Category: Interview

Books, Entertainment, Fun And Games, Horror, Interview, Medium, Women Who Rock

Victoria Morsell Hemingson Discusses 30th Anniversary of ‘Phantasmagoria,’ Writing

Widely regarded as one of the most successful and controversial computer video games of its time, Phantasmagoria wowed gamers when it was released in the summer of 1995.

The interactive point-and-click horror adventure created by Sierra Online, one of the first games for both MS-DOS and Windows, spanned seven discs and grossed more than $12 million dollars on its opening weekend, easily becoming one of the year’s best-selling games.

The hugely detailed 550-page script developed by Roberta Williams told the story of Adrienne Delaney (portrayed by actress Victoria Morsell Hemingson), a writer who moves into a remote mansion only to find herself terrorized by supernatural forces. The game featured both live action and cinematic footage mixed within a three-dimensionally rendered environment.

Despite the buzz and high demand it generated, Phantasmagoria was also considered controversial upon its release in 1995, with several major retailers refusing to even stock the game because of content they considered to contain “highly realistic violence.” Something that seems trivial in comparison to the games currently occupying store shelves three decades later.

Although the game was hugely successful, Victoria Morsell Hemingson decided to switch gears from acting in order to pursue a career in writing shortly after the release of Phantasmagoria, as well as to concentrate on marriage and raising a family. In 2021 she was awarded the grand prize in the Mystery/Thriller category in Book Pipeline Unpublished for her novel, “Awful Necessary Things.”

Today, she’s concentrating on several different writing projects, including novels as well as a powerfully written and personal non-fiction piece about a difficult time in her life. She’s also had the opportunity to actually play Phantasmagoria herself for the very first time on the Conversations with Curtis YouTube channel.

I recently spoke with Hemingson about Phantasmagoria’s 30th anniversary and its impact, her writing and more in this new interview.

It’s been thirty years since the release of Phantasmagoria. When you look back now with so much perspective what thoughts come to mind?

Victoria Morsell Hemingson: I remember it was actually really fun to make. We had such a great time because it was like a dream job. They put us up in cabins and we all got to stay by a lake. We were a tight knit group and it was nice to have something steady for a few months. If you follow Conversations With Curtis on YouTube, that was the first time I ever actually played the game. I remember when I was hired I really didn’t know very much about computer video games but I was told it was a new kind of game that was cutting edge. I had originally auditioned for the director for another project. He had seen me act before and knew I’d be right for the part in Phantasmagoria.

Did you know what you were getting into with this game?

Hemingson: It was hard to envision exactly what it was going to look like at first. It was a gigantic script and there was a lot we didn’t understand going in. For example, the set was in front of a blue screen and was completely empty. There was no furniture; just boxes for steps, beds and chairs. I remember we had to stand facing a monitor and could see the animation that they already had done on the TV and where we were going to be in relation to the game while we were doing it. It took a while to get used to how to move and be in the right place on screen. As an actor it was a bit of a challenge not knowing how big or small to go. We were all figuring it out as we went along.

What was it like learning the story and what were some of the little nuances in the 500+ page script?

Hemingson: Roberta Williams told me the story. The script itself was all in order but it contained everything, like first I would have to open a drawer to find the matches. Then I would open the drawer to see the matches, then open the drawer and not see the matches. Each of those kinds of variations was part of the script. I remember when we filmed we were there for a few months and then brought back in a few months later to shoot for a final few weeks.

What made you decide to make the transition from acting to writing?

Hemingson: I always wrote when I was a kid and a lot of the acting I was starting to do wasn’t as satisfying or fulfilling. I wanted to do something I was really proud of. I still remember the exact moment I realized that I was done acting. I had gone on an audition for a play and they kept everyone waiting around for hours and hours. Then when it was finally my turn to audition it was like a split second. It just felt like it wasn’t worth it. So I decided to go back to school and got a master’s in writing. The writing was something I always wanted to do.

What’s your writing process like?

Hemingson: It can be difficult trying to get into the groove but I try to write in the morning and then later on in the afternoon, Of course, it’s different when I’m revising. When I was in school I was a little more efficient with my time working and writing.

What are some of the projects you’re currently working on?

Hemingson: I recently wrote a personal non-fiction piece for Hippocampus Magazine. I used to work as a receptionist when I was younger and had an eating disorder. It was during this time that I started seeing this actor, whose name I won’t reveal.

I’ve also written a fiction piece for South Carolina Review about a woman in Los Angeles who’s trying to get off a cycle of bad choices and am working on a new novel.

What are you most looking forward to about this next phase of your career?

Hemingson: I guess it would have to be completing these new projects. I’m excited about working on them. I need to get them out of me. I may also be collaborating with my husband on something which will be fun. He’s a screenwriter who wrote the film, “The Holdovers.”

A Conversation With, comedy, Entertainment, Interview, Morning Call

Comedian Sam Morril previews ‘Errors Tour’ performance
Photo by Matt Salacuse

Comedian Sam Morril is one of the fastest rising and most popular stand-ups on the scene today. In addition to constantly touring his eclectic show at venues across the globe, he’s appeared on “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” as well as done stints on “Last Comic Standing” and “The Joe Rogan Experience.”

Morril can regularly be heard on the popular “We Might Be Drunk” podcast alongside fellow comedian and co-host Mark Normand, and his latest special, “Sam Morril: You’ve Changed,” is available for streaming on Amazon Prime.

Morril is currently out on his brand new The Errors Tour — a “swift” play on words about a hugely successful recording artist. The show makes a stop at The Wind Creek Event Center on Saturday.

I recently spoke with Morril about The Errors Tour, his comedy and more in this new interview.

Q: What can fans expect from your upcoming Errors Tour performance in Bethlehem?

Sam Morril: Expect a lot of new material. It’s already in a good place right now but I’m going to be a hitting a lot of cities so it will keep getting better.

Why call it “The Errors Tour?”

I thought it would be kind of fun and figured if at least one boyfriend says to his girlfriend, “Hey I got you tickets to the Errors Tour” she’ll be like, “Oh my god!” And then when she shows up he can say, “Well, at least I didn’t lie. You’re just a bad listener” [laughs].

You can read the rest of my Morning Call interview by clicking here.

1980's, A Conversation With, Entertainment, Interview, Morning Call, Music

Rick Springfield previews Wind Creek performance
Rick Springfield – Photo by Jay Gilbert

Rick Springfield has worn many hats over the course of his legendary career. A Grammy-winning artist who’s sold more than 25 million albums over the last four decades, he’s also a celebrated actor who’s appeared in numerous TV shows and films as well as a New York Times best-selling author.

Springfield’s musical resume includes, of course, the monstrous 1981 hit “Jessie’s Girl” — a song from his multiplatinum-selling album Working Class Dog and one that to this day remains a centerpiece of any ’80s playlist. He’d go on to score additional Top 40 hits like “Don’t Talk to Strangers,” “Human Touch” and “Love Somebody,” to name a few, the latter of which a song from his 1984 feature length film, “Hard to Hold.”

Springfield’s new music has also garnered rave reviews, including songs from his most recent album Automatic where he continues to go for (and find) the big hook. His recently released new song, “Lose Myself,” talks about a tumultuous relationship and only further reinforces Springfield as the consummate artist. The song will be part of a new greatest hits package that will include a coffee table book of photographs and is slated for release next year.

In the meantime, fans of Rick Springfield will get a taste of his ubiquitous musical career when the legendary entertainer performs at the Wind Creek Event Center in Bethlehem on Sunday.

I recently spoke with Springfield about the show, his music, memorable moments and more in this new interview.

Q. What can fans expect from your performance at Wind Creek Event Center?

Rick Springfield: You’ve always got to do the hits that everyone expects, but we also include some of the newer songs and songs that work with the audience. Even if they might not know the song sometimes, the song still works if it’s the right one. I have a great band so it’s also about what we feel like playing.

Speaking of new songs, you recently released the new single, “Lose Myself.” What can you tell me about it?

I wrote that song with a guy in Sweden named Niclas Lundin. For some reason, the Swedish guys seem to be killing it in the pop world these days with great melodies. We wrote the song about being caught up in a relationship that is destructive but incredible.

You can read the rest of my Morning Call interview with Rick Springfield by clicking here!

A Conversation With, Entertainment, Interview, Morning Call, Music

Tom Chapin and family to honor Harry Chapin at Easton show
Photo: Bonnie Chaplin

Troubadour Tom Chapin’s career has covered an incredible amount of creative ground, including six decades in music with 27 albums and three Grammy awards.

Chapin’s the son of noted jazz drummer Jim Chapin and, as a teenager, began performing professionally in the Greenwich Village folk scene alongside siblings Harry and Steve as The Chapin Brothers. Tom’s brother, Harry, would later go on to have a renowned solo career, one which included the storytelling songs “Taxi,” “Mr. Tanner,” and the ubiquitous, “Cats In The Cradle,” the latter topping the Billboard Hot 100 chart 50 years ago this December.

Although Harry passed away in 1981, his family continues to keep his music and memory alive to this very day.

On Sunday, Sept. 15, fans of Harry Chapin and his family will get to experience the rich history of this legendary artist when The Chapin Family brings “Harry Chapin Greatest Stories Live” to the State Theatre in Easton.

To honor Harry’s commitment to fighting hunger, the event will also be holding a food drive. The audience is encouraged to bring along non-perishable food items, which will be donated to a local food bank.

I recently spoke with Tom Chapin about his family’s performance at the State Theatre, Harry’s legacy and more in this new interview.

Q. You’ve performed at the State Theatre many times. What do you like most about the venue?

Tom Chapin: It’s kind of hard to describe but the essentials of history are there. It feels like you’re part of a long run of amazing music and drama that have taken place and it energizes you. I love the old theaters.

You can read the rest of my Morning Call interview with Tom Chapin by Clicking Here.

A Conversation With, Entertainment, Interview, Morning Call, Music, Women Who Rock

Pentatonix singer on group’s origins and its Allentown Fair show

Since their emergence in 2011, Pentatonix has become one of most innovative vocal groups of all time and redefined what a cappella is all about.

The three-time Grammy winning vocal quintet, which features Scott Hoying, Mitch Grassi, Kirstin Maldonado, Kevin Olusola and Matt Sallee, have sold more than 10 million albums and performed everywhere from The White House to The Hollywood Bowl. Last year the group completed their biggest Christmas tour to date by selling more than 200,000 tickets in support of their Greatest Christmas Hits album.

This weekend, the group is bringing its ubiquitous vocal talent and high energy to the Allentown Fair for a performance on Saturday, with special guest and “American Idol” alum David Archuleta. It’s a show that promises both a healthy dose of classic Pentatonix material as well as new songs along with a few surprises.

I recently spoke with vocalist Kirstin Maldonado about Pentatonix’s Allentown Fair show and more in this new interview.

Q. What can Pentatonix fans expect from your Allentown Fair performance?

Kirstin Maldonado: We’re really looking forward to the show. It will be fun and different. Last year we were touring constantly and this year we had a lot had time off to be able to work on new music and we’re also bringing back some oldies and classics. We always try to include the songs everyone wants to hear.

You can read the rest of my Morning Call interview with Kristin Maldonado by Clicking Here.

A Conversation With, comedy, Entertainment, Interview, Morning Call, Music

Comedian Jessica Delfino brings ‘dirty folk rock’ to Poconos
Photo: Alex M. Smith

Hailing from a small New England town, comedian Jessica Delfino grew up listening to folk music legends like Gordon Lightfoot and Neil Young and the acoustic-fueled rock of Bob Seger and Led Zeppelin. Add in a touch of rap like The Beastie Boys and Snoop Dogg as well as the jokes she inherited from her sailor grandfather, and you’ve got the recipe for “Dirty Folk Rock,” the signature style that Delfino has made her own.


Delfino’s raunchy, sex-fueled comedic stylings are somewhat reminiscent of Nikki Glaser, whom Delfino often shared the stage with while honing her chops in New York’s comedy scene. She’s a critically acclaimed observational comedian with credits that include appearances around the world, and on Saturday, Delfino will bring her unique brand of comedy and music to Poconos Underground Comedy at The Hideaway Speakeasy, part of Newberry’s Yard of Ale in Stroudsburg.

I recently spoke with Delfino about her upcoming performance and more in this new interview.

Q. What can you tell me about Poconos Underground Comedy?

Jessica Delfino: Poconos Underground Comedy is mostly a showcase of comedians who’ve decided to schlep out to the Poconos to entertain people who used to be New Yorkers who now “hate New Yorkers” [laughs]. People can expect to laugh, drink fancy cocktails and have some pizazz with their comedy. The show is different, but don’t get me wrong. There’s classic stand up but there’s also a lot of sparkles. It’s not for the faint of heart, it’s a show for the bold and the beautiful. My show production partner, Boris Khakin (also a comedian) and I take turns hosting. He brings the dude energy and I bring the girl magic.

Q. How would you describe your style? Can you put into words what your comedy/music is all about?

My style is “dirty folk rock” comedy and jokes that reflect that style. I like to swear, talk about sex, gross people out a little and ultimately, I love to make people laugh. I make jokes about things that lots of other comedians do: life, love, and the challenges that come with those things, but obviously my take is from a female middle-aged mom perspective who likes to do things my own way. I love weird words and I love that I’m a little different. It took me some time to understand that about myself but now that I do it’s like my superpower. As Frank Sinatra famously sang, “I gotta be me.”

You can read the rest of my Morning Call interview with Jessica Delfino by clicking here.

A Conversation With, Entertainment, Interview, Morning Call, Music

Toad the Wet Sprocket coming to Wind Creek Event Center with Gin Blossoms, Vertical Horizon
Photo: Chris Orwig

Toad the Wet Sprocket, with its trio of founding members Glen Phillips, Todd Nichols and Dean Dinning, is still making music and touring with the same unwavering spirit of independence that made them one of the most seminal bands of the 1990s.

Toad’s third album, Fear, still ranks big on any ’90s playlist and songs like “All I Want,” and “Walk on the Ocean,” catapulted the band from college campus soundtracks to radio rotation royalty. Their music also found its way onto popular ’90s TV shows like “Friends,” “Dawson’s Creek,” and “Buffy The Vampire Slayer.”

The band took a break in the late ’90s but reunited in 2006 and has since released two albums, including 2021’s Starting Now.

Toad the Wet Sprocket is currently part of a tour that includes themselves as well as Gin Blossoms and Vertical Horizon. It’s a show that stops at the Wind Creek Event Center on Thursday, Aug. 15.

I recently spoke with bassist Dean Dinning about the show, what makes Toad the Wet Sprocket’s music so timeless all these years later and more in this new interview.

Q. Can you tell a little about the inspiration behind this tour and what fans can expect?

Dean Dinning: I used to go to concerts in Santa Barbara [California] where you would see two or three bands playing and it always seemed like everyone was friends and would come out and jam on each other’s songs. I always thought that was the most fun thing you could possibly do, and that’s really what this tour is like. These guys are all friends of ours. We’ve known the Gin Blossoms since 1992. They were the first band we ever got to pick to be an opener for our whole tour. It will be a fun vibe and I think people will really enjoy it.

You can read the rest of my interview with Dean Dinning by clicking here.

A Conversation With, Entertainment, Interview, Morning Call, Music

Gin Blossoms’ Jesse Valenzuela previews Wind Creek performance
Photo: David “Doc” Abbott

It was a great catalog of songs and the slow burn of touring perseverance that catapulted alt-rock band Gin Blossoms from the ranks of indie circuit into the ’90s musical mainstream.

Although it didn’t happen overnight, it was their infectiously good 1992 sophomore album, New Miserable Experience, and songs like “Found Out About You,” “Hey Jealousy,” “Until I Fall Away,” and “Allison Road,” that eventually became staples of ’90s radio and firmly established the group as one of the decade’s most definitive acts.

Fans of the Gin Blossoms — which features Robin Wilson (lead vocals / acoustic guitar), Jesse Valenzuela (vocals and guitar), Scott Johnson (guitar), Scott Hessel (drums), and Bill Leen (bass), can expect to hear all of the hits and more when the band performs with fellow ’90s rockers Toad The Wet Sprocket and Vertical Horizon at Wind Creek Event Center on Thursday, Aug. 15.

I recently spoke with guitarist Jesse Valenzuela about the show, career highlights — including the time he worked with Stevie Nicks, new music and more in this new interview.

Q. What was it about the ’90s era of music that keeps fans coming back?

Jesse Valenzuela: It was a terrific time for music and we were lucky to get some attention from radio. Toad [The Wet Sprocket] was so gracious and took us out on the road and showed us the ropes. Whenever we get to be together with them now, it’s always great fun. I have a real affection for those guys. Today we’re fortunate that we have a bunch of hit songs and this show will be long enough for you to hear all of them. We’re going to play all the hits and other songs people have heard and make sure everyone enjoys themselves. I love the Wind Creek venue. We’ve been there quite often over the years. This tour is just starting and the bands we’re touring with, Toad The Wet Sprocket and Vertical Horizon, are terrific. Everyone is playing so beautifully and firing on all cylinders.

You can read the rest of my Morning Call interview with Jesse Valenzuela by clicking here.

A Conversation With, Entertainment, Interview, Morning Call, Music

ZZ Top’s Billy Gibbons promises a rockin’ show at Musikfest
Credit: Blain Clausen

It’s kind of hard to believe, but that little ol’ band from Texas, ZZ Top, has been delivering their infectiously rowdy brand of blues, rock and boogie to legions of fans since man first walked on the moon.

The band has become a fixture of classic rock radio with songs like “Sharp Dressed Man,” “Legs,” “Gimme All Your Lovin’,” and (of course) “La Grange.” All of which instantly conjure up images of long beards, sunglasses, hot rods and guitar riffs.

For more than 50 years the lineup of ZZ Top — Billy Gibbons (guitars), Dusty Hill (bass) and Frank Beard (drums), remained unchanged. Selling millions of albums, touring the world and introducing us all to music videos containing spinning guitars and fast cars with magical keychains. It wasn’t until Hill’s passing in 2021 that the band called up Hill’s long time bass tech, Elwood Francis, to hold up the bottom end and keep their musical legacy flowing.

Fans can certainly expect to hear a plethora of songs from the band’s more than half-century of hits and more when ZZ Top closes out this year’s Musikfest with a performance at the Wind Creek Steel Stage at PNC Plaza on Sunday, Aug. 11.

I recently spoke with Billy Gibbons about the band’s upcoming performance at Musikfest, its legacy, music and more in this new interview.

Q. This year marks the band’s 55th anniversary (coincidentally, the same age as this writer). When you look back on this milestone now with so much perspective what thoughts come to mind?

Billy Gibbons: We’re a band aiming to keep on keepin’ on as we genuinely like what it is we get to do. One of the true highlights of the experience was revealed when we heard ZZ over the radio airwaves for the first time. Then again, our induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with Keith Richards delivering the honors also stands as a night to remember. We’re stoked that we continue getting to do what we do! The night-to-night intention is, ‘Have mercy! Let’s keep doing it!’

You can read the rest of my Morning Call interview with Billy Gibbons by Clicking Here.

A Conversation With, Entertainment, Interview, Morning Call, Music

Bigfoot at Musikfest? Saxsquatch to bring the party in free shows

Although you’ve never seen saxophonists Dean Mitchell and Saxsquatch in a room at the same time, it’s safe to say that the beast might have learned a thing or two from his human musical counterpart.

Saxsquatch began his career by posting videos of himself performing on social media; one of which, his smooth cover of Daft Punk’s song, “One More Time,” instantly went viral with
nearly 3 million views.

After years and thousands of unconfirmed sightings and unsuccessful attempts by man to prove his family’s existence, it was Saxsquatch’s newly found notoriety that ultimately drew the cryptid out of the forest and onto the national scene, much to the delight of music fans everywhere.

It’s a journey that will bring Saxsquatch to Musikfest on Monday, Aug. 5 for two shows at 7 and 8:45 p.m., and Tuesday, Aug. 6 at 7 and 9 p.m. All shows will be held at the Highmark Blue Shield Community Stage.

I recently spoke with Saxsquatch and asked him about the mythos, music and monster as well as what fans can expect from his Musikfest appearances in this fun new interview.

Q. Where did Saxsquatch originate? What brought you out of the woods?

Saxsquatch: I originally started playing music with my family. My Grandfather, Gigfoot, was a guitar player and my sister, Bigflute, played the flute. I started out doing the beats but one day I heard the saxophone on the radio. Our radio access was limited due to extension cord issues but I listened every chance I got. It was Jr. Walker’s sax solo on “Urgent” by Foreigner that got me hooked. When I got a sax from a pawn shop and wouldn’t stop playing it, everyone started calling me Saxsquatch. I have to admit I did like the attention and eventually felt like it was my purpose for other people to hear the saxophone in the same way that it has brought me so much joy and awe.

You can read the rest of my Morning Call interview with Saxsquatch by Clicking Here.