Jersey Arts Podcast
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
276 episodes
'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, ...
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27:26
'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/chor...
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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 talkati...
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29:59
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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 Com...
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28:03
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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 Catoli...
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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...
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29:18
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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 t...
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30:11
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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 Si...
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30:39
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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 count...
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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 so...
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31:41
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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...
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26:49
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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, ca...
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23:42
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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 Americ...
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28:30
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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 Montc...
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35:43
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 O...
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38:07
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 ...
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27:30
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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.
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36:01
'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 D...
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36:59
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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 thei...
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29:53
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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 Priz...
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31:24
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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 guita...
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33:37
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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 5...
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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 ...
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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,...
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25:54
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...
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