Warning, long post ahead:
Edi, to give you more background about Radio Wales, (thanks to Francois for posting the link), we are allowed to listen to music at my place of employment (The Foundation Center). I listen to many shows on the BBC. I was looking for shows that played theatre and film music and came across a program on Radio Wales called Showtime. It's hosted by Beverley Humphreys. She's a former opera singer who has moved into being a radio presenter.
I listened to the show for a few weeks and then in April of 2003 she opened her program with the overture to Gypsy. I had tickets here in New York for the Bernadette Peters revival. I sent an e-mail to Beverley and said I was seeing the show and how nice it was that she played the overture. Her producer wrote back and said that Beverley was interested in what I thought and could she call me to tape some comments. Since I love radio (or what used to be radio, with the exception of NPR most radio in this country is DREADFUL), I gleefully said yes.
I saw Gypsy, jotted down some notes, the producer called and we spoke and low and behold, the next Wednesday I was on Beverley's show.
I must have done something right because she asked if I would be interested in commenting on Broadway shows on an ongoing basis. I was overjoyed. If I had been born in the 1920s-1950s my dream job would have been to work in radio (there is something wonderful and magical about good radio). I said yes and with minor interruptions, I have been doing just that (talking about Broadway musicals on BBC Radio Wales) since April 30, 2003.
The show is now broadcast live on Saturday evening from 5-6pm. I listen to see if one of my segments is broadcast (they don't usually tell me when a review will be played, nor am I payed for this, it's all an avocation for me, a great gig for a former actor). If a segement is broadcast I then send out e-mails to my "fan base" (many of them are here on HHW) telling them. I include the link to the show and information about where I am in the broadcast.
If you, Edi, (or anyone else on this here board) would like to receive the e-mail when I appear on Radio Wales, send me a Private Message or IM with your e-mail address and I'll add you to the list.
Those of you who usually get an e-mail, stay tuned because I will be sending one out sometime today telling you about the new broadcast. Remember, it's only available to hear for 7 (seven) days after broadcast (it will be up through March 10th).
End of long post! Thanks for reading.
