Backstage Buzz Episode 1: Meet Richey Suncoast Theatre's New Monthly Podcast
Backstage Buzz, Episode 1: Bo Bice, Rocky Horror and More The very first episode of Richey Suncoast Theatre's new monthly show is here. Watch the full episode below.
Every theatre has its own backstage buzz: the rehearsal stories, the hallway chatter and the "you will not believe who is coming" news that audiences rarely get to hear. Richey Suncoast Theatre is now bringing that conversation out front. Backstage Buzz is a new monthly video podcast hosted by Creative Director Jess Glass and Executive Director Susie Saxe, the two people who know what is coming to Grand Boulevard before anyone else.
Once a month, Jess and Susie will sit down to walk through what is on the calendar, share news from inside the building and have a little fun doing it. In their words, it is "a way for us to connect to our community a little bit more." The timing could not be better. Richey Suncoast Theatre is celebrating its 100th year, and a theatre that has been entertaining New Port Richey since 1926 has plenty of stories to tell.
In This Episode
October at RST: Absolute Hits Live featuring Bo Bice, the Bike Fest weekend downtown, The Rocky Horror Picture Show with its live shadow cast, comedian Marty Malloy and the next main stage play of the season, Noises Off. Jess and Susie close with an important reminder about where to buy your tickets.
Meet the Hosts
Jess Glass is the Creative Director at Richey Suncoast Theatre and the director of this year's Rocky Horror Picture Show shadow cast, so she has the inside track on how rehearsals are going. Her verdict this year: "It feels a little special."
Susie Saxe is the Executive Director, steering RST through its 100th year. She is also the one who will remind you, more than once, to buy your tickets from the right place.
Behind the camera is Nathan Poulette, who shot and edited the episode.
Highlights with Timestamps
0:00 Welcome to Backstage Buzz. Jess and Susie introduce the very first episode and what the monthly show is all about.
0:35 Absolute Hits Live featuring Bo Bice. The band behind Absolute Queen, Absolute Journey, Absolute Def Leppard and Absolute Bon Jovi returned on Thursday, October 8, this time with American Idol's Bo Bice. Susie's take on finishing second to Carrie Underwood: "Who's not going to lose to Carrie Underwood?"
1:50 Bike Fest weekend. The theatre went dark October 9 to 11 for Bike Fest, while the box office kept its normal hours. Their advice: come downtown, visit the neighbors, catch the free music around town and stop into the bars and restaurants.
Update: Since this episode was recorded, Cotee River Bike Fest has been rescheduled to January 15 to 17, 2027, in Downtown New Port Richey, with Quiet Riot headlining on Saturday, January 16. Admission is free.
2:41 The Rocky Horror Picture Show. The yearly favorite returns with a live shadow cast, and this year's run includes memorial moments celebrating the life of Tim Curry.
3:02 Remembering Tim Curry. The hosts trade their first Tim Curry memories, from Robin Hood to Clue.
3:37 A costume contest at every performance. Come dressed as your "Frankie best" or anything you like. Rocky costumes are encouraged but not required.
4:19 The house rules. Rocky Horror is 18 and up, and outside props stay home. Prop bags with water guns, noise makers, rubber gloves and newspapers are included with every ticket except the last two rows of the balcony, the lower-priced seats the hosts lovingly call the "cheap seats."
5:13 Marty Malloy, Friday, October 30. The Kill Tony golden ticket winner comes to New Port Richey with help from local comedian Stefano Capicotto. It is the night before Halloween, so get your laughs in "before you have to give all of your candy away."
6:04 Noises Off in November. Often called the funniest play of all time, this backstage farce is, as Jess puts it, the great uncle of The Play That Goes Wrong, with a set design you will want to see in person.
6:37 Buy direct. Please buy tickets only from the RST box office or richeysuncoasttheatre.com, and check the web address before you enter a card number. As Susie says, "We are not $100 a ticket."
7:25 Thanks and sign-off. A thank-you to Nathan Poulette, and a promise to see you next month.
Shows Mentioned in This Episode
Absolute Hits Live featuring Bo Bice played Thursday, October 8.
The Rocky Horror Picture Show with Live Shadow Cast, 18 and up, with an ASL interpreted performance on Friday, October 23.
The Rocky Horror Costume Contest takes place before every Rocky Horror performance.
Marty Malloy, Friday, October 30 at 8 PM.
Noises Off, November 13 to 22.
See every upcoming show on our event calendar.
How to Listen and Watch
Episode 1 of Backstage Buzz premiered on the Richey Suncoast Theatre YouTube channel on October 4. Watch it above, subscribe on YouTube so you never miss an episode, and follow Richey Suncoast Theatre on Facebook for show news between episodes. Each month we will post the episode here on the blog, too, with timestamps and links to every show mentioned.
What's Next
Backstage Buzz is a monthly series, so Episode 2 is already on the way. With Noises Off opening in November and the holiday season right behind it, Jess and Susie will have plenty to talk about. Subscribe on YouTube and check back here each month for the recap.
Richey Suncoast Theatre Warns Against Third-Party Ticket Sellers
Richey Suncoast Theatre is warning patrons about unauthorized websites selling event tickets at inflated prices. As a non-profit community theatre, RST keeps ticket prices affordable; extra fees from these resellers do not benefit the theatre. Only purchase tickets through the official links on our website:
Tickets bought elsewhere cannot be guaranteed, refunded, or replaced. Buying direct ensures you pay the correct price and support RST's mission to keep live theatre accessible to everyone.
ABOUT RICHEY SUNCOAST THEATRE: Richey Suncoast Theatre, located at 6237 Grand Boulevard, is a non-profit, community-focused performing arts venue dedicated to enriching lives through live theater. Now celebrating its 100th year, the theatre offers a diverse lineup of performances, educational programs, and special events, fostering a deep appreciation for the arts within the local and regional community. For more information about upcoming performances and events, follow us on Facebook!
