An experiment gone wrong, but everything went perfectly, well, almost, as Stan and Friends returned to the podcast studio to welcome first-time SLOC show director Jake Goodman and SLCO centennial chairperson Heather-Liz Copps to talk about the 100th season of Schenectady Light Opera Company.

The two actors, directors, and very talented individuals had a moment before the 100th season premiere to talk about theater, the process, the joy and challenges in performing, while Stan sat there in awe... all well before the proverbial curtain was raised.

My two guests are not to be missed, as is this year's premiere show, Jekyll & Hyde.

• (00:00:00) - Cold open: Jekyll and Hyde parallels to today
• (00:00:26) - Welcome back and guest introductions
• (00:02:19) - Jake Goodman's journey through SLOC youth program
• (00:04:06) - Jake's directorial debut and creative team
• (00:04:54) - Heather's theater background and origin story
• (00:08:03) - Heather's favorite roles at SLOC
• (00:10:11) - Heather as Centennial Chair and accessibility campaign
• (00:12:03) - State funding story and husband's involvement
• (00:13:31) - How Jake got selected as director
• (00:15:25) - Season selection process for the centennial year
• (00:17:52) - Recap and full 100th season lineup
• (00:19:34) - Why the committee chose Jake
• (00:21:21) - Audition turnout and casting logistics
• (00:22:09) - Getting the call and building the creative team
• (00:24:56) - Learning to direct and cast without bias
• (00:27:22) - Capital Region theater talent boom discussion
• (00:30:30) - Oversaturation of local theater companies
• (00:31:55) - Show recap commercial break and ticket info
• (00:33:22) - Fanboying over past SLOC performers
• (00:37:21) - Story of Jekyll and Hyde's plot and themes
• (00:39:12) - Jaden's take on working with Jake
• (00:40:34) - Why Jekyll and Hyde became the season opener
• (00:43:53) - Casting standouts James, Blake, and Hannah
• (00:45:45) - Nerves before opening night
• (00:47:05) - Opening night party and Vice and Virtue partnership
• (00:48:51) - Co-producers and relationships born at SLOC
• (00:52:47) - How to support SLOC's centennial campaign
• (00:56:44) - Closing thanks and break a leg origins