Take a nostalgic journey through five decades of drama, laughter, and community spirit as host Micky Shearon sits down with one of the original legends of the Granbury Opera House, Marty Van Kleeck.

From sleeping with no AC to stuffing cold water biscuits in her pockets to building sets from scratch, Marty shares hilarious and heartwarming tales from the Opera House’s earliest days in 1975.

🎤 Hear how a motley crew of passionate theatre lovers transformed a crumbling shell into a thriving artistic hub—fueled by community love, secondhand seats from Carswell AFB, and one very good dog named Biscuit. Learn how the Opera House helped shape the modern identity of Granbury, Texas, and discover how its cultural legacy still resonates today.

✨ This special 50th anniversary episode is packed with behind-the-scenes memories, unexpected celebrity cameos (Mary Martin? Harvey Schmidt?), and a celebration of the theatre kids who made it all happen—no AC required.

🎉 And the magic continues! Don’t forget to grab your tickets to our current smash-hit production of Hairspray and upcoming summer camp performances of Finding Nemo Jr, plus the return of Singin’ in the Rain this August!📅

Visit www.granburytheatrecompany.org or call 817-579-0952 to reserve your seat at the historic Granbury Opera House.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Granbury Theatre Company

01:00 Marty Van Cleek's Journey to the Opera House

02:19 The Early Days of the Granbury Opera House

07:27 Community Involvement in Renovation

11:13 Life as a Theatre Intern

16:24 The Evolution of the Opera House's Productions

20:29 The Economic Impact of the Opera House

24:30 Marty's Role as Managing Director

25:00 The Evolution of the Granbury Opera House

27:36 Challenges and Triumphs in Theater Management

31:53 Legacy of the Granbury Opera House

34:06 Memorable Productions and Personalities

38:46 Celebrating 50 Years of the Granbury Opera House

Take a nostalgic journey through five decades of drama, laughter, and community spirit as host Micky Shearon sits down with one of the original legends of the Granbury Opera House, Marty Van Kleeck.

From sleeping with no AC to stuffing cold water biscuits in her pockets to building sets from scratch, Marty shares hilarious and heartwarming tales from the Opera House’s earliest days in 1975.

🎤 Hear how a motley crew of passionate theatre lovers transformed a crumbling shell into a thriving artistic hub—fueled by community love, secondhand seats from Carswell AFB, and one very good dog named Biscuit. Learn how the Opera House helped shape the modern identity of Granbury, Texas, and discover how its cultural legacy still resonates today.

✨ This special 50th anniversary episode is packed with behind-the-scenes memories, unexpected celebrity cameos (Mary Martin? Harvey Schmidt?), and a celebration of the theatre kids who made it all happen—no AC required.

🎉 And the magic continues! Don’t forget to grab your tickets to our current smash-hit production of Hairspray and upcoming summer camp performances of Finding Nemo Jr, plus the return of Singin’ in the Rain this August!📅

Visit www.granburytheatrecompany.org or call 817-579-0952 to reserve your seat at the historic Granbury Opera House.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Granbury Theatre Company

01:00 Marty Van Cleek's Journey to the Opera House

02:19 The Early Days of the Granbury Opera House

07:27 Community Involvement in Renovation

11:13 Life as a Theatre Intern

16:24 The Evolution of the Opera House's Productions

20:29 The Economic Impact of the Opera House

24:30 Marty's Role as Managing Director

25:00 The Evolution of the Granbury Opera House

27:36 Challenges and Triumphs in Theater Management

31:53 Legacy of the Granbury Opera House

34:06 Memorable Productions and Personalities

38:46 Celebrating 50 Years of the Granbury Opera House

🎭🎙Step behind the curtain with hosts Micky Shearon and Matt Beutner for a joyful, powerful, and deeply moving episode of Acting Up with GTC!

After nearly a decade of trying, Granbury Theatre Company is finally bringing Hairspray: The Broadway Musical to life on the Granbury Opera House stage—and trust us, it’s worth the wait.

In this special episode, we sit down with cast and crew to talk about the show’s iconic music, electric choreography, and the timely, resonant themes of inclusion, equality, and standing up for what’s right.

You’ll hear stories from:

🧡 Paloma Magaña on playing a quietly revolutionary Penny

💥 Takara Bailey’s heartfelt take on Motor Mouth Mabel

🎭 Javon Checo’s experience shifting from actor to assistant director

🎤 Caden Caulkins and Kendrick Booth as the dual Link Larkins

🎶 Braden Carlton’s insight into portraying Seaweed and the power of music in protest

💃 Emily Farmer’s take on Penny’s curiosity and courage

There’s laughter, insight, a few unexpected callbacks, and a whole lot of heart. If you’ve ever loved theater, Hairspray, or the power of people coming together, this one’s for you.

🎟️ Hairspray opens June 6 and runs through July 6.

Get your tickets now at www.granburytheatrecompany.org or call 817-579-0952.

Chapters:

00:48 Intro

10:40 Takara Bailey, Javon Tcheco, and Paloma Magana

38:55 Kendrick Booth and Cade Calkins

56:32 Braedon Carlton and Emily Farmer

🎭🎙Step behind the curtain with hosts Micky Shearon and Matt Beutner for a joyful, powerful, and deeply moving episode of Acting Up with GTC! After nearly a decade of trying, Granbury Theatre Company is finally bringing Hairspray: The Broadway Musical to life on the Granbury Opera House stage—and trust us, it’s worth the wait.In this special episode, we sit down with cast and crew to talk about the show’s iconic music, electric choreography, and the timely, resonant themes of inclusion, equality, and standing up for what’s right. You’ll hear stories from:🧡 Paloma Magaña on playing a quietly revolutionary Penny💥 Takara Bailey’s heartfelt take on Motor Mouth Mabel🎭 Javon Checo’s experience shifting from actor to assistant director🎤 Caden Caulkins and Kendrick Booth as the dual Link Larkins🎶 Braden Carlton’s insight into portraying Seaweed and the power of music in protest💃 Emily Farmer’s take on Penny’s curiosity and courageThere’s laughter, insight, a few unexpected callbacks, and a whole lot of heart. If you’ve ever loved theater, Hairspray, or the power of people coming together, this one’s for you.🎟️ Hairspray opens June 6 and runs through July 6. Get your tickets now at www.granburytheatrecompany.org or call 817-579-0952.

Chapters:

00:48 Intro

10:40 Takara Bailey, Javon Tcheco, and Paloma Magana

38:55 Kendrick Booth and Cade Calkins

56:32 Braedon Carlton and Emily Farmer

🎭 Don’t Stop Believin’… in Big Hair and Bigger Dreams!

This episode of Acting Up with GTC is packed tighter than Tracy Turnblad’s hairspray can!

🎸 First, we sit down with Donovan Duke and Mike Cooper from Infinite Journey, one of the most beloved tribute bands to ever rock the Granbury Opera House stage. Hear how they channel the spirit (and sound!) of Journey with zero backing tracks and 100% heart.

🎤 Then, director Bentleigh Nesbitt drops by to dish about our upcoming summer musical Hairspray, the wild ride of choreographing chaos, and her bittersweet farewell as she heads to London for grad school. (Spoiler: It gets emotional. Like, “Faithfully” emotional.)

🎟️ Shows featured in this episode:

• Pride & Prejudice – Final weekend!

• Infinite Journey – May 30 & 31 (3 shows!)

• Hairspray – June 6 to July 6

Stream, watch, laugh, cry, and sing along with us—right here on Spotify.

#ActingUpWithGTC #GranburyTheatreCompany #InfiniteJourney #Hairspray #JourneyTribute #PodcastLife #SpotifyVideoPodcast #TexasTheatre 🎶🎭✨

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Acting Up with GTC

01:47 Pride and Prejudice Production Review

03:48 Upcoming Infinite Journey Concert

06:08 Hairspray: A Long-Awaited Production

10:04 Interview with Infinite Journey Band Members

20:46 Favorite Journey Songs and Audience Connection

27:36 Closing Remarks and Ticket Information

30:44 Choreography and Dance in Theater

33:31 Theater Education and Career Path

36:47 Directing Experience and Style

40:38 Theater Journey and Early Interests

44:47 Advice for Aspiring Performers

46:42 Exciting News: MFA Acceptance

52:52 Future Plans and Moving to London

🎭 Don’t Stop Believin’… in Big Hair and Bigger Dreams!

This episode of Acting Up with GTC is packed tighter than Tracy Turnblad’s hairspray can!

🎸 First, we sit down with Donovan Duke and Mike Cooper from Infinite Journey, one of the most beloved tribute bands to ever rock the Granbury Opera House stage. Hear how they channel the spirit (and sound!) of Journey with zero backing tracks and 100% heart.

🎤 Then, director Bentleigh Nesbitt drops by to dish about our upcoming summer musical Hairspray, the wild ride of choreographing chaos, and her bittersweet farewell as she heads to London for grad school. (Spoiler: It gets emotional. Like, “Faithfully” emotional.)

🎟️ Shows featured in this episode:

• Pride & Prejudice – Final weekend!

• Infinite Journey – May 30 & 31 (3 shows!)

• Hairspray – June 6 to July 6

Stream, watch, laugh, cry, and sing along with us—right here on Spotify.

#ActingUpWithGTC #GranburyTheatreCompany #InfiniteJourney #Hairspray #JourneyTribute #PodcastLife #SpotifyVideoPodcast #TexasTheatre 🎶🎭✨

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Acting Up with GTC

01:47 Pride and Prejudice Production Review

03:48 Upcoming Infinite Journey Concert

06:08 Hairspray: A Long-Awaited Production

10:04 Interview with Infinite Journey Band Members

20:46 Favorite Journey Songs and Audience Connection

27:36 Closing Remarks and Ticket Information

30:44 Choreography and Dance in Theater

33:31 Theater Education and Career Path

36:47 Directing Experience and Style

40:38 Theater Journey and Early Interests

44:47 Advice for Aspiring Performers

46:42 Exciting News: MFA Acceptance

52:52 Future Plans and Moving to London

This one’s got it all, y’all—chaos, comedy, costumes, and a couple of real-life lovebirds. In this jam-packed episode of Acting Up with GTC, hosts Micky Shearon and Matt Beutner are finally back in the studio after a whirlwind month of theatre madness. And oh, do they have stories to tell.

First, we take you behind the scenes of Academy Weekend, where Seussical Kids and Julius Caesar somehow shared a stage—one filled with sunshine and singing cats, the other soaked in fake blood and Shakespearean betrayal. (Spoiler: Travis Trimble survives. Barely.)

Then, it's all about Pride and Prejudice, our newest mainstage production. Director Haley Twaddle, along with stars Emmy Looney (Elizabeth Bennet) and JD Dvorak (Mr. Darcy), join the pod to dish on this dreamy Jane Kendall adaptation, the show’s gorgeous garden set, and how real-life romance makes their on-stage chemistry absolutely swoon-worthy. Did we mention they just got engaged in a Pride & Prejudice-themed photoshoot? Swoon.

Finally, fan-favorite Colton Lively drops in to spill the tea on the real magic behind GTC productions—wigs, wardrobe, and wig-out moments backstage.

🎟️ Grab your tickets to Pride & Prejudice now—it opens May 9 for a 3-weekend run through May 25!
📅 And don’t forget to check out Summer Camp info at GranburyTheatreAcademy.org for your young stars-in-training.

🎧 Subscribe, share, and support us on Patreon—because we know you’re acting up too.
#ActingUpWithGTC #GranburyTheatreCompany #PrideAndPrejudice #SeussicalKids #JuliusCaesar #BehindTheScenes #LocalTheatre #TexasTheatre #SupportTheArts #GTC 💙🎭✨

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Acting Up with GTC Podcast

00:50 Recap of Academy Weekend and Upcoming Productions

09:08 Interview with Pride and Prejudice Cast

12:05 Director's Vision and Adaptation of Pride and Prejudice

18:53 Character Insights and Personal Connections

27:58 Show Details and Closing Remarks

29:50 The Heart of Pride and Prejudice

34:38 Behind the Scenes: The Art of Production

35:51 The Role of Hair and Makeup in Theatre

46:23 The Challenges of Performing and Producing

52:01 The Journey to Granbury Theatre Company

57:38 Summer Camps: Nurturing Young Talent

This one’s got it all, y’all—chaos, comedy, costumes, and a couple of real-life lovebirds. In this jam-packed episode of Acting Up with GTC, hosts Micky Shearon and Matt Beutner are finally back in the studio after a whirlwind month of theatre madness. And oh, do they have stories to tell.First, we take you behind the scenes of Academy Weekend, where Seussical Kids and Julius Caesar somehow shared a stage—one filled with sunshine and singing cats, the other soaked in fake blood and Shakespearean betrayal. (Spoiler: Travis Trimble survives. Barely.)Then, it's all about Pride and Prejudice, our newest mainstage production. Director Haley Twaddle, along with stars Emmy Looney (Elizabeth Bennet) and JD Dvorak (Mr. Darcy), join the pod to dish on this dreamy Jane Kendall adaptation, the show’s gorgeous garden set, and how real-life romance makes their on-stage chemistry absolutely swoon-worthy. Did we mention they just got engaged in a Pride & Prejudice-themed photoshoot? Swoon.Finally, fan-favorite Colton Lively drops in to spill the tea on the real magic behind GTC productions—wigs, wardrobe, and wig-out moments backstage.🎟️ Grab your tickets to Pride & Prejudice now—it opens May 9 for a 3-weekend run through May 25!📅 And don’t forget to check out Summer Camp info at GranburyTheatreAcademy.org for your young stars-in-training.🎧 Subscribe, share, and support us on Patreon—because we know you’re acting up too.#ActingUpWithGTC #GranburyTheatreCompany #PrideAndPrejudice #SeussicalKids #JuliusCaesar #BehindTheScenes #LocalTheatre #TexasTheatre #SupportTheArts #GTC 💙🎭✨Timestamps:00:00Introduction to Acting Up with GTC Podcast00:50Recap of Academy Weekend and Upcoming Productions09:08Interview with Pride and Prejudice Cast12:05Director's Vision and Adaptation of Pride and Prejudice18:53Character Insights and Personal Connections27:58Show Details and Closing Remarks29:50The Heart of Pride and Prejudice34:38Behind the Scenes: The Art of Production35:51The Role of Hair and Makeup in Theatre46:23The Challenges of Performing and Producing52:01The Journey to Granbury Theatre Company57:38Summer Camps: Nurturing Young Talent