Category: Theater

One Hundred Conversations Later: Celebrating My 100th Morning Call Interview

When I sat down to interview Mike Score of A Flock of Seagulls recently, I knew I was talking with one of the defining voices of the MTV generation. What I didn’t realize until afterward was that our conversation marked a personal writing milestone: my 100th interview for The Morning Call.

It’s a number I’m incredibly proud of—not because of the total itself, but because of everything those one hundred conversations represent.

As someone who grew up obsessed with music, I never imagined I’d someday have the opportunity to speak directly with the artists whose songs helped shape different chapters of my life. What began as an occasional assignment gradually became one of the most rewarding parts of my career as a journalist.

Over the years, those interviews have taken me across nearly every musical landscape imaginable. I’ve spoken with Rock and Roll Hall of Famers, Grammy Award winners, legendary singer-songwriters, virtuoso musicians, comedians, rising stars, and artists performing in intimate clubs as well as sold-out arenas. Every conversation has offered a different perspective—not just on music, but on creativity, perseverance, and the lives lived behind the spotlight.

One of the greatest surprises has been discovering how remarkably generous musicians are with their time and stories. Behind every platinum record or iconic hit song is a person who still remembers the uncertainty of getting started, the excitement of writing that breakthrough song, or the challenges of staying creative decades into a career.

Those are the stories I’ve always tried to tell.

Rather than simply asking about tour dates or new albums, I’ve enjoyed exploring the experiences that shaped the artists themselves. Sometimes that means discussing songwriting. Other times it leads to conversations about family, loss, inspiration, mental health, aging, or the changing music industry. Those unscripted moments often become the most memorable parts of an interview.

Reaching interview #100 with Mike Score feels especially fitting. A Flock of Seagulls helped define an era of music that still resonates with fans today, and speaking with Score reminded me why these conversations continue to matter. Music connects generations. Long after the charts have changed, the songs remain part of people’s lives.

Looking back, I’m grateful to The Morning Call for trusting me with these stories and allowing me the opportunity to meet so many fascinating people along the way. I’m equally thankful to the publicists, managers, record labels, venues, and artists who made each interview possible.

Most importantly, I’m grateful to the readers.

Whether you’ve read one interview or all one hundred, your enthusiasm for live music and the artists behind it has made this journey worthwhile. Every time someone tells me they discovered a new performer because of one of my stories, or attended a concert after reading an interview, I’m reminded why I continue doing this.

One hundred interviews may sound like a finish line, but it doesn’t feel that way.

It feels like another milestone in an ongoing conversation.
There are still countless artists with stories waiting to be told, albums waiting to be discussed, and concerts waiting to be experienced. If these first one hundred interviews have taught me anything, it’s that every musician has a unique journey worth sharing.

Here’s to interview #101 —and whatever comes after that.


Thanks for reading, and thanks for coming along for the ride.

Fall concert preview: Here’s who’s coming to the Lehigh Valley

The summer season is starting to wind down in the Lehigh Valley, but it doesn’t mean the opportunity to see live entertainment has to stop.

When the kids head back to school and thoughts begin to turn to sweater weather and raking leaves it can only mean one thing — the fall concert season is back! And this year promises to be one of the most exciting and versatile in recent memory.

Many big-name acts are slated to visit the area over the course of the next few months that will cover all of the bases. Everything from comedy, classic rock and ’80s hit makers, to modern rock, pop and country as well as a local favorite and even a few living legends.

For starters, PPL Center in Allentown has a wide array of musical talent showcased on its calendar, and Marketing Manager Kayla Vaught isn’t shy about wanting to spread the word.

“I’m thrilled about the incredible lineup of events we have coming this fall,” Vaught said. “PPL Center has consistently proven to be a premier destination for live music, attracting top-tier talent from around the globe. There’s something for everyone here, and each event is a unique experience that adds to the vibrant culture of the Lehigh Valley.”

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

Dieruff grad Sabrina Joseph going full circle with role in ‘Hairspray,’ at State Theatre

When Sabrina Joseph began her musical theater journey, it was in the production of “Hairspray” during her time at Dieruff High School. She’d later go on to participate in the State Theatre’s annual Freddy Awards and take part in the ceremony’s opening and closing performances.

The Dieruff and DeSales University graduate will be making a homecoming visit on Saturday, Feb. 18, to The State, this time as part of the touring production of, ironically enough, “Hairspray.”

Set in the 1960’s, “Hairspray” tells the story of 16-year-old Tracy Turnblad (Niki Metcalf) as she dances her way onto TV’s most popular show and winds up changing the world. The show features a beloved musical score and a talented ensemble cast that also includes Andrew Levitt and Sandie Lee.

Joseph’s role in the touring production is that of a swing, an important position that requires her
to master multiple parts. Slightly different than an understudy, Joseph is an offstage performer
who goes on often at a moment’s notice if someone in the ensemble is unable to do so.

I recently spoke with Joseph about the upcoming “Hairspray” performance and her local
ties to the Lehigh Valley and State Theatre in this exclusive interview.

What can fans expect from the upcoming Hairspray tour stop at The State Theatre?

Sabrina Joseph: You can expect a great show with a lot of fun energy, moving moments and, at
the end, a big dance party.

What can you tell me about your role in this touring production?

Joseph: I’m a swing for the show, which is an understudy for the ensemble members. My role is
to learn multiple ensemble roles and be ready to go on for them at any given time due to
someone going on vacation, being sick, or has an injury. Sometimes I may have two days’ notice,
but often times it may be hours before the show or even while the show is happening.

Read the rest of my

Interview with Sabrina Joseph by Clicking Here.

Interview: ‘Hairspray’ star Niki Metcalf talks dreams, love and big hair in Tony Award-winning show coming to Easton

Niki Metcalf

Broadway’s Tony Award-winning musical, “Hairspray,” is on a 60-city U.S tour including two performances at Easton’s historic State Theatre on April 16.

The production is under the original guidance of director Jack O’Brien and choreographer Jerry Mitchell.

The show tells the story of 16-year-old Tracy Turnblad in 1960′s Baltimore as she sets out to dance her way onto TV’s most popular program and winds up changing the world. It features a score of hit songs, including “Welcome to the 60′s,” “Good Morning Baltimore,” and “You Can’t Stop the Beat.”

The touring version of “Hairspray” stars Andrew Levitt, who fans know as Nina West (from “RuPaul’s Drag Race”), as Edna Turnblad. The ensemble cast also features Niki Metcalf as Tracy Turnblad and Sandie Lee as Motormouth Maybelle.

I recently spoke with Metcalf about the show’s themes, big hair and more in this exclusive interview.

James Wood for The Morning Call: What can fans expect from the upcoming performances of “Hairspray?”

Niki Metcalf: “Hairspray” is about a lot of things. There’s love, acceptance, dancing and singing as well as a lot of fun, laughs and joy. It’s got something for every kind of audience member. I play Tracy Turnblad. She’s a sixteen-year-old who has big dreams, a big heart and even bigger hair [laughs].

We start off the show with Tracy wanting to be on the Corny Collins show in 1960′s Baltimore. Then she meets a community of incredible people who teach her how to change the world for the better and stand up for what is right.

You can read the rest of my

Interview with Niki Metcalf by Clicking Here.