Brave and Strong and True

My guest is Jack McDonnell ... again. Jack was my guest for the first time in Episode 79. He asked if he could return, and he’s back today to discuss this summer’s main stage production of TARZAN.  You will love Jack’s enthusiasm and Summer Stage spirit. 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. Follow Jack on Instagram at jackmanwolf14Our music is composed and performed by Neil McGettigan https://neilmcgettiganandtheeleventhhour.bandcamp.com/releases. Please click on the link to visit Neil’s BandCamp website to listen to songs from his album, including cut number 7, “Harry Dietzler.” Please support Neil’s work by buying downloads of your favorites.Please 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 [email protected]. I can record five guests simultaneously, so reach out to your friends for an online mini-reunion.You must have the latest version of the Google Chrome browser on your desktop or laptop computer. I can now record interviews with guests who have iPads or iPhones. 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. Justin Heimbecker is the Executive Director of the UDAEF. If you can support Summer Stage financially, please visit udsummerstage.org to find out more.

In this special episode, I talk with Chris Luner, who presents a preview of the 51st season of Summer Stage. We discuss each show on the schedule, the exciting changes for the Summer, and Chris presents some new ones. I hope you enjoy our conversation. So, come along and have some fun… Visit Summer Stage’s website https://www.udsummerstage.org/Find out more about the Upper Darby Arts & Education Foundation https://www.udfoundation.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/releases. Please click on the link to visit Neil’s BandCamp website to listen to songs from his album, including cut number 7, “Harry Dietzler.” Please support Neil’s work by buying downloads of your favorites.Please 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 [email protected]. I can record five guests simultaneously, so reach out to your friends for an online mini-reunion.You must have the latest version of the Google Chrome browser on your desktop or laptop computer. I can now record interviews with guests who have iPads or iPhones. 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. Justin Heimbecker is the Executive Director of the UDAEF. If you can support Summer Stage financially, please visit udsummerstage.org to find out more.

“June is bustin’ out all over.” Pretty soon, school will be out, and Upper Darby Summer Stage will launch Season 51 with a temporary home base and new programs such as Second Act Cabaret and Senior Stage. This podcast begins its fifth season, and my 101st episode features Dan Luner. Dan joined Summer Stage in 2005 as an apprentice and moved up the ranks of Children’s Theatre and Main Stage. He also became a staff member. He graduated from Upper Darby High School and Cabrini College. Dan will begin a master's degree program at Purdue University in the fall. 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/releases. Please click on the link to visit Neil’s BandCamp website to listen to songs from his album, including cut number 7, “Harry Dietzler.” Please support Neil’s work by buying downloads of your favorites.Please 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 [email protected]. I can record five guests simultaneously, so reach out to your friends for an online mini-reunion.You must have the latest version of the Google Chrome browser on your desktop or laptop computer. I can now record interviews with guests who have iPads or iPhones. 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. Justin Heimbecker is the Executive Director of the UDAEF. If you can support Summer Stage financially, please visit udsummerstage.org to find out more.

I am so proud and excited to welcome you to Episode 100 of the Summer Stage Alumni podcast. It boggles my mind realizing that I recorded interviews with so many Summer Stagers, and how many folks listen to this show regularly. I don’t want to sound like I am bragging, but I am proud to have created this project. In July of 2022, I interviewed Joe Hummel, who was my tenth guest. He mentioned that if the podcast ever made it to 100 episodes, he would interview me. Well, that’s what you're going to hear, now. 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.Link to Joe’s Pop Culture Madness website https://popculturemadness.comLink to Bob’s YouTube page for recipes and miscellaneous fun https://www.youtube.com/c/bobfalkensteinOur music is composed and performed by Neil McGettigan https://neilmcgettiganandtheeleventhhour.bandcamp.com/releases. Please click on the link to visit Neil’s BandCamp website to listen to songs from his album, including cut number 7, “Harry Dietzler.” Please support Neil’s work by buying downloads of your favorites.Please 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 [email protected]. I can record five guests simultaneously, so reach out to your friends for an online mini-reunion.You must have the latest version of the Google Chrome browser on your desktop or laptop computer. I can now record interviews with guests who have iPads or iPhones. 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. Justin Heimbecker is the Executive Director of the UDAEF. If you can support Summer Stage financially, please visit udsummerstage.org to find out more.

It’s been a few months since I dropped a new episode, the longest gap since we launched four years ago, so when Theresa Brown and Leslie Monaco asked if they could put together an alumni group for an episode, I agreed. Multi-guest interviews work best when each guest is at their own remote location; however, for this particular interview, all six guests would be together in the same location, gathered around the built-in microphone of a single laptop computer. Being so hungry to produce an episode after a three-month drought, I agreed. Three group members already appeared as guests on the podcast, so I didn’t want to ask the same questions that I traditionally do. Plus, I wasn’t sure how the single microphone arrangement would work, so there wasn’t any structure at all. What the episode lacks in technical quality is made up for by the spirit of the guests: they truly enjoy each other’s company and share a tremendous love for Summer Stage. I'm glad I agreed to record the conversation and present it to you as the 99th episode of the alumni podcast. My guests are Tracy Armbruster Flynn, Theresa Canfield Brown, Christopher Lenz, Leslie Monaco, Jim McIllhenney, and Stuart Sturrock. 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/releases. Please click on the link to visit Neil’s BandCamp website to listen to songs from his album, including cut number 7, “Harry Dietzler.” Please support Neil’s work by buying downloads of your favorites.Please 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 [email protected]. I can record five guests simultaneously, so reach out to your friends for an online mini-reunion.You must have the latest version of the Google Chrome browser on your desktop or laptop computer. I can now record interviews with guests who have iPads or iPhones. 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. Justin Heimbecker is the Executive Director of the UDAEF. If you can support Summer Stage financially, please visit udsummerstage.org to find out more.

By the time this podcast drops, Dan Martin will be a newly married man, so congratulations, Dan! Dan Martin went to Saint Berndette’s grade school and Drexel Hill Middle School, where his friends introduced him to Summer Stage. He attended Monsignor Bonner, where he was the Friar mascot. He received his degree from Saint Joseph’s University and his Master's from Temple.  In 2002, Dan performed in his first children’s theatre production, Bound for Broadway. He fondly recalls the 2005 production of Narnia, playing Mr. Beaver. Currently residing in Chicago, Dan and I talk about Chicago and Philadelphia cuisine. I also asked Dan some “Guest Questions” provided by his good friend Brenna Dinon. 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/releases. Please click on the link to visit Neil’s BandCamp website to listen to songs from his album, including cut number 7, “Harry Dietzler.” Please support Neil’s work by buying downloads of your favorites.Please 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 [email protected]. I can record five guests simultaneously, so reach out to your friends for an online mini-reunion.You must have the latest version of the Google Chrome browser on your desktop or laptop computer. I can now record interviews with guests who have iPads or iPhones. 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. Justin Heimbecker is the Executive Director of the UDAEF. If you can support Summer Stage financially, please visit udsummerstage.org to find out more.

Brenna Dinon joined Summer Stage as an Apprentice while she was a student at Saint Bernadette's in Drexel Hill. She hung around for several summers performing in Children’s Theatre shows and with The Shooting Stars, eventually joining the staff. She graduated from Saint Joseph’s University and works out of her East Falls home as an author, copywriter, and creator. Please follow the link to Amazon to see the RP Minis that she created. I hope you enjoy our conversation, so come along and have some fun. . .Link to Brenna’s Mini-kits available on AmazonLink to the video Brenna and Dwight made during the pandemicWe 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/releases. Please click on the link to visit Neil’s BandCamp website to listen to songs from his album, including cut number 7, “Harry Dietzler.” Please support Neil’s work by buying downloads of your favorites.Please 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 [email protected]. I can record five guests simultaneously, so reach out to your friends for an online mini-reunion.You must have the latest version of the Google Chrome browser on your desktop or laptop computer. I can now record interviews with guests who have iPads or iPhones. 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. Justin Heimbecker is the Executive Director of the UDAEF. If you can support Summer Stage financially, please visit udsummerstage.org to find out more.

Highland Park native, Meghan Malloy, had a brief stint as an apprentice in 1991.  She triumphantly returned in 1996, appearing in Alice in Wonderland. She later appeared in Main Stage productions, Dance Troupe, and One Acts. After graduating from Point Park College, she joined the staff and taught acting in the outreach program. Meghan led Camp Friendship and directed children’s theatre shows. She currently works as an actor, an accent and dialect coach, a teaching artist, and a playwright. I hope you enjoy our conversation, so come along and have some fun . . .LINKSWebsite - MeghanMalloyCreates.comYouTube - @meghan.malloy.createsWe 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/releases. Please click on the link to visit Neil’s BandCamp website to listen to songs from his album, including cut number 7, “Harry Dietzler.” Please support Neil’s work by buying downloads of your favorites.Please 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 [email protected]. I can record five guests simultaneously, so reach out to your friends for an online mini-reunion.You must have the latest version of the Google Chrome browser on your desktop or laptop computer. I can now record interviews with guests who have iPads or iPhones. 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. Justin Heimbecker is the Executive Director of the UDAEF. If you can support Summer Stage financially, please visit udsummerstage.org to find out more.

Mark Cronin grew up in Drexel Hill and graduated from Upper Darby High School in 1982. He was Rooster Hannigan in 1984’s Annie and finally made it to East Street. He graduated from the University of Pennsylvania with a degree in Chemical Engineering. He cultivated his comedy roots in the Mask and Wig Club. He began his professional career writing jokes for Howard Stern. Mark is known as the King of Reality TV, producing hits for over three decades. His latest creation, Below Deck, has been running for 13 seasons. Mark lives in Martha’s Vineyard, where he enjoys golfing and fishing. I hope you enjoy our conversation, so come along and have some fun . . .Corrections: In the intro, Bob said Annie was in 1982, he should have said 1984.Wikipedia Page https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mark_CroninUpper Darby High School Wall of Fame tribute https://upperdarbyhigh.upperdarbysd.org/our-school/alumni-wall-of-fameU of P Mask & Wig Club https://www.maskandwig.com/about/Below Deck on Bravo TV https://www.bravotv.com/below-deckWe 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/releases. Please click on the link to visit Neil’s BandCamp website to listen to songs from his album, including cut number 7, “Harry Dietzler.” Please support Neil’s work by buying downloads of your favorites.Please 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 [email protected]. I can record five guests simultaneously, so reach out to your friends for an online mini-reunion.Support the showUpper Darby Summer Stage is now part of the non-profit organization known as the Upper Darby Arts and Education Foundation. Justin Heimbecker is the Executive Director of the UDAEF. If you can support Summer Stage financially, please visit udsummerstage.org to find out more.

Donata Cucinotta joined Summer Stage in 1994. She was a student Waldron Mercy Academy in Merion Station and during her summers enjoyed performing in the casts of Snow White and the Seven Dwarves, where she played Scotty the Scottish Dwarf. She remembers the heat and humidity of the Beverly Hills summer of 1995,and 1996’s No One Will Marry a Princess With a Tree Growing Out of Her Head. In 1997, she was in the mainstage cast of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. She attended Ithaca College to prepare for a performance career. Donatta is a rising star in the world of opera and has an amazing resume of roles and appearances. Her performance of “You’ll Never Walk Alone” at last summer’s 50th Anniversary Gala performance blew the roof off the Performing Arts Center. She makes Seymour, Indiana, her home base, where she is a voice teacher. I hope you enjoy our conversation, so come along and have some fun . . .UPDATE: Correction to the spoken introduction - Joseph was in 1997.You can keep in touch with Donata at:http://www.donatacucinotta.com/@SopranoDonata https://www.instagram.com/sopranodonatahttps://www.youtube.com/@SopranoDonataWe 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/releases. Please click on the link to visit Neil’s BandCamp website to listen to songs from his album, including cut number 7, “Harry Dietzler.” Please support Neil’s work by buying downloads of your favorites.Please 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 [email protected]. I can record five guests simultaneously, so reach out to your friends for an online mini-reunion.You must have the latest version of the Google Chrome browser on your desktop or laptop computer. I can now record interviews with guests who have iPads or iPhones. 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. Justin Heimbecker is the Executive Director of the UDAEF. If you can support Summer Stage financially, please visit udsummerstage.org to find out more.