Curtain Call Conversations: A Van Wezel Podcast
The Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall presents a broad spectrum of the world's finest performers representing the diverse tastes of Southwest Florida residents and visitors. Curtain Call Conversations takes listeners behind the scenes of the iconic purple building on Sarasota Bay giving audiences insights into upcoming shows, secrets of the trade, and news on the entertainment industry. Episodes include rotating hosts of staff members, performers, and more. Tune in every other Wednesday!
Episodes
Learn how children's theater engages creativity and learning. Discover insights from Caroline Saldivar on the importance of theater for kids and how it shapes their imaginations.
This episode of Curtain Call Conversations should come with a warning label.
For April Fool's Day, Griffyn and Nate from the Van Wezel technical department dream up an entire fake Van Wezel season -- and present it with just enough confidence to make you question everything you thought you knew.
- A month-run long run of The Sound of Music?
- Twins: The Musical?
- A trailer just for roller skates?
Reader, listener, viewer...non...
A Season Fit for a Queen – Broadway at the Van Wezel
The Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall is excited to announce its upcoming Broadway season, featuring the hit musical Six the Musical along with many other Broadway favorites. In this episode of Curtain Call Conversations, hosts Justin and Kyle provide an in-depth look at the full season lineup, share details on how to subscribe, and discuss what audiences can look forward to this yea...
In a captivating conversation between Muffy Lavens, PR Director of the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, and Robert Westenberg, a key member of the cast of "A Beautiful Noise," listeners are treated to an insider’s glimpse of this extraordinary Neil Diamond musical. This engaging podcast highlights the depth and emotional resonance of the show, which promises to transcend the typical jukebox musical experience.
In this episode of Curtain Call Conversations, host Justin Gomlak speaks with Gretchen Beaumier, a multifaceted artist at Dingbat Theater Project. They discuss the theater's commitment to inclusivity, the Funny Girls program aimed at empowering young women through improv, and the Technical Theater Summer Camp that provides hands-on experience in various backstage roles.
In this episode of Curtain Call Conversations, Kyle and Justin are back to talk about how love is in the air! They highlight upcoming shows and wonder what might happen if famous Broadway characters swapped love interests from other shows.
This episode of Curtain Call Conversations blends education, Broadway, and a little musical fun.
Justin and Muffy talk all things Broadway-themed masterclasses at the Van Wezel, then Muffy sits down with Devin, a performer from MJ to discuss touring, performing, and what it’s like being part of such a high-energy production.
The episode wraps with a fun and silly segment where they build the ultimate masterclass playlist — perfect fo...
Curtain Call Conversations is back for 2026, and we're bringing the laughs — and the tap shoes — as we spotlight the hit Broadway musical Some Like It Hot playing the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall January 21-25.
We’re joined by Devon Goffman, who plays Spats, the scene-stealing mobster you love to fear (and laugh at). Devon shares what makes Some Like It Hot such a crowd favorite, from its nonstop comedy and big Broadway specta...
In this episode of Curtain Call Conversations, Education Director Justin Golmak is joined by Deb Lombard to spotlight one of the Van Wezel’s most joyful community offerings: Golden Groovers — a dance class series designed especially for seniors and adult learners.
Golden Groovers is all about movement, music, and connection. Taught by dynamic Van Wezel teaching artists Deb Lombard and Eric van Baars, each class invites participants ...
‘Tis the season for tech elves, holiday chaos, and…Celsius-fueled conversations?
In this festive episode, Griffyn and Nate from the technical department take over the mic for a laugh-heavy chat about their favorite holiday foods, movies, and music — plus a few opinions nobody asked for (but we’re glad they shared).
Once the sugar and caffeine settle, they also preview upcoming shows at the Hall, including Michael Feinstein, A Christm...
The 2025-2026 Broadway season is here at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, and Public Relations Director Muffy Lavens had a chance to speak with Shafiq Hicks from The Book of Mormon. Learn about the upcoming performances at the Van Wezel, playing December 9-14, 2025. Plus, learn about Shafiq's career touring with other productions and performing for the Pope! It's a career you'll want to learn more and more about. Get...
Executive Director Mary Bensel and Public Relations Director Muffy Lavens sat down with the mean, green one himself...The Grinch! All the way from Mount Crumpit, The Grinch stopped by the Van Wezel to share a little bit about his musical, Dr. Seuss' How The Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical, coming to Sarasota November 14-16 for five performances. Tickets on sale now at VanWezel.org
October 22 is National Make a Dog's Day so Manatee County-based nonprofit Dogs, Inc. joins Van Wezel Public Relations Director Muffy Lavens to discuss what exactly Dogs Inc does. Duo-Certified Training Marisa Blanco shares the importance of training guide dogs and service dogs, and talks about the day guide dog trainers spent at the Van Wezel so the dogs could get some real life experience in a theater setting. Then, meet the d...
Spooky season is here and so are spooky shows at the Van Wezel! In this edition of Curtain Call Conversations, Griffyn and Muffy talk about Twilight in Concert and Haunted Illusions, two thrilling shows you won't want to miss. Additionally, Muffy sits down with David Caserta, master illusionist from Haunted Illusions to learn more about the show.
It all ends with Griffyn and Muffy's love of Disney while coming up with TV sh...
Do you and nine of your closest friends want to see a show? Then a group package is the right option for you! In this episode of Curtain Call Conversations, PR Director Muffy Lavens sits down with Group Sales Coordinator Pam Foster and Group Leader Char Mordini to learn more about the group sales process at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall. For more information on group sales, visit https://www.vanwezel.org/events/group-sales
The Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall is hosting the very first Family Fest! Education Director Justin Gomlak is joined by Terrance Jackson from the Asolo Repertory Theatre to talk about their production of Alice in Wonderland debuting at the Fall Family Fest, along with all the other vendors and markets who will be part of the event.
Plus, Terrance and Justin have a little fun mixing up the Broadway shows, Aladdin and Wicked.
To lear...
In this episode, General Manager Kyle Turoff and Director of Education Justin Gomlak discuss some of the exciting shows coming to the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall this season. Shows like Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical, Dave Koz and Friends 2025 Christmas Tour, an all-new Neil Berg show, and so much more! Plus, Kyle and Justin play a game of "This or That" reliving their theater days. Learn mo...
Do you love Celsius, ice cream, and chicken nuggets? Have you ever wondered how a show gets loaded in to a venue? Do you generally like listening to random banter? If so, this is the episode for you!
Griffyn and Nate use this episode to share what a day behind the scene in the theatre is like for them...with a few random topics thrown in. These two are sure to make you laugh, while also providing a little bit of insight into what t...
In this episode, Muffy is back to speak with Clover and Dani, two students who went through the Van Wezel Education & Community Engagement Department's Technical Theatre Camp earlier this summer. Learn all about the activities and stay tuned for more information on next year's camp.
For more offerings from the Education & Community Engagement Department, visit https://www.vanwezel.org/education-community
We're celebrating Christmas in July at the Van Wezel with new shows going on sale July 18. Join Muffy and Thom as they discuss the 2025 holiday line up.
- Segment 1: Holiday shows going on sale
- Segment 2: Interview with Mel Marvin, the music composer for Dr. Seuss' How The Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical,
- Segment 3: Guess the show
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