WJFF - Curtain Call with Tom Candela

On this episode of Curtain Call, host Tom Candela digs into the fertile ground where theatre, farming, and community meet with Tannis Kowalchuk and Jess Beveridge of Farm Arts Collective. Broadcasting from their home base on Willow Wisp Organic Farm in Damascus, PA, these multi-talented “perfarmers” share how they cultivate original, socially relevant performances that blend science, sustainability, and storytelling. From their upcoming immersive piece Lucy Joseph to community-centered events like Dream on the Farm series, this episode explores how creative placemaking can transform both landscapes and lives. Plus, enjoy Broadway tunes that echo the episode’s themes of growth, imagination, and bold new beginnings.

In this episode of Curtain Call, we take you behind the scenes of Catskill Public Theater—a bold, mobile theatre company bringing high-quality, pay-what-you-wish performances to unexpected places across the region. Host Tom Candela sits down with Amanda Wallgren, local arts advocate and Associate Producer, and CPT Founder Marshall Shnider, a Juilliard-trained Broadway veteran, to explore how they’re redefining regional theatre with community-driven programming, immersive storytelling, and a mission to make the magic of theatre accessible to all.

On this episode of Curtain Call, we welcome the uniquely talented playwright Bambi Everson—an artist whose work lives at the crossroads of dark comedy, mystery, and the human psyche. Known for her noir-infused tales of murder, deceit, and unexpected humor, Bambi crafts stories where shadows lurk and nothing is quite as it seems. Plus, we'll set the mood with some classic 1940s jazz and Broadway show tunes that echo the smoky, suspenseful world of her plays. It's a journey into the heart of theatrical mystery—and you won't want to miss it.

On this episode of Curtain Call, Tom Candela sits down with author and performer Patrick Bringley, whose deeply personal journey from museum guard to memoirist and now star of his own Off-Broadway show, All the Beauty in the World, offers a moving reflection on grief, healing, and the quiet power of art. Adapted from his New York Times best-selling book, the stage production brings Patrick’s unique perspective to life with subtle humor, authenticity, and warmth. Join us for an intimate conversation about loss, transformation, and finding beauty in unexpected places.

On this episode of Curtain Call, we’re spotlighting the creative team behind the hilarious and heartfelt original comedy TIME’S UP!  Plus, we’ll take you on a whirlwind tour of the exciting upcoming theatre seasons across Sullivan, Orange, Rockland, and Wayne Counties. 

On the first episode of Curtain Call, we explore the many musicals that capture the highs and lows of teenage life, the social dynamics of school, and the coming-of-age journey. We also interview Kristen Seggio, who is currently performing with the national tour of Mean Girls.