturing life through a lens. It’s a rare chance to hear from the man who’s usually the one telling everyone else’s story.

On this episode of Curtain Call, we shine the spotlight on Greenwood Lake Theater, an Equity professional company in Orange County, NY, co-founded by Katherine Weatherford and Mary McKinley. From Shakespeare in the park to bold new musicals and dynamic training programs, the company is redefining what regional theatre can be. We talk about their journey from NYC to the Hudson Valley, their upcoming production of Nevermore, their vibrant New Works Festival, and the unique role of music direction in shaping their shows.

Plus, in our Roving Thespian segment, we take you to the Forestburgh Playhouse’s hilarious season opener Boeing, Boeing—with a sneak peek at their next production, The Full Monty.

On this episode of Curtain Call, we journey into the heart of artistic experimentation with Brad Krumholz, co-founder and Executive Artistic Director of the North American Cultural Laboratory (NACL). From mythic storytelling and immersive rituals to cutting-edge residencies like The Outrage and digital explorations of the Orpheus myth, NACL is a creative force reshaping the boundaries of performance. We explore their mission, values, groundbreaking programming, and the vibrant community they foster in the Catskills. Plus, in our Roving Thespian segment, we take a peak behind the curtain as audience members share their comments on River Rep Theatre’s magical production of The NeverEnding Story.

This week on Curtain Call, we shine a spotlight on River Rep Theatre with guests Christopher Peditto and Arthur Aulisi, diving into their creative process, mission, and their summer production of The Neverending Story. We explore the evolution of their company, their work with young theatre artists, and even tackle the age-old debate: is it theatre or theater? Plus, our Roving Thespian drops in on Sister Act at the Rivoli Theatre to hear what local audiences are saying. Upcoming productions, big laughs, bold imagination — and a show-stopping finale from the Sister Act London cast — it’s all here, on Curtain Call.

On this episode of Curtain Call, host Tom Candela sits down with Suzann Dvorken, President of the Delaware Valley Opera, to celebrate their 2021 milestone—the company’s acquisition of its very own permanent home: the Delaware Valley Opera Center in Lake Huntington, NY. Together, they explore the company’s 35-year journey, its future plans for year-round performances, and what this new space means for the region’s cultural landscape. The episode also features lively interviews with cast and audience members at a recent performance of Knightly News, a whimsical, one-act children’s opera by Jonathan Stinson that blends fairy tale favorites with newsroom flair and operatic fun.

On this episode of Curtain Call, we’re heading to the Sullivan Catskills for a deep dive into one of the region’s most beloved theatrical treasures—the Forestburgh Playhouse. From high-flying farces and Pulitzer-winning musicals to raucous cabarets and new works nestled in the woods, this episode shines a spotlight on the Playhouse’s dynamic 2025 season. Join us as we explore the shows, the people, and the passion behind this nearly 80-year-old summer theatre tradition. And stick around for some great musical moments, including a heartwarming finale from Shrek the Musical that’ll leave you believing that yes—someday is today.

On this episode of Curtain Call, we shine a spotlight on Up In Arms, the Hudson Valley–based puppet company dedicated to creating original musical theatre for young audiences. Artistic Director Dov Manley and writer/educator Alex Ishkanian share how their colorful, character-driven shows—like Monster Intelligence, Helping Drew, and Tortoise & Hare’s Race to Health—combine heartfelt storytelling with meaningful educational themes. From promoting kindness to encouraging curiosity and confidence, their touring productions are inspiring families and students across the country.

And in our Roving Thespian segment, we travel to Farm Arts Collective for a performance of The Road to Damascus, an original solo work written and performed by Kathy Randels. Set against a backdrop of myth, memory, and justice inequity, Randels’ piece weaves together biblical narrative, environmental urgency, and personal reflection in a powerful multidisciplinary performance that calls on us all to reimagine our journey forward.

On this episode of Curtain Call, we shine the spotlight on the Sullivan County Dramatic Workshop (SCDW) and its longtime Board Member Harold Tighe together with Pete Nastasi (director/actor/playwright). They are committed to creating inclusive, community-driven theatre and are nothing short of inspiring. From beloved musicals to original plays and youth-led productions, SCDW's work onstage is matched by its innovative offstage programs—especially its growing audience participation initiative that brings theatre lovers directly into the creative process. Plus, we debut a brand-new segment featuring our “roving host” out in the field, capturing voices and stories from the local arts scene. This week: a trip to the Bingo Bash with some familiar faces from the Catskill Public Theatre!