Craig McFarland

The Tony Award winning Broadway musical 1776 will be presented by the Hoogland Center for the Arts this week as part of the City of Springfield's America 250 celebration. The show will run July 1-5. The Wednesday through Friday performances will begin at 7:30pm, both weekend shows will be 2pm matinees. Craig was joined in studio by fellow casemates, Aasne Vigesaa who plays Abagail Adams and Jim Leach who takes on the role of John Hancock in the show. For more information and tickets visit: HCFTA.org

This week we have an exclusive interview the Senior Vice President in charge of D23, Michael Vargo. We speak with Michael all about the upcoming D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event which will happen in Anaheim, August 14-16. Vanessa asks Michael for tips on her first trip to the event. We also discuss the Disney Legends awards that will be bestowed at the event, and some of the additional entertainment opportunities fans will have that attend.

This week on Beyond the Mouse, we welcomes two special guests for a behind-the-scenes look at one of the most exciting additions to Disney's Hollywood Studios: Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Starring the Muppets! Joining the show are Dani Iglesias from The Muppets Studio and Justin DeTolla from Walt Disney Imagineering.Together, they pull back the curtain on how the beloved coaster was transformed into a Muppet-fueled rock-and-roll adventure. From crafting the attraction’s story and selecting its unforgettable soundtrack to bringing celebrity cameos into the experience, Dani and Justin share the creative process behind making this wild new ride a reality. Plus, hear stories from development, collaboration between Imagineering and The Muppets Studio, and what fans should keep an eye out for on their next ride through the chaos.Whether you're a lifelong Muppet fan, a theme park enthusiast, or just curious how Disney attractions come to life, this is an episode you won't want to miss!

Springfield Theatre Centre will close their season with a production of "For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide/When the Rainbow is Enuf on June 12-14 and 19-21. Craig was able to talk to director Reggie Guyton along with cast members India Pierce and Lakeia Crawford about the upcoming show and how they became involved in the production. "For colored girls who have considered suicide/when the rainbow is enuf: This groundbreaking "choreopoem" is a spellbinding collection of vivid prose and free verse narratives about and performed by Black women. Capturing the brutal, tender and dramatic lives of contemporary Black women, for colored girls... offers a transformative, riveting evening of provocative dance, music and poetry."

Peanut Butter & Biscuits returns to Shrinking this week to speak with some of the editors of the show, Sarah Lucky and James Renfroe. They both share with Craig and Jeremy how they got their starts in editing as well as so many moments from the show we all love. This one is a blast and full of fun insights into the world of Shrinking.

Craig had the chance to speak with Kenzie Anderson and Amanda Glass, co-leaders of Abe's Army about the upcoming training program. Abe's Army helps individuals prepare for Abe's Amble, a 5K or 10K run that will occur August 23 at the Illinois State Fairgrounds. Kenzie and Amanda discuss how they became involved in the Springfield Road Runners Club, which put on Abe's Army, and what people can expect when they sign up for the program. More information: https://www.srrc.net/abesarmy

Craig speaks with co-directors Preston Dodd and Roy Lowery about the upcoming performances of Jesus Christ Superstar coming to the Hoogland Center for the Arts May 7-9 and 15-17. This is part of the Springfield Theatre Centre season. "Jesus Christ Superstar, the first musical by Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber to be produced for the professional stage. A timeless work, the rock opera is set against the backdrop of an extraordinary and universally known series of events but seen, unusually, through the eyes of Judas Iscariot. Loosely based on the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, Superstar follows the last week of Jesus Christ’s life. The story, told entirely through song, explores the personal relationships and struggles between Jesus, Judas, Mary Magdalene, his disciples, his followers and the Roman Empire."

Opening Day for the Springfield Lucky Horseshoes is set for May 27, and excitement is building for a landmark season at Robin Roberts Stadium.Craig sits down with team co-owner Melissa Gaynor to preview what fans can expect this summer—from on-field action to an expanded lineup of promotional nights. This season also marks a significant transition, as the stadium begins its first year under the ownership of the Friends of Robin Roberts Stadium, taking over from the Springfield Park District.In addition, Melissa shares insight into preparations for the inaugural season of the Women's Professional Baseball League, which will play all of its games in Springfield beginning in August—adding another exciting chapter to the city’s baseball legacy.

A day we've long awaited has arrived! Ted Lasso season four will premier August 5th on Apple TV. Jeremy and Craig break down the teaser trailer released by Apple as well as begin their speculation as to what we might be in for as we return to Richmond."In season four, Ted returns to Richmond, taking on his biggest challenge yet: coaching a second division women’s football team. Throughout the course of the season, Ted and the team learn to leap before they look, taking chances they never thought they would."

Peanut Butter & Biscuits brings you a special one-on-one interview as Craig sits down with Emily Pendergast, who stars as Amy in Jury Duty: Company Retreat.Emily talks about her journey through comedy, including her time performing with the legendary The Groundlings, and how that background helped shape her performance style and prepare her for the unique world of Jury Duty. She shares her love of comedy, what draws her to character-driven humor, and how improvisation continues to influence her work on screen.The conversation also highlights her past roles, including playing Beth Ryan on Veep, and how those experiences have helped her grow as a performer. It’s a fun, insightful chat that will surely connect with fans of Ted Lasso and Shrinking.