Michael Belloti - Man of La Mancha at Schenectady Light Opera Company

Life is Good co-founder John Jacobs visits Saratoga Springs

Life is Good. Just ask Life is Good co-founder John Jacobs. The co-founder of the iconic T-shirt and merchandise company, along with his brother, Bert, took an ideal, instilled in them since childhood, took a dream and made a part of the American dream, if not inspiration. John Jacobs will be signing his co-authored book, "Life is Good: The Book" at the Saratoga Springs Life is Good company store, and I had a chance to catch up with John via Zoom before his visit. He talked about the company's humble beginnings, how his childhood shaped their view of life, crediting their mother, Joan, and what it means to meet people who not only like the merchandise but share the same mantra. It was an enjoyable few minutes spent with John as we immediately shared a common bond in "Newsies", his being the play, recently performed by his 12-year-old daughter, and my own "Newsie" the Zoom background during our call. The shirts are worth your dollars, and I hope this conversation is also.

Shenendehowa senior Lily Sinnott reflects on a career ahead of the Jimmy Awards

Shenendehowa High School senior Lily Sinnott had to reach for the proverbial stars in her final high school musical, “Natasha, Pierre & the Great Comet of 1812,” encouraged by the faith of her director, Bradley Gregg and it paid off. Sinnott was one of two locals to receive Outstanding Lead Performer's locally and earn a trip to the National High School Musical Theater Awards in New York City, The Jimmy Awards. “As soon as I knew that the Jimmys were a thing in eighth grade, I was like, I want to do that, that's where I want to go. I made it a goal, started working, taking opportunities, and being grateful for everything.” Admittedly, a Sinnott fan, I was thrilled to be able to sit down with her and her director inside one of the music rooms on the Shenendehowa campus prior to her leaving for Jimmy's Week in NYC. My bucket list gained another check as for the second time, Tell Me Your Story, was closed out by a song from a guest.

Saratoga Springs senior Max Mitler on his way to Jimmy Awards in NYC

Max Mitler made the most of his senior year at Saratoga Springs High School, receiving one of this year’s Collaborative School of the Arts at Proctors High School Musical Theater Award winner for his role as Jack Kelly in "Newsies" and is now spending a week on Broadway. “I think it's a little harder when your character is more like Jack, who is a little less level-headed than some other characters I played,” Max Mittler said during a podcast recording of the “Tell Me Your Story” podcast shortly after the recognition. “He makes his decisions and sticks to his guns, which I think is easy to portray to the audience and shows strength in both your body and your decisions, which I really enjoyed.” I caught up with the senior, just days after his big win, inside the hallways of his high school and just outside the Saratoga Springs auditorium with long-time director Bob Berenis. The two were engaging, insightful and for the first time, Tell Me Your Story closed out with a song from its guest - Max. The Jimmy Awards will be live-streamed on YouTube from the Minskoff Theatre on Broadway, 7:30 p.m. Monday, hosted by five-time Emmy Award-nominated comedian, actor, writer and podcast host Bowen Yang.

Anthony Richichi author, illustrator and official Star Wars sketch card artist

I was introduced to award-winning author, artist, and illustrator Anthony Richichi through Vicki Addesso Dodd, owner of Saratoga Springs Publishing Company, by another Children’s Book author. His artistic star continues to rise from comic book kid to artist, illustrator, author, producer, and director.  Our latest meeting, after being wowed by his work with The Daily Gazette and his illustration of the newspaper mascot, Newsie, brought us together in another galaxy. Richichi created his 30th trading card original artwork series, this time distributed by the Topps Company in the Star Wars Smugglers Outpost series.  A few days from Saratoga Comic Con, where the trading card illustration opportunity first found him, I sat down with him in his Glens Falls studio. It is a story from not long, long, ago and not too, too far away, but enjoy the journey.

Michael Belloti - Man of La Mancha at Schenectady Light Opera Company

Michael Belloti has several hats to wear on stage at Schenectady Light Opera Company when Man of La Mancha opens -- Cervantes, Don Quixote, and Alonso Quijana. But that is nothing new for the current mechanical engineer, retired Navy officer, husband, and father. Full disclosure - Man of La Mancha is my all-time favorite play, so it was a thrill to have him on the 'Tell Me Your Story' podcast. Learn more about this talented actor, veteran, and tremendous talent.