What happens when you mix the talents of a director, actor, singer, and dancer? Find out as we sit down with Lon Barrera for an episode brimming with theatrical magic! Lon recounts unforgettable performances and shares heartwarming stories about his long-time collaborator, Kristen Spires, whom he affectionately calls his "theater wife."

From the nostalgic hits of the '80s and '90s to the emotional highs of watching "Rent" with a friend affected by HIV, our conversation explores the transformative power of theater. We reminisce about iconic productions and the influence of legends like Andrew Lloyd Webber, all while celebrating our tradition of catching every Tony Award-winning best musical since 1989—minus the elusive "Passion." Lon’s journey from a small barn theater to landing leading roles showcases the impact of perseverance and passion in the arts.

Laugh along with us in our theater-themed game show segment, where Lon tries to recall lines from his past roles. We dive into the joy of memorable performances and dream projects, like Lon’s desire to direct "The Drowsy Chaperone." The episode also touches on the importance of creating a safe and diverse theater environment, and the significant role that inclusivity and respect play in the creative process. Tune in for a heartfelt, humorous, and deeply insightful exploration of life in the theater.

If you want to catch all the action, you can watch the full episode video at YouTube.com/@DanielDoesDFW. Follow us on Instagram and Tik Tok: @DanielDoesDFW

Ever wondered how a mimosa brunch could reveal more than just a good time? This episode of Daniel Does brings you a heartwarming reunion with Kae Styron, where we reminisce about our decade-long friendship and the vibrant DFW theater community. From the emotional highs of Ashley Blaine's "Ghost" performance to the hilarity of discovering Kae's histamine intolerance over brunch, our conversation is filled with laughter, nostalgia, and the shared love for performing arts.

Join us as we explore the allure and challenges of city living for artists, particularly in the Big Apple. Kae's dreams of making it in New York City, karaoke nights filled with Broadway tunes, and a memorable rendition of "Santa Fe" from "Newsies" provide a mix of aspiration and reality. We also recount humorous stage mishaps and reflect on past performances, weaving a tapestry of memories that highlight both the glamour and grit of pursuing a career in the arts.

Finally, we pull back the curtain on the technical side of theater, revealing the magic that happens behind the scenes. From troubleshooting a tricky PVC gate during a "Newsies" performance to the journey from set building to production management, we discuss the importance of teamwork and resourcefulness. Don't miss our fun segment "Tool Time," where Kae tests my tool knowledge, leading to plenty of laughs and witty exchanges. This episode is a celebration of creativity, collaboration, and the authenticity that fuels our passion for theater.

If you want to catch all the action, you can watch the full episode video at YouTube.com/@DanielDoesDFW. Follow us on Instagram and Tik Tok: @DanielDoesDFW

Join us on this episode of Daniel Does DFW Theater as we explore costume design with our special guest, the incredibly talented costume designer Hope Cox. Hope shares her unique journey from fashion design to becoming a sought-after name in the Dallas-Fort Worth theater scene. From her early days inspired by her seamstress mom to her work on productions at Theater Arlington and Jubilee Theatre, Hope gives us a behind-the-scenes look at her creative process, including her upcoming full design show at the Dallas Theater Center. We even flirt with the idea of collaborating with the drag community to elevate the wig game in local theater.

In the next segment, we spotlight her as an unexpected hero in the theater world—a Lewisville resident who offered their sewing skills via a simple email and found themselves thrust into the demanding world of costume design with the show "La Cage Aux Folles." We trace her career growth, celebrating her willingness to embrace every opportunity. To lighten the mood, we play a hilarious game of color identification, revealing humorous and unexpected results that had us all laughing out loud.

Our final chapters are a must-listen for aspiring costume designers and theater enthusiasts alike. We navigate through the art and science of costume design, discussing everything from initial script read-throughs to the importance of color theory and character alignment. Hope shares insightful anecdotes from productions like "Rocky Horror" and "James and the Giant Peach Jr.," emphasizing the importance of self-advocacy and open communication between designers and actors. We wrap up with a fun and informative segment where Hope demonstrates her stoning technique, and we share playful behind-the-scenes stories. This episode is packed with laughter, creativity, and a deep appreciation for the magic of theater.

If you want to catch all the action, you can watch the full episode video at YouTube.com/@DanielDoesDFW. Follow us on Instagram and Tik Tok: @DanielDoesDFW