In this episode of On the Aisle, host Tom Alvarez speaks with Mexican Consul, Leticia Maki Teramoto Sakamoto about immigration, identity, and community. Sakamoto discusses the Mexican Consulate’s work supporting immigrants through legal, protection, and documentation services, while also addressing the fear many undocumented families currently face. Alvarez reflects on reconnecting with his Mexican heritage and highlights how Latino culture enriches Indianapolis through the arts, traditions, and community events. Together, they emphasize compassion, cultural understanding, and the importance of supporting immigrant communities.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On this episode of On the Aisle, host Tom Alvarez sits down with acclaimed composer, lyricist, and playwright Adam Gwon for an in-depth conversation about his Off-Broadway musical All the World’s a Stage and its upcoming cast album. Gwon shares how the show grew out of his reflections during the pandemic and explores themes of identity, mentorship, and the power of art to represent marginalized voices. The two discuss Gwon’s creative journey from Baltimore to NYU and beyond, his early love of piano and theater, his experiences working with Roundabout Theatre Company, and the influence of artists like Audra McDonald. Blending personal stories, humor, and thoughtful commentary on the state of musical theater today, the interview offers an intimate look at one of contemporary theater’s most heartfelt voices.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode of On the Aisle, host Tom Alvarez sits down with Yoshiko Kamikusa for an intimate conversation about the global journey that led her to the Indianapolis Ballet. Born in Tokyo and raised in Hawaii, Yoshiko traces her path through elite training in Vancouver, competing in international ballet competitions, and launching her professional career with the Royal Winnipeg Ballet before arriving in Indianapolis. Along the way, she opens up about the discipline and sacrifices behind a ballet career, the realities of company life and competition, dancing through the challenges of COVID, and the artistry required to make the impossible look effortless on stage. Yoshiko also shares a deeply personal chapter honoring her late father by opening a family Japanese restaurant. Making this conversation a heartfelt look at perseverance, passion, and building a life both on and off the stage.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode of “On the Aisle,” host Tom Alvarez Zooms in with Polish‑American Broadway music director and pianist Eugene Gwozdz, tracing his journey from a musical immigrant family in Fort Worth, Texas, to becoming a go‑to collaborator for stars like Betty Buckley, Chita Rivera, Ariana DeBose, and more.

Eugene shares wild behind‑the‑scenes stories about helping Buckley learn “Memory,” sight‑reading early workshops of In the Heights, building tribute concerts at Casa Mañana, and shaping new musicals from a Dolly Parton show to a Spanish‑flu piece he composed while waiting in the hospital for a heart transplant.

With dishy name‑drops, emotional “pinch me” moments, and a powerful message about following your dreams no matter what, this conversation is a masterclass in resilience, artistry, and the unexpected paths a life in music can take.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On this episode of “On the Aisle,” host Tom Alvarez sits down with community leader and musician Shelly Snider, who shares her journey from growing up as a United Methodist preacher’s kid in Indianapolis to becoming a powerhouse in Indiana’s LGBTQ+ community through Indy Pride, the Pride of Indy Bands, and now the Damien Center.

She talks about juggling corporate life, nonprofit work, and family, the joy and healing power of music, and how a scrappy idea on a pizza-napkin became a 60+ member queer band that has marched in presidential inaugurations and is headed to the Tournament of Roses Parade.

Shelly opens up about surviving professional setbacks, honoring queer history and the AIDS crisis, raising her son with her wife, and why she believes risk-taking, collaboration, and radical hope are essential for the next generation. If you care about arts, activism, or what it really means to build community in the Midwest, this conversation is packed with heart, history, and inspiration.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On this episode of On the Aisle, host Tom Alvarez sits down with longtime broadcaster and storyteller Tom Cochrun for a wide-ranging, deeply personal conversation that spans career, creativity, community, and legacy.

Cochrun and Tom discuss their shared history in broadcasting, including their collaboration on a James Dean documentary that continues to resonate with new audiences today. Both men explore the power of storytelling, the importance of trusting creative instincts, and the fearless ambition that drove their early careers.

Alvarez opens up about his personal journey—navigating identity, being a pioneer as a Latino and openly gay broadcaster, and overcoming industry barriers. Cochrun offers heartfelt reflections on witnessing those challenges and the progress made in media diversity, while also expressing concern about preserving those hard-won gains.

The two also dive into the evolution of journalism, from analog roots to the digital age, emphasizing the importance of community storytelling and mentoring the next generation. Cochrun shares how he continues to stay engaged through writing, photography, and local initiatives—even as he approaches 80.

The episode closes with a passionate discussion about the value of the arts—why live performance, music, and storytelling remain essential for human connection, emotional expression, and community unity in an increasingly digital and polarized world.

A thoughtful, nostalgic, and inspiring conversation between two seasoned voices who’ve helped shape—and continue to reflect on—the worlds of media and the arts.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode of On the Aisle, host Tom Alvarez sits down with acclaimed director James Vasquez (also known as Pedro James Vasquez) for a powerful conversation about theater, identity, and the stories that bring people together. Currently directing the hit Broadway musical Come From Away at the Indiana Repertory Theatre, James shares how the production captures the extraordinary true story that unfolded in the wake of the September 11 attacks, when a small Canadian town welcomed thousands of stranded travelers with compassion and generosity. He discusses the unique challenge of staging a fast-paced, ensemble-driven show where just 12 actors portray more than 70 characters, and how he is crafting a fresh vision without relying on past productions.

Beyond the stage, the conversation explores James’ personal journey—from his early days at the Old Globe Theatre to becoming a nationally recognized director—and his experience navigating the industry as a Mexican-American artist. He opens up about reclaiming his full name, Pedro James Vasquez, and the importance of representation and telling culturally authentic stories, including his work on American Mariachi. At its heart, this episode highlights why theater continues to matter: its ability to create genuine human connection, spark meaningful conversations long after the curtain falls, and remind us—much like Come From Away—that even in the most difficult moments, kindness and community can shine through.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this two-part episode of On The Aisle Podcast, host Tom Alvarez sits down with two stars of the stage production of Pretty Woman: The Musical at Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre. The conversations offer an inside look at life in professional theater—from national tours and auditions to the realities of building a career on stage.

Part 1: Dani Kucera – From Cheerleader to Leading Lady

Actor Dani Kucera joins the podcast from backstage during rehearsals to talk about stepping into the lead role of Vivian in Pretty Woman: The Musical. Originally from Pennsylvania and now based in New York City, Kucera shares how her love of theater began unexpectedly after years as a cheerleader before discovering the stage in middle school. She went on to earn a BFA in musical theater from Belmont University, where the program’s strong focus on music training and industry connections helped prepare her for professional work.

Kucera reflects on life after graduation, including touring more than 50 cities with the national tour of Pretty Woman. The experience, she says, created lifelong friendships and offered a crash course in the realities of performing on the road. Now back at Beef & Boards—where she previously appeared in Legally Blonde: The Musical—she’s excited to once again perform for Indianapolis audiences in the romantic musical inspired by the hit film Pretty Woman.

She also shares advice for aspiring performers: talent and hard work matter, but kindness and strong relationships are just as important in the theater world. For Kucera, living in New York and performing across the country feels like the fulfillment of a dream she first discovered as a teenager.

Part 2: Charlie Fusari – From Ensemble to Leading Man

In the second half of the episode, Alvarez speaks with Charlie Fusari, who plays billionaire Edward Lewis in the production. Fusari discusses his journey from growing up in New Jersey to landing major stage roles, including performing in Jersey Boys and touring nationally with Pretty Woman: The Musical before stepping into the lead role at Beef & Boards.

Unlike many performers, Fusari didn’t initially plan a theater career. While attending Sacred Heart University, he discovered the stage through a friend involved in a campus production—and quickly caught the “theater bug.” Since then, he’s built a steady career touring the country, performing in historic theaters, and developing his craft through training and auditions in New York.

Fusari also talks about the unique experience of dinner theater, the challenge of making a famous role his own (originally played on film by Richard Gere), and how the show’s pop-rock score by Bryan Adams brings a fresh energy to the beloved story.

Behind the Curtain

Across both conversations, listeners get a behind-the-scenes look at the dedication, travel, and constant training required to succeed in musical theater. From auditions and touring life to the thrill of performing live, Kucera and Fusari reveal the passion that drives actors to pursue their craft—and why bringing Broadway-caliber productions to regional audiences remains an essential part of American theater.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.