Unwrap Your Candies Now

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 singer Marian Anderson. Deborah talks about fusing spoken word with opera, Marian's legacy and how creating this work affected her as an artist, woman and mother.

Share your comments, questions and ideas at UYCN@houstonpublicmedia.org.

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 North American-touring production of Once On This Island. Theatre Under The Stars presents the Tony Award-winning musical February 18 – March 1 at The Hobby Center.

Share your comments, questions and ideas at UYCN@houstonpublicmedia.org.

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 harpist Caitlin Mehrtens of Loop38 about the life and music of Julius Eastman, an African-American composer from the ‘60s, ‘70s and ‘80s. After an eviction – upon which his landlord threw many of his scores onto the street – and early death at age 49, his music was largely lost and forgotten. Loop38 presents the first-ever Houston performance of Eastman’s music, featuring his work Femenine, on February 21 at First Congregational Church of Houston.

Share your comments, questions and ideas at UYCN@houstonpublicmedia.org.

Music credits: Ac-Cent-Tchu-Ate the Positive by Harold Arlen and Johnny Mercer; Gay Guerilla, The Holy Presence of Joan d’Arc and Stay on It from Julius Eastman: Unjust Malaise; Fememine by Julius Eastman, original recording and recording by Arcana New Music Ensemble

In this episode of the podcast “Unwrap Your Candies Now,” Catherine Lu interviews Houston Chamber Choir founder and artistic director Robert Simpson and tenor Jack Byrom on what it was like to attend the 2020 Grammys and accept the award for Best Choral Performance for their album Duruflé: Complete Choral Works. From the red carpet to the moment the envelope was opened, we go behind-the-scenes of their win. The choir’s next concert is Circlesong on February 22 and 23 at South Main Baptist Church.

Then, Ernie Manouse chats with Broadway stars Corey Greenan and Hamilton Moore. They are two of the cast members of Jersey Boys, the Tony Award-winning musical that tells the behind-the-music story of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons. Broadway at The Hobby Center presents the national-touring production February 7 – 9.

Share your comments, questions and ideas at UYCN@houstonpublicmedia.org.

In this episode of the podcast “Unwrap Your Candies Now,” Ernie Manouse interviews Sasson Gabay and Janet Dacal, who star in The Band’s Visit, winner of 10 Tony Awards, including Best Musical. Broadway Across America presents the North American-touring production January 28 – February 2 at The Hobby Center.

Then, Catherine Lu finds out about the city’s newest dance troupe, Houston Contemporary Dance Company, from Marlana Doyle, founder and artistic director. Doyle talks about forming her own company this past summer, following her 17-year career with the now-disbanded METdance Company, and what she hopes to add to the city’s dance scene. Houston Contemporary presents Dué, the second show of its inaugural season, on February 7 and 8 at Queensbury Theatre.

Share your comments, questions and ideas at UYCN@houstonpublicmedia.org.

In this episode of the podcast “Unwrap Your Candies Now,” Catherine Lu chats with Dan Knechtges, Artistic Director of Theatre Under The Stars, about the company’s recently-announced 2020 – 2021 season. Knechtges, a Tony-nominated director and choreographer, talks about the eclectic mix of national productions with major buzz and homegrown TUTS productions that celebrate Houston talent – and why it’s like a meal of tapas.

Then, Ernie Manouse interviews Emilio Delgado, who played “Luis” on Sesame Street for over four decades. Delgado stars in The Alley Theatre’s production of Quixote Nuevo. Written by playwright Octavio Solis and directed by KJ Sanchez, the story is a reimagining of Cervantes’ Don Quixote, set in a fictional modern-day Texas border town. It runs January 17 – February 9.

Share your comments, questions and ideas at UYCN@houstonpublicmedia.org.

Music used: Under the Sea from The Little Mermaid Original Broadway Cast Recording

In this episode of the podcast “Unwrap Your Candies Now,” Ernie Manouse chats with award-winning director and veteran actor, Shirley Jo Finney. Finney talks about the art of directing and her latest project as director of The Ensemble Theatre’s production of The Green Book. Inspired by The Negro Motorist Green Book, this play by Calvin Alexander Ramsey runs January 23–February 23.

Then, Catherine Lu interviews Natalie Lin, artistic director and founder of Kinetic. Lin talks about the risks she took to form this unique ensemble five years ago. A kind of “indie rock band” in classical music, Kinetic is a conductorless chamber orchestra that performs standing up, communicating through the energy and motion of body language and gesture, while also championing new music. Kinetic presents Flight + Fugue: A Special Fifth Anniversary Concert on January 26 at 6pm at MATCH.

Share your comments, questions and ideas at UYCN@houstonpublicmedia.org.

Music used: Plus tôt by Alexandra Stréliski from Inscape, Fallingwater by Michael Daugherty performed by KINETIC and Pelimannit by Einojuhani Rautavaara performed by KINETIC

In this episode of the podcast “Unwrap Your Candies Now,” Catherine Lu chats with Madison Petaway, Houston’s fifth Youth Poet Laureate. Appointed in November 2019 by Mayor Sylvester Turner through a joint program of Writers in the Schools and Houston Public Library, Petaway is a junior at Westbury High School and a member of the Meta-Four Houston youth slam team. She talks about how poetry changed her life and how she hopes to serve the city’s youth. She also performs her poem “Dictionary.”

Then, Ernie Manouse interviews John Bolton, who stars as “Horace Vandergelder” in the national-touring Broadway production of Hello, Dolly!. Winner of four Tony Awards, including Best Musical Revival, this new production of the classic musical comedy runs January 7 – 12 at The Hobby Center, presented by Broadway Across America.

Share your comments, questions and ideas at UYCN@houstonpublicmedia.org.

Music used: Par la fenêtre de Théo by Alexandra Stréliski from Inscape, Hello Dolly National Tour trailer and “Hello Dolly” from 2017 Broadway Cast Recording

In this episode of the podcast “Unwrap Your Candies Now,” Ernie Manouse chats with Mariah Lyttle, who stars as “Celie” in the North American-touring production of The Color Purple. Society for the Performing Arts presents the Tony Award-winning Broadway musical from January 3 – 4 at The Hobby Center.

Then, Catherine Lu features a sound portrait of Houston poet Francis T. Goodbeer. Produced originally for HPM’s Voices and Verses series, the segment explores Goodbeer’s love of poetry and her journey from retired nurse to published writer through Inprint’s Senior Memoir Workshop. She reads her poem “The Joy of Seniorhood.”

Share your comments, questions and ideas at UYCN@houstonpublicmedia.org.

Music used The Color Purple segment: "What About Love" from The Color Purple (2015 Broadway cast recording) and The Color Purple National Tour trailer

Music used in poetry segment: Valse Pour Maman (excerpt) by Alexandra Stréliski from Pianoscope, Annabel Lee (excerpt) by Edgar Allan Poe read by Basil Rathbone, Dies Irie (excerpt) by Kenji Bunch from Ahn Trio: Lullaby For My Favorite Insomniac, Romanze, op. 28, no. 2 (excerpt) by Robert Schumann from Timothy Hester: The Classical 91.7 Sessions and Hang on Little Tomato (excerpt) by Pink Martini from Hang on Little Tomato

In this special episode of the podcast “Unwrap Your Candies Now,” Ernie Manouse interviews Oscar-winning actor, singer and author, Julie Andrews, along with her daughter, Emma Walton Hamilton. The mother-daughter pair have co-written 32 books, including Andrews’ latest memoir Home Work: A Memoir of My Hollywood Years. This on-stage interview was recorded live at the Fourth Annual Power of Literacy Luncheon hosted by the Barbara Bush Houston Literacy Foundation at The Post Oak Hotel on October 25, 2019.

Share your comments, questions and ideas at UYCN@houstonpublicmedia.org.

In this special episode of the podcast “Unwrap Your Candies Now,” Catherine Lu and Ernie Manouse unwrap and share audio gifts of holiday performances by beloved singers and actors from Houston and beyond.

Set list:

Martha Davis – I’ll Be Home for Christmas

Lyle Lovett – A Visit from St. Nicholas

Deborah Hope and Steven Jones – Santa Baby

Julia Krohn and Walt Zipprian – The Gift of the Magi

Martha Davis – Silent Night

Share your comments, questions and ideas at UYCN@houstonpublicmedia.org.

In this episode of the podcast “Unwrap Your Candies Now,” Catherine Lu chats with Houston Ballet Principal Dancer Connor Walsh. They talk about his lead role as “The Prince,” which he originated for Stanton Welch’s The Nutcracker, as well as his childhood Nutcracker memories and finding time for holiday traditions amidst a busy performance schedule. Performances of The Nutcracker run through December 29 at the Wortham Center.

Then, Ernie Manouse talks to actor Julia Krohn, who grew up in Houston in an acting family and is a graduate of HSPVA. Krohn stars as "Buddy's" stepmother in Elf – The Musical, based on the 2003 movie. Theatre Under The Stars presents the Broadway hit through December 22 at the Hobby Center.

Share your comments, questions and ideas at UYCN@houstonpublicmedia.org.

Music used: Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker (excerpts) courtesy of Houston Ballet, Elf – Main Title from Movie and Elf – The Musical trailer courtesy of TUTS

In this episode of the podcast “Unwrap Your Candies Now,” Ernie Manouse chats with longtime “Tonight Show” host, stand-up comedian, voiceover artist, author and speaker Jay Leno, known to many as “the hardest working man in show business.” Society for the Performing Arts presents An Evening with Jay Leno on December 6 at Jones Hall.

Then, Catherine Lu interviews mezzo-soprano Cecilia Duarte and bass Daniel Noyola, two of the stars of Houston Grand Opera’s World Premiere mariachi opera, El Milagro del Recuerdo (The Miracle of Remembering). Composed by Javier Martínez with libretto by Leonard Foglia, it's only the third mariachi opera ever to be written. Set in Michoacán, Mexico in 1962 at Christmas, the story is a prequel to 2010’s Cruzar la Cara de la Luna. Performances are December 5-22 at the Wortham Center.

Share your comments, questions and ideas at UYCN@houstonpublicmedia.org.

Music used: The Tonight Show with Jay Leno Closing Credits Theme and Houston Grand Opera’s El Milagro del Recuerdo trailer

In this episode of the podcast “Unwrap Your Candies Now,” Catherine Lu chats with hip hop pioneer and legendary rapper Kurtis Blow, who is the MC of The Hip Hop Nutcracker. The national-touring holiday production comes to the Smart Financial Centre at Sugar Land on December 4.

Then, Ernie Manouse sits down with Dixie Longate of "Dixie's Tupperware Party" to talk about her latest show, Never Wear a Tube Top While Riding a Mechanical Bull and 16 Other Things I Learned While I Was Drinking Last Thursday. It's on stage at The Hobby Center from December 14–22.

Share your comments, questions and ideas at UYCN@houstonpublicmedia.org.

Music used: Christmas Rappin’ by Kurtis Blow, The Hip Hop Nutcracker trailer and Dixie’s Tube Top trailer

In this episode of the podcast “Unwrap Your Candies Now,” Ernie Manouse interviews Jeff Miller (director) and Tamarie Cooper (cast member and co-artistic director) about Baby Screams Miracle by Pulitzer Prize-nominated playwright Clare Barron. Described as a funny, moving tale of faith and survival, the show is being produced by The Catastrophic Theatre from November 22 – December 15 at MATCH.

Then, Catherine Lu chats with Houston Symphony Composer-in-Residence Jimmy López Bellido about his World Premiere “Symphony No. 2, Ad Astra,” dedicated to NASA and inspired by space travel. A culmination of his three-year residency, the piece is also a kind of love letter to Houston. Performances are December 5, 7 and 8 at Jones Hall.

Share your comments, questions and ideas at UYCN@houstonpublicmedia.org.

Music used: Invention No. 13 by J.S. Bach performed by András Schiff and Symphony No. 2, Ad Astra by Jimmy López Bellido (rehearsal excerpts) performed by the Houston Symphony, Music Director Andrés Orozco-Estrada

In this episode of the podcast “Unwrap Your Candies Now,” Catherine Lu chats with Houston arts writer Pete Gershon about Lawndale Art Center’s 40th Anniversary. They discuss the center's history and impact, from its DIY beginnings in 1979 as an annex for University of Houston art students and its role as an incubator for experimental art to current exhibits and plans for the future. Gershon is Chair of Lawndale’s Advisory Board and author of Collision: The Contemporary Arts Scene in Houston, 1972 – 1985.

Then, Ernie Manouse sits down with John Hemphill and Jessica E. Sherman, two of the stars of the National Touring Production of Evan Hansen. Broadway Across America presents this Tony and Grammy-Awarding winning musical at the Hobby Center from November 12 – 24.

Share your comments, questions and ideas at UYCN@houstonpublicmedia.org.

Music used: Philip Glass: Mad Rush from Glassmasters and Dear Evan Hansen courtesy of Broadway Across America

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 sound portrait of writer Addie Tsai. Produced originally for HPM’s Voices and Verses series, the segment explores Tsai’s love of poetry, life as a writer and her poem “My First Twenty-Dollar Bill.” Tsai's first book, a queer Asian young adult novel entitled Dear Twin, will be released on November 15 by Metonymy Press. Brazos Bookstore will present Tsai in a reading on November 14 at 6:30pm.

Share your comments, questions and ideas at UYCN@houstonpublicmedia.org.

Music used in Addie Tsai's segment: Morning Passages from The Hours (excerpt) by Philip Glass/arr. Michael Riesman & Nico Mühly from The 5 Browns: In Hollywood, Fern (excerpt) by Zoë Keating from One Cello x 16: Natoma and Spiegel im Spiegel by Arvo Pärt (excerpt) from Arvo Part: Alina

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 Dunham, Ars Lyrica Houston Artistic Director Matthew Dirst and Mercury Houston Artistic Director Antoine Plante. The festival also features American Baroque Opera Co., Bach Society Houston, La Speranza, Piping Rock Singers and Viols of Houston.

Share your comments, questions and ideas at UYCN@houstonpublicmedia.org.

Music used: Bernadette Peters - Fever, Ars Lyrica Houston - Heart & Soul and Mercury - L’estro Armonico

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 ideas at UYCN@houstonpublicmedia.org.

Music used: Courtesy of Jilgueros de Altamira and Broadway Across America Houston

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 the 12th Annual Houston Fringe Festival from producer and director Adam Castañeda. From a world premiere rock opera and genre-blending contemporary dance to solo acts and “Anything Goes,” the festival features local, regional and national performers. It runs from Oct. 24 – Nov. 10 at MATCH.

Share your comments, questions and ideas at UYCN@houstonpublicmedia.org.

Music used: Vietgone at Alley Theatre trailer