Avenue Q starts with a fresh-faced Princeton showing up on a slightly questionable NYC street, and somehow ends up tackling jobs, relationships, racism, internet habits, and the search for meaning, all with puppets standing right next to humans like this is completely normal.
In this episode, the cast and crew of Stone Productions’ Avenue Q talk through what it’s like working on a show that looks playful, sounds catchy, and then immediately asks you to confront very adult truths. The conversation covers the strange brilliance of telling serious stories with felt characters, the challenge of balancing humor with honesty, and why this Tony Award–winning musical still lands as sharply today as it did in 2004.
There’s plenty of laughter, a little self-awareness, and no shortage of appreciation for a show that proves you can sing about unemployment, relationships, and finding your place in the world, and somehow make it unforgettable.
We sat down with Aubrey and Liv for something we don’t do nearly enough: a real post-show reflection.Months after Six the Musical closed, we got back together to honestly break it all down: what worked, what didn’t, what surprised them, and what they’d absolutely do differently next time. Aubrey, who produced and directed the show, and Liv, one of the performers, brought two very different but equally important perspectives to the table.Less hype, more truth. Less “what we hope happens,” more “what actually happened.”
We sat down with Aubrey and Liv for something we don’t do nearly enough: a real post-show reflection.Months after Six the Musical closed, we got back together to honestly break it all down: what worked, what didn’t, what surprised them, and what they’d absolutely do differently next time. Aubrey, who produced and directed the show, and Liv, one of the performers, brought two very different but equally important perspectives to the table.Less hype, more truth. Less “what we hope happens,” more “what actually happened.”
In this episode, we talk with Jane Atwood of Atwood Music Studio about her holistic approach to vocal coaching and performance.
Jane helps singers of all skill levels build strong, healthy voices by focusing on posture, breath support, resonance, diction, music literacy, interpretation, and vocal health. Her student-centered teaching style begins with understanding each singer’s goals and creating a personalized path for growth in a supportive, encouraging environment.
Whether you sing professionally or for personal fulfillment, this conversation offers insight into developing confidence, artistry, and long-term vocal strength.
Join hosts Thom and Kyle as they sit down with the creative minds behind Like You: A New Musical : writer/composer Tyler Milicic and composer/orchestrator Charles Ligus : for an in-depth, heartfelt conversation about bringing this original work to life.
Like You tells the story of Evan and his new foster family as each person navigates themes of self-acceptance, love, and the meaning of found family. With 22 original songs and 14 named roles, it’s a musical that’s both expansive and deeply personal, offering something every listener can connect to.
Four years after its initial conception, Tyler and Charles are nearing the finish line of their original concept album, recorded in top-tier studios with an incredible lineup of Northeast Ohio performers (and one standout drummer from across the globe). In this episode, they share the journey from early drafts to orchestrations to the final recording sessions, along with the challenges, surprises, and joy found along the way.
Listen to the concept album recording on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL_39HUoX3oc4ck_QmmNR_xXCkdq0Ak0-b
A story about family, identity, creativity, and community — told by the artists who built it from the ground up. Tune in and discover the heart behind Like You.
College Auditions for Theatre Majors: Do you, or someone you know, want to go to college for Theatre? This is the episode for you. Kyle sits down with three moms, of boys, who just finished the process, and who are in the middle of it all. Loads and loads of information for everyone to absorb. What you need to start doing right now, what you probably didn't even know to ask, and so much more.
It's a long episode, full of great information, but we still didn't cover it all. So if you have questions, please send them our way. You can message us through our Facebook page, or through Instagram.
What happens when one of Shakespeare’s most iconic characters refuses to accept her tragic fate? In this episode, we sit down with Lois Ellise, who makes her National Tour debut in the smash hit musical & JULIET, playing Susanna, serving as swing, and understudying Juliet herself.
Lois shares how her BFA training from Central Michigan University prepared her for the whirlwind life of a touring performer, what it feels like to step into a show that flips one of the world’s most famous love stories on its head, and why & JULIET has become one of Broadway’s most talked-about new musicals.
December 16–21, 2025.
The Stranahan Theatre
Tickets can be purchased at BroadwayinToledo.com or StranahanTheater.com.
his week on Stage Door, we’re joined by two special guests from Children’s Theatre Workshop’s Teen Company to dive into their upcoming production of Urinetown the Musical.
We unpack everything that makes this show a fan-favorite: the razor-sharp satire, the over-the-top characters, and the hilariously bleak world where you literally have to pay for “The Privilege to Pee.” Our guests share what it’s been like bringing these roles to life—from the earnest hero Bobby Strong, to the tough-as-nails Penelope Pennywise, to the ever-watchful Officer Lockstock, and how the cast is balancing comedy, commentary, and chaos in this high-energy production.
We’ll talk rehearsal stories, favorite musical moments, why this dystopian tale feels more relevant than ever, and what audiences can expect when CTW’s Teen Company hits the stage.
Don’t miss Urinetown the Musical
December 12 & 13 at 7pm
December 14 at 2pm
Tune in, laugh along, and get the inside scoop before the revolution begins!
Get ready for a Christmas classic like you’ve never seen it before! Ebenezer Scrooge’s Big Genoa Christmas Show transforms Dickens’ timeless tale into a hilarious, music-filled celebration of community and holiday spirit, set right here at the Genoa Civic Theatre.
Written by Gordon Greenberg and directed by Jeremiah Tudor, this gut-busting, family-friendly production weaves local Genoa touches, familiar faces, and festive fun into a night you won’t want to miss.
Catch Ebenezer Scrooge’s Big Genoa Christmas Show live on December 5, 2025, from 7:30–9:30 PM at the Genoa Civic Theatre.
Get your tickets here: genoacivictheatre.com/event-details/ebenezer-scrooges-big-genoa-christmas-show-12-07-2025
Whether you're stepping into your first audition, preparing for a college theatre program, or diving deeper into a role you've already landed , Chris Knudsen is here to help you become the performer you were meant to be.
With decades of experience both on stage and behind the table, Chris brings a practical, down-to-earth approach to acting and singing coaching. Build honest characters, deliver powerful vocal performances, and bring emotional truth to every moment.
Chris: 734.770.0520 • cknudsen@smccmonroe.com
we’re joined by Clay High School's director and two featured actors for a deep dive into how they bring characters to life. From the first read-through to final performances, they share candid insight into script analysis, building confidence onstage, and the collaborative magic of theatre. If you’ve ever wondered how a performers character comes together, this one’s for you.
Starring Role Alden Fournier: A graduate of Notre Dame Academy and BGSU, Allen began her theatre journey at OLPH, where her passion for the stage quickly grew. That love eventually led her to become a stage manager , and most recently, a Production Manager for an Off-Broadway show!
The American Theatre Guild’s Senior Director of Presenting Operations, Craig Aikman, joins the show to share exciting news, season tickets are now on sale for the upcoming Broadway season at The Stranahan Theater in Toledo! The 2025–26 season kicks off December 16–21 with & Juliet, and this year there’s even more to celebrate. Theatre is booming in Northwest Ohio, and due to overwhelming demand, additional show nights have been added to each production, giving everyone more opportunities to experience live theatre close to home.
Craig walks us through each of the shows coming to Toledo, from big-name Broadway hits to fan favorites, and explains how you can grab season passes, single tickets, and sign up for the newsletter so you’ll never miss an update. Whether you’re a longtime subscriber or new to the scene, this episode is your all-access pass to the best of Broadway in Toledo.
om heartwarming classics to bold modern storytelling, FCT celebrates seven decades of local theatre magic.
Fremont Community Theatre is stepping into its 70th year with a season that honors the past while embracing fresh, exciting performances for a new generation of theatre lovers. The celebration kicked off with Rodgers & Hammerstein’s State Fair this September, a feel-good musical that set the tone for what’s to come.
Up next, audiences can look forward to the larger-than-life fun of Shrek The Musical in December 2025, the spine-chilling suspense of Misery in January 2026, and the deeply moving Tony Award-winning Fun Home in March 2026.
This milestone season is more than a collection of shows, it’s a tribute to the community, creativity, and countless volunteers who’ve kept Fremont’s stage lights shining for 70 years. Whether you’re a longtime patron or new to FCT, this is one anniversary season you won’t want to miss.
https://fremontcommunitytheatre.org/shows/
This week on Stage Door, Kyle is joined by two special guests from Genoa Civic Theatre: director Tony Esposito and longtime member (and current president) Brenda Clough. Together, they share the story of this “biggest little theater group this side of the Maumee,” from its 40-year history in Genoa’s historic Town Hall to their upcoming comedy, A Little Murder Never Hurt Anybody. It’s a classic murder mystery farce packed with laughs, lies, and maybe a little love.
If you’re part of the NW Ohio or SE Michigan theater community, or just looking for a fun night out, you’ll want to hear why GCT has been a local favorite for decades. Plus, get the scoop on how you can grab your tickets for opening weekend, October 10–19, at GenoaCivicTheatre.com
This week on Stage Door, Rachel and Jason Budd sit down with Kyle to chat about Toledo Opera’s upcoming production of Carmen. Jason, who takes on the role of Zuniga, helps guide the conversation—while Rachel and Jason fill Kyle in on the twists and turns of Bizet’s classic opera in their usual lively style.
Get the inside scoop on what makes Carmen one of the most beloved operas of all time, and why you won’t want to miss it on the Valentine Theatre stage.
Performances:
October 10 at 7:30 pm
October 12 at 2:00 pm
Tickets available now at Toledo Opera’s website
Children’s Theatre Workshop is turning the page to an exciting new chapter. Sophia and Kyle sit down with Aimee to talk about CTW’s brand-new home, an inspiring training center built right alongside one of Ohio’s most historic theatres. Together, they explore the vision behind this move, what it means for the neighborhood, and how CTW plans to expand its impact while keeping the same strong focus on the performing arts.
We just wrapped up an incredible conversation with Ian Knauer, St. Francis alum, Broadway veteran, and national tour performer. From his early days at Westgate Dinner Theatre to his training at the University of Michigan, to the Broadway stage, Ian has built a remarkable 40-year career traveling the country and performing on some of the biggest stages. He shares stories of grit, growth, and the joy of bringing characters to life, all with the warmth and humility that make him as down-to-earth as they come. Whether you’re a theatre fan, a student dreaming of the stage, or just someone who loves a good journey, you’re going to love this one.
We sat down with the cast and crew of She Kills Monsters from Issue Box Theatre to dive into theatre, community, and the power of storytelling. Based in Toledo, Issue Box is a company of “Actorvists,” blending performance with activism to amplify unheard voices, spark conversations, and bring theatre directly into the community. In this episode, we explore how their latest production connects with audiences, breaks down barriers, and carries forward their mission of healing and social change through theatre. Tune in for a conversation about art, activism, and the transformative role of live performance.
Performance Dates & Location:
Friday, Sept. 19 @ 7:30 PM
Saturday, Sept. 20 @ 7:30 PM
Sunday, Sept. 21 @ 2:30 PM
at The University of Toledo Ritter Planetarium and Brooks
Tickets available at: issueboxtheatre.org
We had an absolute blast chatting with Ann Sommers, OCT’s President, and Josh Wagner, director of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat! Together, they give us an inside look at OCT’s exciting upcoming season and even drop a sneak peek of the very first show. From behind-the-scenes stories to the creative vision driving the season, this episode is full of energy, laughs, and inspiration for theatre lovers everywhere.