Brave and Strong and True

Leslie Monaco is a current Upper Darby Summer Stage member looking forward to participating for four more years. She joined the program as a Rising Star and then an Apprentice. Leslie moved into the Children’s Theatre program when she turned 13. She is a graduate of West Chester University and works for the Walnut Street Theatre in Philadelphia where she always runs into Summer Stagers. I hope you enjoy our conversation, so come along and have some fun. . .Leslie’s links:Miscast Cabaret at SALT performing Artssalt.pa.ticketleap.com/miscastcabaretWolf Performing Art Centerwww.wolfperformingartscenter.orgWalnut Street Theatrewww.walnutstreettheatre.orgWe all have stories to tell, and they can be heard here.Welcome to Brave and Strong and True, a podcast that engages Summer Stage alumni of all ages. I’m Bob Falkenstein. Our music is composed and performed by Neil McGettigan https://neilmcgettiganandtheeleventhhour.bandcamp.com/releasesPlease follow Brave and Strong and True on Apple Podcasts. While you’re there, please rate the show and leave a comment.  If you want to be a guest on Brave and Strong and True, please contact me at braveandstrongandtrue@gmail.com. You must have a desktop or laptop computer running the latest version of the Google Chrome browser. It helps if you have an external microphone and headphones, but Apple earbuds work too; however, BlueTooth ones are not 100% reliable, so see if you can borrow wired ones. Support the showUpper Darby Summer Stage is now part of the non-profit organization known as the Upper Darby Arts and Education Foundation. Harry Dietzler is the Executive Director of the UDAEF. If you are able to support Summer Stage financially, please visit udsummerstage.org to find out more.

Tyler Trafficante joined Summer Stage in 2009 as a Rising Star. He hung around for five summers, performing in the Children’s Theatre program. As an adult, Tyler plays tenor saxophone with the Polish American String Band, of the Philadelphia Mummers Association. He also is a current member of an online theatre company that produces the works of William Shakespeare. I hope you enjoy our conversation, so come along and have some fun. . .Tyler’s links:Polish American String Band’s New Year's Day performance from January 1, 2024https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hyKK8KxOs5U&authuser=0Online performance of The Tragedy of Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hIBAjy8_sec&authuser=0We all have stories to tell, and they can be heard here. Welcome to Brave and Strong and True, a podcast that engages Summer Stage alumni of all ages. I’m Bob Falkenstein. Our music is composed and performed by Neil McGettigan https://neilmcgettiganandtheeleventhhour.bandcamp.com/releasesPlease follow Brave and Strong and True on Apple Podcasts. While you’re there, please rate the show and leave a comment.  If you want to be a guest on Brave and Strong and True, please contact me at braveandstrongandtrue@gmail.com. You must have a desktop or laptop computer running the latest version of the Google Chrome browser. It helps if you have an external microphone and headphones, but Apple earbuds work too; however, BlueTooth ones are not 100% reliable, so see if you can borrow wired ones. Support the showUpper Darby Summer Stage is now part of the non-profit organization known as the Upper Darby Arts and Education Foundation. Harry Dietzler is the Executive Director of the UDAEF. If you are able to support Summer Stage financially, please visit udsummerstage.org to find out more.

Havertown native Emily Moylan began her Summer Stage journey as an apprentice. She moved her way up through Children’s Theatre and Mainstage productions. As her skills accrued, she held various staff positions. After receiving a degree from Temple University, Emily worked for Philadelphia Young Playwrights. She is a professional educator, administrator, theatre artist, and writer. Currently, Emily is on the administrative staff of Darlington Arts Center as their Assistant Director. I hope you enjoy our conversation, so come along and have some fun. . .Darlington Arts Center https://www.darlingtonarts.org/Philadelphia Young Playwrights  https://www.phillyyoungplaywrights.org/We all have stories to tell, and they can be heard here.Welcome to Brave and Strong and True, a podcast that engages Summer Stage alumni of all ages. I’m Bob Falkenstein. Our music is composed and performed by Neil McGettigan https://neilmcgettiganandtheeleventhhour.bandcamp.com/releasesPlease follow Brave and Strong and True on Apple Podcasts. While you’re there, please rate the show and leave a comment.  If you want to be a guest on Brave and Strong and True, please contact me at braveandstrongandtrue@gmail.com.You must have a desktop or laptop computer running the latest version of the Google Chrome browser. It helps if you have an external microphone and headphones, but Apple earbuds work too; however, BlueTooth ones are not 100% reliable, so see if you can borrow wired ones. Support the showUpper Darby Summer Stage is now part of the non-profit organization known as the Upper Darby Arts and Education Foundation. Harry Dietzler is the Executive Director of the UDAEF. If you are able to support Summer Stage financially, please visit udsummerstage.org to find out more.

Marcie (Turstlick) Bramucci remembers the initial impact Summer Stage had on her life as she experienced a 1987 performance of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. She joined the program when she was age-eligible, participating in the Apprentice Program, Children’s Theater, and Mainstage. Her academic career took her to Point Park College before earning Master's Degrees from Villanova University and Columbia University. Marcie worked in media on both coasts before settling back in Delaware County. She is currently the Executive Artistic Director of Hedgerow Theatre Company in Rose Valley where she produces, directs, and performs. I hope you enjoy our conversation, so come along and have some fun. . .Hedgerow Theatre Company https://www.hedgerowtheatre.org/Marcie’s professional website https://www.marciebramucci.com/We all have stories to tell, and they can be heard here. Welcome to Brave and Strong and True, a podcast that engages Summer Stage alumni of all ages. I’m Bob Falkenstein. Our music is composed and performed by Neil McGettigan https://neilmcgettiganandtheeleventhhour.bandcamp.com/releasesPlease follow Brave and Strong and True on Apple Podcasts. While you’re there, please rate the show and leave a comment.  If you want to be a guest on Brave and Strong and True, please contact me at braveandstrongandtrue@gmail.com.You must have a desktop or laptop computer running the latest version of the Google Chrome browser. It helps if you have an external microphone and headphones, but Apple earbuds work too; however, BlueTooth ones are not 100% reliable, so see if you can borrow wired ones. Support the showUpper Darby Summer Stage is now part of the non-profit organization known as the Upper Darby Arts and Education Foundation. Harry Dietzler is the Executive Director of the UDAEF. If you are able to support Summer Stage financially, please visit udsummerstage.org to find out more.

Gerri Smith Weagraff is “Old Guard” Summer Stage. Her wonderful portrayals of classic musical theatre characters remain treasured in our memories. From 1977 to 1980, Summer Stage was the only place where Gerri performed. It was where she spent her summers while home from college, and she says it truly served as the foundation for her life onstage and off, developing such qualities as teamwork, commitment, respect, confidence, and much more. Musical theatre has always been a family affair for Gerri, for she has performed on stage with her parents, her husband, and their children.  Early in her professional career, she was a radio announcer for local stations in South Jersey and Wilmington, Delaware. Since the mid-80s, Gerri has performed with many Summer Stagers at other theaters in the tri-state area, and she cherishes the bond we all share. While in her fifties and sixties, Gerri found amazing opportunities with the national touring companies of A Fiddler on the Roof and Anastasia. I interviewed her from her hotel room in Jackson, Mississippi, where she is traveling with the national touring company of My Fair Lady.  I hope you enjoy our conversation, so come along and have some fun. . .Gerri’s website www.gerriwegraff.comFollow Gerri on Instagram @gerriweagraffWe all have stories to tell, and they can be heard here. Welcome to Brave and Strong and True, a podcast that engages Summer Stage alumni of all ages. I’m Bob Falkenstein. Our music is composed and performed by Neil McGettigan https://neilmcgettiganandtheeleventhhour.bandcamp.com/releasesPlease follow Brave and Strong and True on Apple Podcasts. While you’re there, please rate the show and leave a comment.  If you want to be a guest on Brave and Strong and True, please contact me at braveandstrongandtrue@gmail.com. You must have a desktop or laptop computer running the latest version of the Google Chrome browser. It helps if you have an external microphone and headphones, but Apple earbuds work too; however, BlueTooth ones are not 100% reliable, so see if you can borrow wired ones. Support the showUpper Darby Summer Stage is now part of the non-profit organization known as the Upper Darby Arts and Education Foundation. Harry Dietzler is the Executive Director of the UDAEF. If you are able to support Summer Stage financially, please visit udsummerstage.org to find out more.

I interviewed Steve Smith during our recent Christmas break since we are both teachers. He grew up in Highland Park and went to Bonner. Steve joined Summer Stage in 1981 when he turned eleven and thrived in the Children’s Theatre program. He fondly remembers the opportunity to be a pirate. He went to Villanova University for his first degree and earned his Masters at American University. He now teaches Social Studies at Downingtown East High School. I hope you enjoy our conversation, so come along and have some fun. . .We all have stories to tell, and they can be heard here. Welcome to Brave and Strong and True, a podcast that engages Summer Stage alumni of all ages. I’m Bob Falkenstein. Our music is composed and performed by Neil McGettigan https://neilmcgettiganandtheeleventhhour.bandcamp.com/releasesPlease follow Brave and Strong and True on Apple Podcasts. While you’re there, please rate the show and leave a comment. If you want to be a guest on Brave and Strong and True, please contact me at braveandstrongandtrue@gmail.com.You must have a desktop or laptop computer running the latest version of the Google Chrome browser. It helps if you have an external microphone and headphones, but Apple earbuds work too; however, BlueTooth ones are not 100% reliable, so see if you can borrow wired ones. Support the showUpper Darby Summer Stage is now part of the non-profit organization known as the Upper Darby Arts and Education Foundation. Harry Dietzler is the Executive Director of the UDAEF. If you are able to support Summer Stage financially, please visit udsummerstage.org to find out more.

Collingdale native Sandi Kinnear’s Summer Stage history began in 1978 when she played clarinet in the pit orchestra for Of Thee I Sing  when she was 13. Her reedsmanship also included playing the alto and baritone saxophones for many early eighties musicals and Sentimental Journeys.  Sandi toured the country as Sandi Joy, a popular Christian comedienne. She now resides in Chester County and is active in productions with SALT Performing Arts. I hope you enjoy our conversation, so come along and have some fun. . .Sandi’s links:Sandi’s national Walmart commercial https://www.ispot.tv/ad/7tBo/walmart-super-summer-savings-sandiSALT Performing Arts  https://www.saltpa.com/We all have stories to tell, and they can be heard here. Welcome to Brave and Strong and True, a podcast that engages Summer Stage alumni of all ages. I’m Bob Falkenstein. Our music is composed and performed by Neil McGettigan https://neilmcgettiganandtheeleventhhour.bandcamp.com/releasesPlease follow Brave and Strong and True on Apple Podcasts. While you’re there, please rate the show and leave a comment.  If you want to be a guest on Brave and Strong and True, please contact me at braveandstrongandtrue@gmail.com.You must have a desktop or laptop computer running the latest version of the Google Chrome browser. It helps if you have an external microphone and headphones, but Apple earbuds work too; however, BlueTooth ones are not 100% reliable, so see if you can borrow wired ones. Support the showUpper Darby Summer Stage is now part of the non-profit organization known as the Upper Darby Arts and Education Foundation. Harry Dietzler is the Executive Director of the UDAEF. If you are able to support Summer Stage financially, please visit udsummerstage.org to find out more.

Colleen Corbett got the theatre bug while attending Arch Bishop Prendergast High School.  She joined Summer Stage in 1982 and made quite a debut playing the Wicked Witch in Snow White. Acting became her strength as she practiced her craft in the children’s theatre program.  She worked on the staff and as a director. She moved to New York City and found work in daytime soap operas and films.  I hope you enjoy our conversation, so come along and have some fun. . .We all have stories to tell, and they can be heard here. Welcome to Brave and Strong and True, a podcast that engages Summer Stage alumni of all ages. I’m Bob Falkenstein. Our music is composed and performed by Neil McGettigan https://neilmcgettiganandtheeleventhhour.bandcamp.com/releasesPlease follow Brave and Strong and True on Apple Podcasts. While you’re there, please rate the show and leave a comment.  If you want to be a guest on Brave and Strong and True, please contact me at braveandstrongandtrue@gmail.com. You must have a desktop or laptop computer running the latest version of the Google Chrome browser. It helps if you have an external microphone and headphones, but Apple earbuds work too; however, BlueTooth ones are not 100% reliable, so see if you can borrow wired ones. Support the showUpper Darby Summer Stage is now part of the non-profit organization known as the Upper Darby Arts and Education Foundation. Harry Dietzler is the Executive Director of the UDAEF. If you are able to support Summer Stage financially, please visit udsummerstage.org to find out more.

Deirdre McGettigan joined Summer Stage in 1984 with the cast Annie and Barnum, the following summer, forging her lifelong friendship with her best friend, Ann Pinto. She sacrificed a few summers to work in Wildwood Crest.  Deirdre fondly remembers the magic of the 25th, 30th, and 40th Anniversary Galas. She currently performs with several local community theatres. I hope you enjoy our conversation, so come along and have some fun. . .We all have stories to tell, and they can be heard here. Welcome to Brave and Strong and True, a podcast that engages Summer Stage alumni of all ages. I’m Bob Falkenstein. Our music is composed and performed by Neil McGettigan https://neilmcgettiganandtheeleventhhour.bandcamp.com/releasesPlease follow Brave and Strong and True on Apple Podcasts. While you’re there, please rate the show and leave a comment.  If you want to be a guest on Brave and Strong and True, please contact me at braveandstrongandtrue@gmail.com. You must have a desktop or laptop computer running the latest version of the Google Chrome browser. It helps if you have an external microphone and headphones, but Apple earbuds work too; however, BlueTooth ones are not 100% reliable, so see if you can borrow wired ones. Support the showUpper Darby Summer Stage is now part of the non-profit organization known as the Upper Darby Arts and Education Foundation. Harry Dietzler is the Executive Director of the UDAEF. If you are able to support Summer Stage financially, please visit udsummerstage.org to find out more.

Jeff Glasse performed in many Children’s Theatre productions in the eighties, and by the nineties, he was a leading man in Main Stage productions playing Oliver Warbucks in Annie! and the King of Siam in The King and I.  Jeff took his Ivy League education west to Silicon Valley and worked as a programming engineer on many successful projects; he claims that a lot of his instincts are anchored in what he learned in his youth at Summer Stage. Jeff worked as a CEO for startup companies and spent a decade on the stand-up comedy circuit in New York City. In his spare time, Jeff likes to sail his sailboat, create woodworking projects, and cook. I hope you enjoy our conversation, so come along and have some fun. . .We all have stories to tell, and they can be heard here.Welcome to Brave and Strong and True, a podcast that engages Summer Stage alumni of all ages. I’m Bob Falkenstein.Our music is composed and performed by Neil McGettigan https://neilmcgettiganandtheeleventhhour.bandcamp.com/releasesPlease follow Brave and Strong and True on Apple Podcasts. While you’re there, please rate the show and leave a comment.  If you want to be a guest on Brave and Strong and True, please contact me at braveandstrongandtrue@gmail.com.You must have a desktop or laptop computer running the latest version of the Google Chrome browser. It helps if you have an external microphone and headphones, but Apple earbuds work too; however, BlueTooth ones are not 100% reliable, so see if you can borrow wired ones. Support the showUpper Darby Summer Stage is now part of the non-profit organization known as the Upper Darby Arts and Education Foundation. Harry Dietzler is the Executive Director of the UDAEF. If you are able to support Summer Stage financially, please visit udsummerstage.org to find out more.

I struggled to write an introduction for my session with Krissy Fraelich and Nick Hunchak. They genuinely do not need to be introduced. They rank high among the Summer Stage power couples. I couldn’t wait to interview them together because being around them is always a wonderful experience. As you will hear, the recording did not go smoothly. There are glitches, times when either I or they dropped out. I decided to release what I can now, calling it Part 1. I can’t wait to continue our session and bring you Part 2 soon. I hope you enjoy our conversation, so come along and have some fun. . .We all have stories to tell, and they can be heard here.Welcome to Brave and Strong and True, a podcast that engages Summer Stage alumni of all ages. I’m Bob Falkenstein. Our music is composed and performed by Neil McGettigan https://neilmcgettiganandtheeleventhhour.bandcamp.com/releasesPlease follow Brave and Strong and True on Apple Podcasts. While you’re there, please rate the show and leave a comment.  If you want to be a guest on Brave and Strong and True, please contact me at braveandstrongandtrue@gmail.com. You must have a desktop or laptop computer running the latest version of the Google Chrome browser. It helps if you have an external microphone and headphones, but Apple earbuds work too; however, BlueTooth ones are not 100% reliable, so see if you can borrow wired ones. Support the showUpper Darby Summer Stage is now part of the non-profit organization known as the Upper Darby Arts and Education Foundation. Harry Dietzler is the Executive Director of the UDAEF. If you are able to support Summer Stage financially, please visit udsummerstage.org to find out more.

Ilana Barzel’s Summer Stage experience began in 2007 and lasted three summers. She appreciates her experience and praises the program for its inclusiveness. I hope you enjoy our conversation, so come along and have some fun. . .Alana’s links:What is Shabbat? (Jewish Sabbath) https://www.myjewishlearning.com/srticle/shabbat-101/For more information about epilepsy, please visit the Epilepsy Foundation's website at https://www.efepe.orgWe all have stories to tell, and they can be heard here. Welcome to Brave and Strong and True, a podcast that engages Summer Stage alumni of all ages. I’m Bob Falkenstein. Our music is composed and performed by Neil McGettigan https://neilmcgettiganandtheeleventhhour.bandcamp.com/releasesPlease follow Brave and Strong and True on Apple Podcasts. While you’re there, please rate the show and leave a comment. If you want to be a guest on Brave and Strong and True, please contact me at braveandstrongandtrue@gmail.com.You must have a desktop or laptop computer running the latest version of the Google Chrome browser. It helps if you have an external microphone and headphones, but Apple earbuds work too; however, BlueTooth ones are not 100% reliable, so see if you can borrow wired ones. Support the showUpper Darby Summer Stage is now part of the non-profit organization known as the Upper Darby Arts and Education Foundation. Harry Dietzler is the Executive Director of the UDAEF. If you are able to support Summer Stage financially, please visit udsummerstage.org to find out more.

Ed Sweeney's Summer Stage experience began with the second half of the first generation and ran through the middle of the second generation. He had his share of roles in children’s theatre and main stage. Currently, he performs with the Philadelphia Counterparts, a popular acapella group. I hope you enjoy our conversation, so come along and have some fun. . .Ed’s links’s:http://www.thecounterparts.com/https://springsing.org/We all have stories to tell, and they can be heard here. Welcome to Brave and Strong and True, a podcast that engages Summer Stage alumni of all ages. I’m Bob Falkenstein.Our music is composed and performed by Neil McGettigan https://neilmcgettiganandtheeleventhhour.bandcamp.com/releasesPlease follow Brave and Strong and True on Apple Podcasts. While you’re there, please rate the show and leave a comment.  If you want to be a guest on Brave and Strong and True, please contact me at braveandstrongandtrue@gmail.com. You must have a desktop or laptop computer running the latest version of the Google Chrome browser. It helps if you have an external microphone and headphones, but Apple earbuds work too; however, BlueTooth ones are not 100% reliable, so see if you can borrow wired ones. Support the showUpper Darby Summer Stage is now part of the non-profit organization known as the Upper Darby Arts and Education Foundation. Harry Dietzler is the Executive Director of the UDAEF. If you are able to support Summer Stage financially, please visit udsummerstage.org to find out more.

Mike Hazlett and Chris Lenz credit Of Thee I Sing as their first Summer Stage show in 1978. Mike spent three summers, and Chris stayed around for a while. Both continue to perform to this day.  Because of a hardware issue, we had to switch over to a Zoom call which abruptly ended. I hope you enjoy our conversation, so come along and have some fun. . .We all have stories to tell, and they can be heard here. Welcome to Brave and Strong and True, a podcast that engages Summer Stage alumni of all ages. I’m Bob Falkenstein. Keep up with Chris’s performances at http://lenzartist.weebly.com/Our music is composed and performed by Neil McGettigan https://neilmcgettiganandtheeleventhhour.bandcamp.com/releasesPlease follow Brave and Strong and True on Apple Podcasts. While you’re there, please rate the show and leave a comment.  If you want to be a guest on Brave and Strong and True, please contact me at braveandstrongandtrue@gmail.com. You must have a desktop or laptop computer running the latest version of the Google Chrome browser. It helps if you have an external microphone and headphones, but Apple earbuds work too; however, BlueTooth ones are not 100% reliable, so see if you can borrow wired ones. Support the showUpper Darby Summer Stage is now part of the non-profit organization known as the Upper Darby Arts and Education Foundation. Harry Dietzler is the Executive Director of the UDAEF. If you are able to support Summer Stage financially, please visit udsummerstage.org to find out more.

Ed Robbins has supported my efforts since the very beginning. He suggested that  Andrew and his mother, Carolyn, appear together for an interview.  I initially interviewed them simultaneously, but, unfortunately, Andrew’s recording got corrupted. I was able to piece together my discussion with Carolyn, and then I interviewed Andrew and incorporated that into this episode. I hope you enjoy our conversation, so come along and have some fun. . .We all have stories to tell, and they can be heard here. Welcome to Brave and Strong and True, a podcast that engages Summer Stage alumni of all ages. I’m Bob Falkenstein. Bristol Riverside Theatre web site https://www.brtstage.orgOur music is composed and performed by Neil McGettigan https://neilmcgettiganandtheeleventhhour.bandcamp.com/releasesPlease follow Brave and Strong and True on Apple Podcasts. While you’re there, please rate the show and leave a comment.  If you want to be a guest on Brave and Strong and True, please contact me at braveandstrongandtrue@gmail.com. You must have a desktop or laptop computer running the latest version of the Google Chrome browser. It helps if you have an external microphone and headphones, but Apple earbuds work too; however, BlueTooth ones are not 100% reliable, so see if you can borrow wired ones. Support the showUpper Darby Summer Stage is now part of the non-profit organization known as the Upper Darby Arts and Education Foundation. Harry Dietzler is the Executive Director of the UDAEF. If you are able to support Summer Stage financially, please visit udsummerstage.org to find out more.

It’s with tremendous pride that I say the next sentence. This is the 50th Episode of the podcast and my guest is Harry Dietzler. I hope you enjoy our conversation, so come along and have some fun. . .We all have stories to tell, and they can be heard here. Welcome to Brave and Strong and True, a podcast that engages Summer Stage alumni of all ages. I’m Bob Falkenstein.Our music is composed and performed by Neil McGettigan https://neilmcgettiganandtheeleventhhour.bandcamp.com/releasesPlease follow Brave and Strong and True on Apple Podcasts. While you’re there, please rate the show and leave a comment.  If you want to be a guest on Brave and Strong and True, please contact me at braveandstrongandtrue@gmail.com.You must have a desktop or laptop computer running the latest version of the Google Chrome browser. It helps if you have an external microphone and headphones, but Apple earbuds work too; however, BlueTooth ones are not 100% reliable, so see if you can borrow wired ones. Support the showUpper Darby Summer Stage is now part of the non-profit organization known as the Upper Darby Arts and Education Foundation. Harry Dietzler is the Executive Director of the UDAEF. If you are able to support Summer Stage financially, please visit udsummerstage.org to find out more.

My guest is Karen Toto-Hockenberry. Karen was a Prendie girl who went to Temple University. She joined the staff in 1977 as a dancing instructor. I was a student of hers in the lobby. She moved to The Big Apple and found work in the chorus, singing and dancing in many Broadway shows and national tours. Karen returned to Summer Stage in 1989 to direct Guys and Dolls. The following summer, she choreographed Showstoppers 2. I hope you enjoy our conversation, so come along and have some fun. . .We all have stories to tell, and they can be heard here. Welcome to Brave and Strong and True, a podcast that engages Summer Stage alumni of all ages. I’m Bob Falkenstein. Our music is composed and performed by Neil McGettigan https://neilmcgettiganandtheeleventhhour.bandcamp.com/releasesPlease follow Brave and Strong and True on Apple Podcasts. While you’re there, please rate the show and leave a comment.  If you want to be a guest on Brave and Strong and True, please contact me at braveandstrongandtrue@gmail.com. You must have a desktop or laptop computer running the latest version of the Google Chrome browser. It helps if you have an external microphone and headphones, but Apple earbuds work too; however, BlueTooth ones are not 100% reliable, so see if you can borrow wired ones. Support the showUpper Darby Summer Stage is now part of the non-profit organization known as the Upper Darby Arts and Education Foundation. Harry Dietzler is the Executive Director of the UDAEF. If you are able to support Summer Stage financially, please visit udsummerstage.org to find out more.

My guest is Pat Walsh. Pat joined Summer Stage when he was old enough to perform in the Main Stage productions where he had had a nice run of lead roles. He was Shrek in Shrek the Musical in 2014. In 2017, he played Quasimoto in The Hunchback of Notre Dame. And last summer he was Patrick in The Spongebob Musical. Pat began directing musicals at Summer Stage and is currently rehearsing The Three Little Pigs forChildren’s Theatre. Pat is an educator and loves to bring the joy of theatre to his students. I hope you enjoy our conversation, so come along and have some fun. . .We all have stories to tell, and they can be heard here.Welcome to Brave and Strong and True, a podcast that engages Summer Stage alumni of all ages. I’m Bob Falkenstein. Our music is composed and performed by Neil McGettigan https://neilmcgettiganandtheeleventhhour.bandcamp.com/releasesPlease follow Brave and Strong and True on Apple Podcasts. While you’re there, please rate the show and leave a comment.  If you want to be a guest on Brave and Strong and True, please contact me at braveandstrongandtrue@gmail.com.You must have a desktop or laptop computer running the latest version of the Google Chrome browser. It helps if you have an external microphone and headphones, but Apple earbuds work too; however, BlueTooth ones are not 100% reliable, so see if you can borrow wired ones. Support the showUpper Darby Summer Stage is now part of the non-profit organization known as the Upper Darby Arts and Education Foundation. Harry Dietzler is the Executive Director of the UDAEF. If you are able to support Summer Stage financially, please visit udsummerstage.org to find out more.

On July 20, I visited Summer Stage and saw Beauty and the Beast, Junior. Later, I witnessed a General Meeting which amazed me. Then I met with three groups of four kids and interviewed them. So today I have 12 guests. They are Raylin Meyers, Marcus Solomon, Cole McIntosh, Addi Pollard, Lonnie Womak, Fareed Leslie, Kiera McCarron, Rose Warren, Aidan Dougherty, Keira Hornung, Kara Schwebb, and Alex Segreti. I hope you enjoy our conversation, so come along and have some fun. . .We all have stories to tell, and they can be heard here. Welcome to Brave and Strong and True, a podcast that engages Summer Stage alumni of all ages. I’m Bob Falkenstein. Our music is composed and performed by Neil McGettigan https://neilmcgettiganandtheeleventhhour.bandcamp.com/releasesPlease follow Brave and Strong and True on Apple Podcasts. While you’re there, please rate the show and leave a comment.  If you want to be a guest on Brave and Strong and True, please contact me at braveandstrongandtrue@gmail.com.You must have a desktop or laptop computer running the latest version of the Google Chrome browser. It helps if you have an external microphone and headphones, but Apple earbuds work too; however, BlueTooth ones are not 100% reliable, so see if you can borrow wired ones.  Support the showUpper Darby Summer Stage is now part of the non-profit organization known as the Upper Darby Arts and Education Foundation. Harry Dietzler is the Executive Director of the UDAEF. If you are able to support Summer Stage financially, please visit udsummerstage.org to find out more.

My guest is Brian Walsh.  Brian came to Summer Stage when he was 15. He stayed for 25 years. He performed and then directed shows for Children’s Theater and Main Stage. Brian is a fifth-grade teacher studying to become an administrator. He claims that the organizational and leadership skills he learned at Summer Stage have prepared him to become a principal one day. I hope you enjoy our conversation, so come along and have some fun. . .We all have stories to tell, and they can be heard here.Welcome to Brave and Strong and True, a podcast that engages Summer Stage alumni of all ages. I’m Bob Falkenstein. Our music is composed and performed by Neil McGettigan https://neilmcgettiganandtheeleventhhour.bandcamp.com/releasesPlease follow Brave and Strong and True on Apple Podcasts. While you’re there, please rate the show and leave a comment.  If you want to be a guest on Brave and Strong and True, please contact me at braveandstrongandtrue@gmail.com. You must have a desktop or laptop computer running the latest version of the Google Chrome browser. It helps if you have an external microphone and headphones, but Apple earbuds work too; however, BlueTooth ones are not 100% reliable, so see if you can borrow wired ones. Support the showUpper Darby Summer Stage is now part of the non-profit organization known as the Upper Darby Arts and Education Foundation. Harry Dietzler is the Executive Director of the UDAEF. If you are able to support Summer Stage financially, please visit udsummerstage.org to find out more.