State of the Arts with Peggy Nelson and Michael Boland

Peggy Nelson & Michael Boland, WPKN
  • 5.0 (2)
  • Performing Arts

State of the Arts features guests from the Connecticut and tristate area in theater, visual arts, film, music and more.

Episodes

  1. Jul 24

    State of the Arts, July 24 2026

    Connecticut-based artist Rick Shaefer, who works out of his studio in Bridgeport, will kick off our show to discuss his role in The Museum of Contemporary Art Connecticut’s summer exhibition, “Looking for History.” His remarkable skill with line as a central element shines through in this exhibit titled "Colossi."  It features“Water Crossing” from the "Refugee Trilogy," and “Liberty Dismantled.” His art will be on display through November 15. Joining us for the second half is Ed Libonati, Executive Director of The Summer Theatre of New Canaan. This theatre has a smash hit with the wildly imaginative "Matilda The Musical." Packed with humor, magic, and circus spectacle, Matilda celebrates courage, creativity, and the power of believing in yourself—a message we can all appreciate. It’s the final weekend, so grab your tickets!

    State of the Arts, July 24 2026

  2. Jul 21

    State of the Arts, July 10, 2026

    Peggy Nelson and Tom Holehan host this episode, featuring guests Noelle Fair and CJ Nolan, actors in the upcoming production of Othello with the Hudson Shakespeare Company. Also, Xi Lin visits the show to talk about the Yale Repertory Theatre production of "Rhinoceros." Lin won the Connecticut Critics Circle Award for Outstanding Sound in a Play for her work on that production.

  3. May 16

    Moonrise Cartel and Moses Gunn/Norman Marshall Play Company in Studio

    In our first segment, Al Pascarelli and Stephanie Harrison of the local folk rock band Moonrise Cartel join Mike and Peggy in studio to talk about upcoming music festivals and their approach to songwriting and harmony.  And they play three songs.  In the second segment, Primi Townsend and Marion Gittleman of the Moses Gunn/Norman Marshall Play Company discuss their tribute program for founding member and namesake, Norman Marshall.

  4. May 12

    Jacob Padron of Long Wharf Theatre in studio

    Mike speaks with Jacob Padron, the Artistic Director of New Haven's Long Wharf Theatre, as he reflects on his tenure at the venerable institution, and considers the future.

  5. Feb 20

    State of the Arts 11-28-2025, featuring guests Michael Wilson and Rick Lewis

    Mike Boland, hosting solo for this episode, welcomes in two great guests. Michael Wilson, a Drama Desk Award winning theatre director starts off the show talking about his production of A Christmas Carol at Hartford Stage Company. And local musician, songwriter and bandleader Rick Lewis talks about his life on stage.

  6. 11/21/2025

    Talking with Charles Rosenay and Patty Griffin

    State of the Arts with Peggy Nelson and Michael Boland

  7. 11/07/2025

    Talking with Kevin Connors, Suzanne Kachmar and Peter Schelfhaudt

    State of the Arts with Peggy Nelson and Michael Boland

  8. 10/24/2025

    Talking with Bobby and Barbara Moresco, Suzanne Kachmar, Daniel Lanzilotta, Khyal and John O'Grodnik

    State of the Arts with Peggy Nelson and Michael Boland

  9. 08/29/2025

    State Of The Arts August 29, 2025

    Hosted by Peggy Nelson and Mike Boland Guests: Maureen HamillPerformer, Producer, Teacher and Artistic Director, Fairfield Theater Company Patsy FoxExecutive Director, Fairfield Theater Companyfairfieldtheatre.org Mark ShanahanArtistic Director at Westport Country Playhousewww.westportplayhouse.org

  10. 08/29/2025

    State Of The Arts August 22, 2025

    Hosted by Peggy Nelson and Mike Boland Guests: Jim LoprestiMusician featured in “Spirit Voices 2 -Connecticut Handpan Concert” at the MACjimlopresti.bandcamp.comearthpassenger.bandcamp.commilfordarts.org CYNTHIA LYONEight To The Bar celebrates their 50th anniversary at Toad’s Placeeighttothebar.comwww.toadsplace.com

  11. 08/08/2025

    Richard Thomas (American Theatre Hall of Fame, Emmy-award winning actor), Laura Thoma (Playwright)

    State of the Arts with Peggy Nelson and Michael Boland

  • 11 Episodes

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

State of the Arts features guests from the Connecticut and tristate area in theater, visual arts, film, music and more.

Information

  • Creator
    Peggy Nelson & Michael Boland, WPKN
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    11
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Peggy Nelson & Michael Boland, WPKN