As you take your seats in the theatre, the lights dim and a voice says “Please locate the nearest exits, turn off all cellular devices, and if you should wish to partake of hard candy during the performance, please Unwrap Your Candies Now…” and then the show begins! Ernie Manouse and Catherine Lu invite you into the world of the performing and visual arts, through conversations with the personalities who bring that world to life. Each episode of UYCN features lively conversations with colorful characters — helping the listener connect with the ideas and people who are shaping today’s pop culture landscape.
As you take your seats in the theatre, the lights dim and a voice says “Please locate the nearest exits, turn off all cellular devices, and if you should wish to partake of hard candy during the performance, please Unwrap Your Candies Now…” and then the show begins! Ernie Manouse and Catherine Lu invite you into the world of the performing and visual arts, through conversations with the personalities who bring that world to life. Each episode of UYCN features lively conversations with colorful characters — helping the listener connect with the ideas and people who are shaping today’s pop culture landscape.

In this episode of the podcast “Unwrap Your Candies Now,” Catherine Lu chats with Dan Knechtges, Artistic Director of Theatre Under The Stars, about the company’s recently-announced 2020 – 2021 season. Knechtges, a Tony-nominated director and choreographer, talks about the eclectic mix of national productions with major buzz and homegrown TUTS productions that celebrate Houston talent – and why it’s like a meal of tapas.
Then, Ernie Manouse interviews Emilio Delgado, who played “Luis” on Sesame Street for over four decades. Delgado stars in The Alley Theatre’s production of Quixote Nuevo. Written by playwright Octavio Solis and directed by KJ Sanchez, the story is a reimagining of Cervantes’ Don Quixote, set in a fictional modern-day Texas border town. It runs January 17 – February 9.
Share your comments, questions and ideas at UYCN@houstonpublicmedia.org.
Music used: Under the Sea from The Little Mermaid Original Broadway Cast Recording