From the HeART Episode 19 (9/18/16)- Magic 107.7 Radio Show

From the HeART Episode 18 (9/4/16)- Magic 107.7 Radio Show

Greater Orlando Actors Theatre was represented by Paul Castaneda, ‘GOAT’ founding member and director of current production of Jekyll & Hyde The Musical. Also, leading actor playing Dr Jekyll and Hyde, Adam McCabe. This conversation will allow listeners to learn the history and mission of GOAT and what the audience can expect from this production. Adam talks about what it takes to prepare to play both Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde and how Paul as director supports his process.   The Mission Statement promises what the theater lives up to:  Greater Orlando Actors Theatre’s goal is to provoke thought and communication through traditional and avant-garde productions while concurrently enlightening and entertaining our audience through community theatre. We want to challenge attitudes, stereotypes, and preconceived notions about theatre by introducing our audience to contemporary concerns. We encourage our volunteer talent to share and develop their skills while taking the opportunity to learn from those surrounding them. Greater Orlando Actors Theatre seeks to provide productions and programs that make a vital contribution to the quality of ideas in the surrounding Orlando Area.

From the HeART Episode 17 (8/28/16)- Magic 107.7 Radio Show

On the day From the Heart hosts took a unique look at art with its topic to art of giving. Executive Director of The Mustard Seed, Kathy Baldwin and Executive Director of Rebuilding Together Orlando, Ed Green spoke of how their organizations are helping those in need with clothing, furniture, homes and roofs. Their expression of love comes in their service to change lives by not only giving people homes and furnishings but hope and dignity. These two extraordinary leaders and their organizations are an inspiration. The Mustard Seed is always in need of new or gently used sheets, flatware, and mens clothing that are in good to new condition. Rebuilding Together Orlando is in need of roofing material donations and donation of time by certified professional roofers.

From the HeART Episode 16 (8/21/16)- Magic 107.7 Radio Show

Today’s episode featured guests from the Orlando Shakespeare Theater.The Conversation begins as listeners hear from PJ Albert, Managing Director of Orlando Shakes, and, Anne Hering, Director of Education of Orlando Shakes, the history of Orlando Shakespeare Theater from it’s start in 1989 with two works of Shakespeare each summer at the Lake Eola Amphitheater of downtown Orlando. Now at its Loch Haven Park home in Or-lando, The Orlando Shakespeare Theater produces 10 productions a year, two of which are always Shakespeare and at least one play is written by a new playwright.West Side Story is their biggest production to date. The orchestra will be on the thrust stage, the choreography is the original Jerome Robbins work, and from what we hear, the entire cast is outstanding. Anne shares information on classes and programs Orlando Shakes offers young artists up to grad school interns. They use their outreach programs to share theater and workshops they bring to schools. Classes at the theater are available for all ages. PJ talks of the theaters mis-sion and explains how a season is selected. In West Side Story, Mark Ferrera will play Doc and Eric Eichenlaub will play Officer Krupke. They speak of their auditions for this production and their lives as actors. All guests spoke of the timeliness of West Side Story in our community. It was said this production with it's story so beautifully told thru the score, lyrics, and story written by Leonard Bernstein, Ste-phen Sondheim, and Arthur Laurents, might inspire conversations to explore beliefs, thoughts, and feelings of its familiar theme. Or, perhaps inspire gratitude for a great night of theater.

From the HeART Episode 15 (8/14/16)- Magic 107.7 Radio Show

Michael Wanzie joined the hosts of From the Heart. Michael is an Orlando legend known for his humor, funny poignant writing, and his successful series of plays about The Ladies of Eola Heights. Michael shared his story of leaving Connecticut at age 17 to take his dream job of becoming a Jungle Cruise Skipper at Walt Disney World. He told his parents he was being brought to Disney to work a school/work program. Wanzie’s stories takes us thru his 35 years in Orlando as a writer, producer, performer, and yes, for a little while a Jungle Cruise Skipper. Later George Wallace joined the conversation and both Michael and George tell us of their drive from California to Las Vegas and the Vegas ride they thought would be tame and mild that became one of the most terrifying experiences for both of them (and one of the funniest stories to date on From The HeArt). Two great talents of Orlando and two good friends talk about Orlando, Theater, and Friendship.

From the HeART Episode 14 (8/7/16)- Magic 107.7 Radio Show

The Florida Symphony Youth Orchestra is represented by world renowned Hanrich Claassen, Music Director and Symphonic Orchestra Conductor, and, Heide Evans Waldron, Executive Director. Listeners learn of FSYO’s mission to educate and inspire young musicians. Young ones are brought in from all over to audition and then rehearse and perform with exceptionally talented young musicians. During this show you’ll hear what it’s like to audition, how lives are being changed for the better, and, about the work being done to continue the growth of this growing organization. Claassen shared about an European tour he’ll be leading some of the young musicians on this summer. Joshua and Mary are still trying to figure out how they’ll stow away and join them.

From the HeART Episode 13 (7/31/16)- Magic 107.7 Radio Show

From the HeART Episode 12 (7/21/16)- Magic 107.7 Radio Show

The three guests include Debbie Fahmie the current Fine and Performing Arts Resource Teacher for the Osceola District of Schools; Scott Evans the current Senior Administrator -Visual and Performing Arts for Orange County Public Schools, and Dr. Mary Palmer, Ph.D President of Mary Palmer & Associates, LLC, an arts and education consulting firm, author of over 40 textbooks used worldwide, Professor Emerita at University of Central Florida, Dr. Palmer was Professor and Coordinator of Graduate Studies in Music Educationat the University of Central Florida and former Dean of the UCF College of Education. These three movers and shakers are making dreams come true for children who are able to play instruments and have teachers. This engaging and lively conversation was all about; “Arts Education for Children.” We hear what it is, why it’s important, how its making a contribution to the lives of children and our communities. The next generation is growing with our children. Listen to how these children will be come better leaders and citizens because of music in their lives today.

From the HeART Episode 11 (7/17/16)- Magic 107.7 Radio Show

Ericka Dunlap, Miss America 2004, business owner and Arts Advocate is guest. On this episode Joshua and Mary discuss how early on training the arts helped to shape Erika’s life and dreams. From Country Western singing to tap dancing and her favorite, clogging, Ericka learned focus, dedication to excellence, and discipline.  This episode includes a phone call from 10 year old Sophie Schaked who is dressed and minutes away from being interviewed for the finals of The Princess America National Pageant. Ericka gave advice and spoke of the power of stories and integrity. A few hours later we learned that Sophie won 1st Runner up in the Miss Princess America pageant and she won 1st Place in the Interview category. Thanks, Ericka and Congratulations Sophie! 

From the HeART Episode 6 (5/29/16)- Magic 107.7 Radio Show

Joshua and Mary share their experiences of art this past week. Guest is John DiDonna the program chair and artistic director of theater at Valencia College. John is also creator of Phantasmagoria which he speaks about the ensemble and their work as they tell stories using poetry, dance, prose, instruments, silks, sword fighting and more…