Backstage Pass with Victoria

Dave Karl, Kenny Rogers Impersonator and resident performer at the beautiful Theatre of the Stars in Pigeon Forge TN, talks with Backstage Pass about impersonating Rogers, George Jones, and other legends throughout the years with his touring variety show.

Ronnie McDowell, a country music icon who has worked and collaborated with the likes of Conway Twitty, George Jones, Johnny Cash, and Dolly Parton, is best known for his 1977 song, “The King is Gone”, a tribute to Elvis Presley shortly after Presley’s death. McDowell subsequently chatted more than 30 Top 40 Hits on the Billboard Charts, and two of his singles, “Older Women” and “You’re Gonna Ruin...

Calvin Griffin, who sang the role of The Loudspeaker in the biting political satire, “Kaiser of Atlantis”, which was written in 1943 by Victor Ullman who was moved to Auschwitz and killed by Nazis for writing this very piece. Griffin talks with Backstage Pass about growing up in an opera household, achieving his lifelong dream of joining the Metropolitan Opera, and bringing art to life on the Atla...

Joseph Lattanzi, a Glynn Studio Artist who plays Silvio in The Atlanta Opera’s 2020 season production of Paggliaci, chats with Backstage Pass about gaining critical acclaim for his turn as Anthony in Sweeney Todd, the challenges of working as an opera singer amidst a global pandemic, and the web series he has created in hoped to make opera more accessible.

Andy Harvey (Ash), Kelsey Brodeur (Cheryl), and Jake Watford (Scott), principally cast members of Evil Dead: The Musical at The Springer Opera House in Columbus GA chat with Victoria Henley of Backstage Pass about their new outdoor theatre space to accommodate the times, how they prepared for their roles, and bringing the gory, campy Sam Raimi cult classic film to life in musical form.

The cast of the Amish Country Theatre in the beautiful Berlin Ohio (listed below) chat with Backstage Pass after their evening show, Shakin’ Bacon, a parody/comedy/variety show that is completely one of a kind. Ken Groves shares his near death experiences while performing oversees, Donnie Abraham shares his (least) favorite Christmas song to perform, and the cast talks about their tight bond and b...

Niels Duinker, 8- Time Guinness World Record Holding Juggler and new resident juggler at The Amish Country Theatre, returns to Backstage Pass after landing his new gig in the beautiful Berlin Ohio. He chats about headlining his his own show, Morning Throwdown, crazy experiences on the road, writing his own books, and how he believes anyone can could learn to juggle with practice and patience.

John Gurkey, Director of Guest Experience at the Cleveland Rock and Roll Hall of Fame spends time to Backstage Pass to talk about the Museums inception, the 25 year anniversary, and the enduring, undying presence of Rock and Roll in our culture.

Scott Vollmer, VP of STEM learning at the Great Lakes Science Center, the premier, interactive science museum in Cleveland OH, chats with Backstage Pass about celebrating the Museum’s 25th anniversary, memorable moments with astronauts, and the importance of recognizing that failure is a part of success

Jim and Mike Wetzel, real life brothers and tribute artists who portray the iconic Everly Brothers at the Red Skelton Theatre in Pigeon Forge TN, talk with Backstage Pass about what inspired them to start a tribute show for this iconic duo, performing as part of a Staler Brothers quartet, and whether or not they get along better than the real life Everly Brothers.

The cast of Legendary Superstars, world renowned impersonation artists who portray Buddy Holly, Aretha Franklin, Conway Twitty, Michael Jackson, and Elvis Presley spend time with Backstage Pass to chat about the research and training that goes into portraying some of the most legendary names in show business, how they get into character, and how they got started.

Stuart Chapman, Award winning Elvis Impersonator and star of the Conway Twitty and Elvis Tribute Show at the Main Event Theatre in Pigeon Forge TN, speaks with Backstage Pass about his lifelong dreams to play Elvis, memorable fan encounters, and the pressure that comes with portraying an icon.

Brian Hoffman, creator, writer, and star of Remembering Red: A Tribute to Red Skelton, opens up to Backstage Pass about the pressure of impersonating a living legend, what inspired him to get started in comedy, and memorable audience interactions.

Candice Cook, spokesperson for Alcatraz East Crime Museum, an interactive crime museum in the Smoky Mountains, providing an in depth look at the mind of a psychopath, how some of the most notorious criminals like Ted Bundy and Charles Manson got justice, and what can be done to hopefully prevent heinous crime before it begins.

The cast of Sweet Fanny Adams Theatre, led and directed by renowned vaudeville artist, Chris MacPherson, talks with Backstage Pass about their quirky and Wiley brand of comedy, the behind the scenes dynamic of the cast, and the bittersweet end of their legacy as the longest running performance art theatre in the Smoky Mountains after 44 seasons.

The stars of the micro-wrestling federation, who have toured the world as one of the largest touring shows of its kind, open up to Backstage Pass about life as a professional wrestlers, the biggest misconceptions about little people in wrestling, and the launch of their new reality web series.

The cast of Biblical Times, the premier faith based dinner show in Pigeon Forge TN, sits down with Backstage Pass to reflect on their testimonies, the winding road that led them each to the entertainment industry, the roles faith has played in their personal/professional lives, and shares funny stores about the cast’s resident prankster.

Mark Pedro, curator of Christ Museum and Gardens in the beautiful Smoky Mountains, talks with Backstage Pass about Faith, his inspiration from legendary artists, and future plans for the museum.

Travis James, headliner and Conway Twitty Impersonator at the Main Event Theatre in Pigeon Forge TN, chats with Backstage Pass about tours in Korea, the most common misconceptions about tribute artists, appearances on the Oprah Winfrey Show, and the main difference between portraying Twitty, and another icon: Elvis Presley.

Patty Waszak, Star of the Patty Waszak Show at Red Skelton’s Tribute Theatre in Pigeon Forge TN, chats with Backstage Pass about eerie experiences on the road, belief in God’s Plan, and her most memorable moments touring the country and performing with her partner of over 40 years, JC.

Erik Dobell, Star of the show, Impossibilities: Magic, Mindreading, and Maybem, talks with Backstage Pass about the most common misconceptions about mentalist, crazy fan encounters, and how he keeps his brain sharp for the demands of his chosen profession.

The cast of Country Tonight sits down in a round table style Interview with Backstage Pass to chat about their brand new show, artists that inspire them, and how they work together as a team to bring artistic visions to life. Mike Caldwell- band director/harmonica John Young-vocals/lead guitar Kaleb Wright-Host/guitar/fiddle Jamie Goldman-dancer Amanda Russell-dance captain Sophia Wickwire- youth...

Stars of The Lumberjack Feud, Caleb Graves, Andrew Jensen, Tyler Alden, Uncle Bud Beasley, and Adam Lethco talk about the extreme danger, high octane adrenaline rush, and athleticism that accompanies being a lumberjack. https://lumberjackfeud.com/adventure/

Lumber-Jill’s, Megan Mayo and Ashley King, stars of the Lumberjack Feud Show, talk with Backstage Pass about working in the male dominated field of lumberjacking, how they inspire young girls, and overcoming fears to climb to the top of the ranks as lumberjack athletes. https://lumberjackfeud.com/adventure/

Thunderstorm Artis, Finalist of The Voice, Season 18, sits down with Backstage Pass to discuss life as a newly married man, what he learned from his mentor, John Legend, and of course the burning question: where did the name “Thunderstorm” come from?