Interviews |

Chae Stephen Stars as Marvin Gaye In “Pride and Joy”

May 10, 2019 Lauren Beverly Interviews, Theatre

Motown is a name everyone knows. Many of us have our favorite artists or songs produced under the Motown label, such as The Marvelettes, Smokey Robinson and the Miracles, The Jackson 5, and of course, the late, great Marvin Gaye. No matter what generation you are, you know Marvin’s hits “Let’s Get It On,” “Sexual Healing,” “What’s Going On?” and many others. “Pride and Joy” is a stage production that tells the story of Marvin’s life and relationship with Anna Gordy Gaye, sister of Motown founder, Berry Gordy. Chae Stephen appears as Marvin and was thrilled to discuss his role and the impact Marvin’s music has had on him in more ways than one.

TRR Exclusive interview with Executive Director of the DC Chapter, Jeriel Johnson

Recording Academy D.C. Chapter Celebrates Inaugural Block Party

May 10, 2019 Lauren Beverly Interviews, Music

The Grammy Awards is an event we all look forward to. We get to see our favorite performers take the stage and give us an electrifying performance and walk the red carpet with style and grace. While this year’s Grammy Awards was held in Los Angeles, The Recording Academy is not just limited to the West Coast. The Recording Academy has a D.C. chapter, and I had the chance to speak with Executive Director of the DC Chapter, Jeriel Johnson about an Inaugural Block Party being held this evening. We discussed the Recording Academy, the musical guests, and the block party itself.

Lauren Beverly talks to "Pride and Joy" actress Krystal Drake

Krystal Drake Delivers Some “Pride and Joy” to DC

May 8, 2019 Lauren Beverly Interviews, Theatre

Actress Krystal Drake stars in the stage production “Pride and Joy,” which tells the story about Washington, DC’s own, the late, great Marvin Gaye. Krystal—whose credits include “Pippin,” “Black Nativity” and “Nubian Stories”—is set to take the stage as Anna Gordy Gaye at the National Theater. I had a chance to speak with Krystal about her upcoming performance, her role as Anna Gordy Gaye, and the music of Motown.

Dean on the Scene talks to actress/singer Alicia Witt about her acting and her 15,000 Days Tour

Alicia Witt Brings Her 15,000 Days Tour to Songbyrd

May 4, 2019 Dean Rogers Interviews, Music

Our next guest on THE INTERVUE has built both passions into a thriving business, balancing an acclaimed string of movie, television, and stage appearances with records like 2018’s 15,000 Days. Her fourth release as an independent songwriter, 15,000 Days is a sweeping, big-hearted record, its songs rooted in modern arrangements and timeless melodies. And now, this wonderful actress, singer, songwriter will be performing at the Songbyrd Music Cafe on May 9th. I had the honor of talking to the wonderfully talented Alicia Witt!

Cortland explores the world of Long Shot with actress June Diane Raphael and director Jonathan Levine

June Diane Raphael and Director Jonathan Levine Talk the Collaborative Effort of Making Long Shot

May 3, 2019 Cortland Jacoby Interviews, Movies

Very rarely does a comedy shine as bright as Long Shot. With its charismatic cast led by Charlize Theron and Seth Rogan, its biting hilarity and natural sweetness, the film is set up to be the surprise comedic hit of the summer. Theron plays Secretary of State Charlotte Field, caught at a career crossroads when she plans on running for President. Before announcing her candidacy, she reconnects with Rogan’s Fred Flarsky, a passionate but reckless reporter – turned speechwriter, she used to babysit in high school. As they reconnect on a press tour, sparks fly and cause a media storm in Washington. I sat down with Long Shot’s director Jonathan Levine and actress June Diane Raphael in D.C. to talk about the benefit of an improvised take, subverting rom-com troupes and having a family on set.

Lauren Beverly talks to Maryland's own Michael Ealy about his role in The Intruder

Michael Ealy Talks about “The Intruder”

May 2, 2019 Lauren Beverly Interviews, Movies

May 3^rd sees the release of “The Intruder,” starring Michael Ealy, Meagan Goode and Dennis Quaid. For those of you who love to be scared, you are in for a real treat. Not too long ago, Michael, who hails from Silver Spring, MD, was in town to promote the movie and I had the opportunity to speak with him about his experiences in the film, his work with Meagan and what he learned from working with Dennis Quaid.

John O'Hurley brings "A Man with Standards" to Annapolis tonight and we got your first look in this interview

Rams Head On Stage Welcomes John O’Hurley

April 25, 2019 Lauren Beverly Interviews, Theatre

Known for his role as J. Peterman on “Seinfeld” and his Broadway performances in “Chicago” and “Spamalot,” John O’Hurley is set to take the stage TONIGHT at Rams Head On Stage in Annapolis, MD. His one man show, “A Man With Standards,” is one that will take you on a journey of his life through a variety of songs and humor. I had a chance to speak with John a moment ago about his show, his work as a voice actor and his love of theater.

Intervue with Lou Ferrigno in preparation for this weekend's Awesome Con

Lou Ferrigno is Ready for Awesome Con 2019

April 24, 2019 Lauren Beverly Arts & Entertainment, Interviews

Lou Ferrigno is a legendary actor and bodybuilder who has won over fans since winning his first major title in 1973, and he’s kept going ever since. Many of us will remember watching him on “The Incredible Hulk” as the titular green character, a favorite of many Marvel fans. Ferrigno has taken on many roles, from a slave trader in “Star Trek Continues” to a starring as himself in “King of Queens.” Lou Ferrigno will be coming to the sixth annual Awesome Con, Washington D.C.’s version of Comic Con, where fans of pop-culture gather to celebrate comic books, collectibles, games, and cosplay this weekend at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center. When I spoke with Mr. Ferrigno, I asked him about his work as an actor, his role as a Certified Deputy Sheriff for the Sheriff’s Department in Los Angeles and the projects he has in the works.

TRR's Exclusive Intervue with A Bronx Tale actress Ashley McManus

Ashley McManus: A DC Native Delivers A Bronx Tale

March 26, 2019 Dean Rogers Interviews, Theatre

On today’s edition of THE INTERVUE, A Bronx Tale the musical is making its round to the National Theatre for a one-week engagement starting Today through the 31st! My guest today is a DC Native and a graduate of AMDA. You may have seen her in the touring productions of “Dreamgirls” and “Rock of Ages” and now we have her back in the DMV! Let’s give a warm homecoming welcome to Ashley McManus!

Our exclusive interview with reggae artist Etana

Getting to Know Etana the Strong One

March 25, 2019 Lauren Beverly Interviews, Music

Music has a way of inspiring us in more ways than one. In Etana’s case, her music has been the vehicle for change in her community. Although the reggae singer, who hails from Kingston, Jamaica, is known for her thought provoking songs, she has also founded an organization that assists the youth of her community. I had a chance to speak with Etana via e-mail, and I had a few questions for her about her music, her philanthropy and what inspires her.