In this episode of the podcast “Unwrap Your Candies Now,” Ernie Manouse interviews actor and attorney John Raley, who stars in Inherit the Wind. Cone Man Running Productions will present the classic play by Jerome Lawrence and Robert E. Lee, inspired by the Scopes Monkey Trial, November 14 – 23 at Spring Street Studios. Raley talks about his career in law, his love of acting and how the two intersect. Then, Catherine Lu features a... Read More ..read more

In this episode of the podcast “Unwrap Your Candies Now,” Ernie Manouse interviews Broadway superstar and stage legend Bernadette Peters, who performs in Houston on November 2 at Jones Hall presented by Society for the Performing Arts. Then, Catherine Lu previews the 7th Annual Houston Early Music Festival, November 7 – 17.  She finds out about the city’s early music scene, uniqueness of historical instruments and upcoming festival concerts from Houston Early Music Executive Director Deborah... Read More ..read more

In this episode of the podcast “Unwrap Your Candies Now,” Catherine Lu chats with MECA’s Resident Curator Theresa Escobedo and Program Director Liz Salinas about the traditions associated with Día de los Muertos and the organization’s free community festival in celebration of the holiday, from November 2–3. Then, Ernie Manouse interviews Timothy Gulan and Brandon Michael Nase, who star in Broadway’s Cats, October 22 – 27 at the Hobby Center. Share your comments, questions and... Read More ..read more

In this episode of the podcast “Unwrap Your Candies Now,” Ernie Manouse chats with Desdemona Chiang, director of Vietgone at the Alley Theatre, from Oct. 4 – Nov. 3. A mix of rom-com, road trip, hip-hop and 70s pop culture, the play by Qui Nguyen is inspired by the story of how his own parents met and fell in love in 1975 in an Arkansas camp for Vietnamese refugees. Then, Catherine Lu learns more about... Read More ..read more

In this episode of the podcast “Unwrap Your Candies Now,” Catherine Lu chats with soprano Anna Diemer, Co-Managing Diva of Opera on Tap - Houston. One of the newest chapters of the international opera non-profit, the group of local singers brings affordable, interactive opera performances to bars, coffeehouses, breweries and other alternative venues. Then, Ernie Manouse interviews actor, singer and dancer Juliette Redden, who stars in Theatre Under The Stars' new production of the Tony... Read More ..read more

In this episode of the podcast “Unwrap Your Candies Now,” Ernie Manouse interviews Nick and Diane Marson, a Houston couple who met on 9/11 and whose real-life story inspired central characters in the Tony Award-winning musical Come From Away. Then, Catherine Lu chats with Deborah D.E.E.P. Mouton, Houston Poet Laureate Emeritus and World Champion Slam Poet, about writing the libretto for Houston Grand Opera’s Marian’s Song, a World Premiere based on the life of legendary... Read More ..read more

In this episode of the podcast “Unwrap Your Candies Now,” Ernie Manouse chats with Philip Lehl, Co-Artistic Director of 4th Wall Theatre Company.  Now entering its ninth season, the company’s 2019 – 2020 line-up opens with a reimagining of Tennessee Williams’ The Glass Menagerie, starring Kim Tobin-Lehl and Joseph “Joe P” Palmore. Then, Catherine Lu interviews Marian Luntz, curator of film and video at the Museum of Fine Arts Houston. They talk about the MFAH’s... Read More ..read more

In this episode of the podcast “Unwrap Your Candies Now,” Catherine Lu heads to Lawndale Art Center to interview Houston artist Virginia Lee Montgomery about her solo exhibition Sky Loop. Incorporating video, sound, sculpture and Houston-centric symbols, the immersive installation is inspired by the artist’s personal experience and memories of Hurricane Harvey, on view through March 29. Then, Ernie Manouse talks with former American Idol finalist-turned Broadway star Tamyra Gray, who is performing in the... Read More ..read more

In this episode of “Unwrap Your Candies Now,” Catherine Lu interviews Yoonshin Song, the Houston Symphony’s new concertmaster, who begins her appointment this 2019-2020 season. Selected from the orchestra's extensive three-year search to fill the position, she previously served as concertmaster of the Detroit Symphony Orchestra from 2011-2019. Then, Ernie Manouse chats with Rebekah Dahl, singer, actor, co-founder and co-owner of The Music Box Theater, named “The Best Cabaret Theater in Houston” by the Houston... Read More ..read more

In this episode of the podcast “Unwrap Your Candies Now,” Ernie Manouse chats with singer-actor Paul Hope about legendary songwriter Harold Arlen – in particular about the music he wrote in the decade after his famous “Over the Rainbow.” The Paul Hope Cabaret presents That Old Black Magic – Harold Arlen in the 40s on February 17, February 24 and March 2 at Ovations Night Club. Then, Catherine Lu talks with percussionist Craig Hauschild and... Read More ..read more