Bob Falkenstein - Podcast Details

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Brave and Strong and TrueSteve EberleLansdowne native, Steve Eberle, attended Saint Philomena’s grade school, Monsignor Bonner High School, and DeSales University. He joined Summer Stage in 1990 and participated as an apprentice for two seasons. His first show was 1992’s Alice in Wonderland, directed by Tara Urban. One of Steve’s memorable roles was Gandalf in The Hobbit. He was in the Main Stage production of Me and My Girl in 1996. After living in Baltimore for a few decades, Steve returned home and bought the house he grew up in. He is cur...2025-07-141h 00

Brave and Strong and TrueVicky MahoneyVicky Mahoney is a second-generation Summer Stager. That doesn’t mean she’s from the second decade; it means her father was a member of Summer Stage. She is also the first post-Gala guest I interviewed, and we both are riding high on the crest of that wave from last weekend. Vicky started Summer Stage in 1999 and participated in the Apprentices and Children’s Theatre programs. She is a graduate of Merion Mercer Academy and Catholic University of America. She has performed professionally in musicals in the metropolitan DC area. Vicky works at Braithwaite Communications in Philadelphia. I hope you...2025-07-021h 06

Brave and Strong and TrueMarie EifeMarie Eife, a native of Drexel Hill, joined Summer Stage in 2003. After graduating from Archbishop Prendergast, she attended Syracuse University. Eife moved to New York City and has been a part of Wicked professionally since 2019, leading to her understudying and performing the role of Elphaba. This episode was recorded two days before the 50th Anniversary alumni show and gala on June 27. I just met Eife last week at rehearsal. She is a remarkable person. After listening to her, I’m sure you will be changed for good. I hope you enjoy our conversation, so co...2025-06-2551 min

Brave and Strong and TrueLauren GloverDrexel Hill native Lauren Hoffman joined Summer Stage in 2006 and participated in Children’s Theatre for four summers. A graduate of Upper Darby High School, she attended Delaware County Community College and Rosemont College. She is now Lauren Glover, a mother, wife, and an Autistic support teacher at Drexel Hill Middle School. We recorded our discussion the day after the first two rehearsals for the 50th Anniversary show. I hope you enjoy our conversation, so come along and have some fun . . .Drexel Hill Middle School Theater Instagramhttps://www.ins...2025-06-1653 min

Brave and Strong and TrueEd RobinsPart 2 of my interview with Julianna Schauerman and Ed Robins continues with a conversation with Ed. Ed Robins came to Summer Stage in 1981 and worked there until 2015. Ed is a jack-of-all-trades tech wizard, working in designing, lighting, electrical, carpentry, painting - you name it; Ed does it. He directs and stage manages as well. I hope you enjoy our conversation, so come along and have some fun . . .Conversations with Miranda a playProduced by Zakarak ProductionsDirected by Ed Robins 2025-05-261h 16

Brave and Strong and TrueJulianna SchauermanJulianna Schauerman spent every minute of her adult life working in theatre. She came to Summer Stage in 1977 and continued to work there until 1995. She is producing the 50th Anniversary show, just like she did for reunions 25, 30, and 40. Julianna also produces special events for Summer Stage, such as Harry’s Retirement Surprise Event. She runs her own production company and still finds time to perform. With us is Ed Robins who pitches in from time to time before I interview him for our next episode. I hope you enjoy our conversation, so come along and have some fun . . ....2025-05-191h 08

Brave and Strong and TrueLizzy Lunardi and Anna RudegairLizzy Lunardi and Anna Rudegeair first met each other while auditioning for Annie, Jr. in 2012. They were cast as Molly and Annie and began a lifelong friendship; they collectively became known as “Lizzanna.” These amazing young women speak so fondly of each other and what Summer Stage means to them. I enjoyed my time with them. I even learned about Dorkus Dietzler. I hope you enjoy our conversation, so come along and have some fun . . .Please follow Anna on Instagram and TikT...2025-04-2149 min

Brave and Strong and TrueGina GiacheroGina Giachero is the musical director of the 50th Anniversary Gala. She joined Summer Stage in 2007 as an accompanist. She was the musical director for Ragtime, My Favorite Year, The SpongeBob Musical, and many other mainstage classics. Her vibrant personality shines through in her hilarious Summer Stage stories. 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...2025-04-1459 min

How Rude, Tanneritos!Some Time With... Jim Falkenstein! (Part 2 )We're back with more stories from Jim Falkenstein, the prop master on Fuller House!! Hear more from Jim's career, stories about the industry and even a ghost story from the Fuller House stage that may have been Bob Saget!! It's all right here on How Rude, Tanneritos! Follow us on Instagram @howrudepodcast & TikTok @howrudetanneritosSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.2025-04-0534 min

Brave and Strong and TrueAllie Steele 50th Anniversary AdministratorAllie Steele comes from Radnor. She joined Summer Stage in 2000. She worked her way up the ranks from Rising Stars, Children Theatre, Mainstage, and staff, before settling into the role of Stage Manager. She is a graduate of Saint Joseph’s University and works as a teaching artist. Currently, Allie is the 50th Anniversary Administrator for our upcoming reunion and gala, which she will discuss some details about. I hope you enjoy our conversation, so come along and have some fun. . .Visit https://www.udsummerstage.org/ for up-to-date information about the 50th Ann...2025-03-241h 15

Brave and Strong and TrueJack McDonnellJack McDonnell is a Springfield native who began as a Rising Star in 2009. In 2010, he started his Children’s Theatre career. This summer, he will continue along with the Mainstage program. Jack embodies the spirit of Summer Stage as he shares his enthusiasm for the arts, his appreciation for his mentors, and his life on the Autism spectrum. He shares amazing stories and performs some awesome impressions along the way. I hope you enjoy our conversation, so come along and have some fun. . .We all have stories to tell, and they can be he...2025-02-241h 10

Brave and Strong and TrueTim SweeneyTim Sweeney remembers riding bikes to Summer Stage with his brothers and sisters from the Aronomink section of Drexel Hill. At one time there were four Sweeney’s at Summer Stage: Kate, Joe, Mike, and Tim. Tim fondly remembers meeting folks who became his lifelong friends friends while creating magic on the stage. Tim just became a father at the age of 46. He works as an insurance agent and owns and operates Turkey Trivia, a company he created. I hope you enjoy our conversation, so come along and have some fun. . .Tim works with a cha...2025-01-2055 min

Brave and Strong and TrueDavid CreganDavid Cregan came to Summer Stage in 1982 after his freshman year at Bonner. He fondly remembers Nancy Santamaria influencing his love of dancing, claiming that West Side Story was a remarkable experience. He went on to major in Musical Theatre at Villanova University. David received advanced degrees from Catholic University and Trinity College. David lived in New York City and performed professionally until he felt called into the priesthood, joining the Augustinian order in 1993. Father David now wears two hats at Villanova as Chair of the Theatre Department and the Associate Dean of the Co...2024-12-301h 05

Brave and Strong and TrueDan BradleyDanny Bradley joined Summer Stage just before his eleventh birthday. He remembers taking Nancy Sanatmaria’s dance class and joining the cast of Nancy’s Children’s Theatre production of The Unicorn, the Gorgon, and the Manticore in 1978. He performed in many Children’s Theatre shows and took on many roles such as Michael Banks in Mary Poppins (1979), Woodstock in Charlie Brown and Friends (1980), and Charlie Bucket in Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory (1981). 2024-12-0952 min

Brave and Strong and TrueSarah MackusSarah Mackus came to Summer Stage after her first year at Temple University. Since then she has performed in Mainstage shows while working on the staff. Sarah has spent the last eight summers on the marketing team and became the Media Manager in 2022, producing over 40 videos showcasing the program, its productions, and its students. Sarah is also on staff at Hedgerow Theatre and a teaching artist at Wolf Performing Arts Center. I hope you enjoy our conversation, so come along and have some fun. . .Sarah’s website, detailing upcoming and past perf...2024-10-2839 min

Brave and Strong and TrueJeff BoudwinJeff Boadwin joined Summer Stage when he was 13 years old. The opportunity to perform onstage was a dream for a blind person. The artistic staff adapted their methods so Jeff could act, sing, and dance in several Children’s Theatre productions. When Jeff was a pirate in Peter Pan, the costume designer created two eye patches for him to wear for a funny moment in dress rehearsal. After graduating from Overbrook School for the Blind, he attended Neumann University and Villanova University. He works as a child psychologist for Psych Choices of the Delaware Va...2024-09-3026 min

Brave and Strong and TrueBridget Fitzgerald SirovetzBridget Fitzgerald commuted to Summer Stage from Boothwyn. Her Children’s Theatre credits include the Wicked Witch of the West in The Wizard of Oz and the Queen of Hearts in Alice in Wonderland. She appeared in several of the ensembles of the Main Stage program. Bridget moved on to performing at dinner theatres along the East Coast. Though she resides over 90 minutes from the Performing Arts Center, she returns every summer to support Summer Stage. I hope you enjoy our conversation, so come along and have some fun. . .2024-09-0256 min

Brave and Strong and TrueJim McIlhenneyJim McIlhenney joined Summer Stage in 1978 and found a home as a techie. He loved working backstage creating scenery and working up in the booth during live shows. He credits his good friend Joe Bader for convincing him to try out for shows. This led Jim to performances in Children’s Theater and Main Stage. Retired from his teaching career, he enjoys a life of leisure in South Jersey. I hope you enjoy our conversation, so come along and have some fun. . .We all have stories to tell, and they can be heard her...2024-07-1655 min

Brave and Strong and TrueAmanda SnarskiAmanda Snarski joined Summer Stage as an apprentice in 1995 and proudly performed in several "T-shirt shows" (among others) until 2001. Amanda participated in Mainstage, One Acts, Cabaret, Dance Troupe, and Shooting Stars and worked as a staff member in the box office from 2000-2003. She enthusiastically remembers her Summer Stage days, but somehow she forgets to mention that she played Wendy in a non-flying production of Peter Pan. She attended Wagner College in Staten Island. In 2014, Amanda re-joined the staff as an assistant director for Mainstage, coordinator for Director's Workshop, and eventually directed for Children's Th...2024-07-011h 07

Brave and Strong and TrueA Message from Bob Plus an Encore Presentation of Jackie OstickHello, everybody. I’m Bob Falkenstein. I’m sorry if you thought you would hear a new episode of Brave and Strong and True. The show has been going strong for two years. This marks the second episode of its third season. We have 69 episodes engaging alumni of all ages. People tell me Monday is their favorite day of the week because they can hear a new episode. To continue to bring you new content every week I need your help. Please consider being a guest or please recruit guests for me. The process is so...2024-06-2439 min

Brave and Strong and TrueVince LeonardVince Leonard has a different Summer Stage journey from the rest of us. His genius spans many realms in the world of professional music as an educator, orchestrator, librarian, and arranger. In 1981, he heard Summer Stage was preparing Sentimental Journey, an evening of music from the big band era. Vince possessed many arrangements that helped the already incredible-sounding band raise the bar, performing with authenticity from earlier decades. The results led to incredible performances that remain legendary. Vince was part of the production team that recorded and produced Summer Stage compact discs. He has...2024-06-171h 23

Brave and Strong and TrueJason BoyerJason Boyer is a second-generation Summer Stager. His journey begins with Children’s Theatre from 2007 to 2010. His first Main Stage performance was in 2011’s Titanic. In 2014, he became a staff member. This summer, Jason will be directing the Rising Stars at Summer Stage. He is a Teaching Artist for the Walnut Street Theatre and the Upper Darby Arts and Education Foundation. I hope you enjoy our conversation, so come along and have some fun. . .Listeners may contact Jason at jasonboyerta@gmail.comWe all...2024-06-0357 min

Brave and Strong and TrueKristen GibsonKristen Gibson joined the Summer Stage Apprentice program in 1991. She has fond memories of 1994’s Kids on Broadway, working with the legendary Matt Cloran and Dewy Oriente. As a child, she struggled with serious health issues that she still deals with today. Her Summer Stage journey now continues through her son, Michael. 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 pod...2024-05-2029 min

Brave and Strong and TruePatrick GormanPatrick Gorman became an official member of Summer Stage in 1980 but remembers hanging around earlier summers with his sister, Chris, and her husband, Dennis Bloh. Pat embraced the technical side of theatre and preferred to work backstage and in the control booth. After graduating from Monsignor Bonner High School and Temple University, Pat worked in various careers and eventually ended up out west, raising three children who have already embraced the magic of performing on stage. I hope you enjoy our conversation, so come along and have some fun. . .We all have stories to tell, and...2024-05-0650 min

Brave and Strong and TrueLeslie MonacoLeslie 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 perf...2024-04-2234 min

Brave and Strong and TrueTyler TrafficanteTyler 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 J...2024-04-0829 min

Brave and Strong and TrueEmily MoylanHavertown 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.da...2024-03-041h 04

Brave and Strong and TrueMarcie (Thurstlic) BramucciMarcie (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 pe...2024-02-191h 03

Brave and Strong and TrueGerri Smith WeagraffGerri 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 w...2024-02-051h 03

Brave and Strong and TrueSteve SmithI 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 th...2024-01-2255 min

Brave and Strong and TrueSandi Kinnear ChadwickCollingdale 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. . .Sa...2024-01-0855 min

Recently LoggedMickey: 2.0+1.0 Thrice Upon a Christmas [S5E35]Christmas time is here! And our first gift to you is a double feature discussion of Disney's jolly anthology films: Mickey's Once (and Twice) Upon a Christmas! TIME CODES: 00:00:00 - INTRO 00:02:32 - BASIC FACTS 00:05:32 - DONALD DUCK: STUCK ON CHRISTMAS 00:14:03 - A VERY GOOFY CHRISTMAS 00:20:12 - MICKEY AND MINNIE'S GIFT OF THE MAGI 00:27:56 - BELLES ON ICE 00:35:46 - CHRISTMAS: IMPOSSIBLE 00:44:55 - CHRISTMAS MAXIMUS 00:49:08 - DONALD'S GIFT 00:54:47 - MICKEY'S DOG-GONE CHRISTMAS 2023-12-061h 29

Brave and Strong and TrueColleen Corbett LesterColleen 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 ...2023-11-201h 08

Brave and Strong and TrueDeirdre McGettigan HenryDeirdre 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...2023-11-0638 min

Brave and Strong and TrueJeff GlasseJeff 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 d...2023-10-231h 19

Brave and Strong and TrueKrissy Fraelich & Nick HunchakI 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...2023-10-0952 min

Brave and Strong and TrueIlana BarzelIlana 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. Welc...2023-09-2526 min

Brave and Strong and TrueEd SweeneyEd 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 tel...2023-09-1156 min

Brave and Strong and TrueMike Hazlett and Chris LenzMike 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 t...2023-08-2839 min

Brave and Strong and TrueAndrew Thompson and Carolyn ThompsonEd 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...2023-08-211h 11

Brave and Strong and TrueHarry Dietzler, Chapter OneIt’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/releasesPl...2023-08-141h 19