INTERVIEWS WITH ARTISTS
Lauri Francis, a performer in ARTrageous!
“It’s really hard to describe until you see it! Imagine a rock concert, a painting performance, a Broadway show, and a family reunion all rolled into one.”
Led by artist and emcee Lauri Francis, the internationally touring sensation, ARTrageous blends live painting, high-energy music, dance, theater, and audience participation into a vibrant celebration of imagination and connection. On November 20th at the historic Missouri Theatre, this electrifying experience arrives to light up the stage. “It’s fun, family-friendly, and full of those “wow” moments that get people talking on the way home.”
Francis grew up in Ontario, Canada, fueled by a boundless imagination and a passion for dreaming big. Her journey has taken her across 49 states and 21 countries, performing for millions and proving that creativity has the power to unite. “Creativity connects people in ways words can’t,” she says. “My favorite part is watching someone’s face light up when they realize they’re not just watching. They’re part of it.” We asked Lauri her favorite city or town to perform in. “We love the small town family feel where we have 4 generations come to enjoy together and where we can really immerse ourselves into the town and get to know people.”
In addition to leading Artrageous, Francis serves as executive director of Artreach, the troupe’s nonprofit arm dedicated to bringing hands-on arts education to students nationwide. Its mission mirrors the show’s heartbeat: inspire, uplift, and remind everyone that creativity lives inside them.
Imagine a rock concert fused with a theatrical spectacle and live painting unfolding stroke by stroke as musicians and dancers energize the room. One moment the troupe is painting to a driving beat, the next the stage glows under blacklight as vibrant creations come to life. Audiences sing along, dance in the aisles, and sometimes even jump onstage. “It’s colorful chaos in the best possible way,” Francis says.
The impact lingers long after the final note. Kids proudly share drawings. Adults rediscover artistic passions they set aside years ago. Entire audiences rise together, smiling, cheering, and connecting with strangers like old friends. “When someone tells us we helped them smile again, that they needed this, that’s everything,” Francis shares.
That spirit is exactly why the Performing Arts Association is thrilled to present Artrageous. “This is the absolute perfect show to do what we do: inspire, comfort, and uplift.” says Executive Director, Paul Storiale.
As the show tours, the cast becomes close. “We’re absolutely a family — for better and for paint-splattered worse! Living and creating together builds a special kind of trust and camaraderie. We know each other’s rhythms, we know how to lift each other up and support each other when we’re road weary or miss our home families.”
In a world craving connection and joy, Artrageous is a reminder that art isn’t just seen; it’s felt, created, and shared.
On November 20, Ticket Buyers won’t just witness the magic. They’ll become part of it.
Stacy Fisher of Garden Gate Flowers
For owner Stacy Fisher, Garden Gate Flowers is much more than a business; it’s a love story filled with friendship, artistry, and a devotion to the town she calls home. Her journey with Garden Gate began in 2018, when her dear friend, Alyson Fisher, purchased the charming little shop and invited Stacy to be part of its rebirth.
At the time, Stacy was working at Missouri Western State University and had no formal floral training, but she had an artist’s eye and a spark of curiosity. With a gentle nudge from Alyson and plenty of hands-on learning, she stepped through a figurative “garden gate” into an entirely new world. “I didn’t know a thing about floral design,” she recalls. “But I knew how to make art, and flowers quickly became my medium.”
By 2022, she had fully fallen in love with the craft, and when the opportunity came to purchase the business from Alyson, she took the leap. With encouragement from Alyson and her husband, Drew, she not only embraced ownership, she embraced a vision. The pair purchased a downtown building and lovingly transformed it into a shared home for Garden Gate Flowers and Fisher Counseling Services. The move wasn’t simply practical; it was personal.
“We wanted to be part of Saint Joseph’s revitalization,” she says. “This community has given so much to us. Being downtown feels like planting roots deeper into the heart of the city.” The shop’s charming name, originally chosen by one of the very first employees, still resonates all these years later. “Garden Gate feels like an invitation,” she says. “It’s the idea of stepping into a world of beauty, imagination, and peace.”
Over the years, Garden Gate has designed arrangements for countless celebrations: weddings, anniversaries, birthdays, and everyday joys. But one memory rises above the rest. When her grandparents passed away, their funerals came just months apart. Designing their flowers became a moment of healing. “It was a way to honor their lives when words didn’t feel big enough,” she shares. “Flowers hold space for love and memory. They say things our hearts sometimes can’t.” That belief in the emotional language of flowers shapes everything the shop does. Their signature message, Every Season is Elevated, speaks to honoring every chapter of life – joyful or tender – with intention and care. “No two people are the same, and neither are our designs,” she says. “We want every arrangement to feel deeply personal.”
Though she traded canvas for petals, her artistic roots still guide her. To her, floral design isn’t simply arranging stems – it’s composing poetry in color and texture. “Floral design is living art,” she says. “Every bouquet has movement, emotion, and story.” Her passion for creativity extends beyond the workbench. For instance, Garden Gate regularly supports local arts organizations, schools, and cultural events. Stacy believes that community and creativity grow best when they grow together. Giving back has become part of Garden Gate’s identity. From fundraisers and nonprofit partnerships to school events and local collaborations, the shop blooms far beyond its walls.
“We’re grateful to be part of this town,” she says. “Supporting Saint Joseph is simply a way of saying thank you.”
Petal Trends: What’s In & What’s Out: While floral trends come and go, Stacy is currently celebrating a return to bold, expressive color.
Rhonda Ford
When Rhonda launched Homespun Bakery in August 2023, she never imagined her cookies would become so instantly recognizable that customers could identify them in a single bite. But for this Saint Joseph, Missouri baker, the journey to creating cookies that taste as beautiful as they look began long before her first order.
“I grew up on a farm, surrounded by homegrown food and homemade meals,” Rhonda recalls. “If I wasn’t outside doing chores, I was in the kitchen baking cookies, cakes, or pies for my dad to take in his lunch.” That early love of baking simmered quietly while she raised her children, who for years urged her to open a bakery. She waited until her youngest reached her senior year of high school before finally taking the leap. “I didn’t want to miss their childhood,” she explains. “Once the timing felt right, I redirected my energy into something I’ve always been passionate about.”
The name Homespun Bakery perfectly captures her philosophy: traditional methods, simple authenticity, and, above all, love baked into every creation. Though she started with cupcakes and classic drop cookies, it wasn’t long before she fell in love with the artistry of custom iced sugar cookies. Self-taught and driven by perfectionism, Rhonda refined her royal icing technique until her cookies became unmistakably her own. “A customer once told me they recognized my cookie just by tasting it,” she says with a smile. “That’s the best compliment I could ever receive.”
Her style is equal parts precision and artistry: cookies that are chewy at the edges, soft in the center, and topped with intricate designs that often feel like tiny celebrations in themselves. Rhonda stays grounded in what she knows best: timeless flavors done exceptionally well. “My daughter was the inspiration for my hugely popular brown butter rice krispie treats. I accidentally burnt the butter on a batch of treats for her once, and she raved about how they were the most delicious ones that I had ever made. I decided to look more seriously into what I had stumbled upon, only to find out that brown butter rice krispies were actually a thing! I put them on my menu and everyone that has them absolutely raves about them”.
Of course, not every batch has been perfect. She still remembers her first attempt at royal icing as a near disaster. “I almost gave up,” she admits. “But patience really is the key to perfecting cookies.” Now, her iced sugar cookies are her top-selling item, praised not only for their picture-perfect looks but also for their melt-in-your-mouth taste.
Running a cottage bakery means Rhonda is bound by Missouri’s rules: no retail sales, no refrigeration-required desserts, and only direct-to-customer orders. But that hasn’t slowed her down. In fact, word of mouth keeps her calendar steadily full. Between baking and babysitting her grandson, she carefully balances work and family, exactly as she intended when she started.
As for her dream projects? Rhonda laughs, confessing that she’d love to see her custom Kansas City Chiefs cookies land in the hands of the players themselves. But no matter who she bakes for, her mission stays the same: “ I hope people can feel the love baked into every cookie. Each one is truly an expression of joy.”
You can find Homespun Bakery on Facebook
Frank Polleck
For nearly half a century, Frank Polleck has been the quiet heartbeat of the Missouri Theatre, coaxing magic from the shadows and holding the threads of live performance together with equal parts grit and love.
“I first walked through these doors as a young moviegoer,” he recalls. “This building has always intrigued and mesmerized me, it’s a piece of art. When it reopened as a performing arts space, I knew I wanted to be part of its story. I wanted to take care of it.” He then quips, “I didn’t know I’d still be here decades later…”
The Missouri Theatre, at 717 Edmond Street in downtown St. Joseph, is a stunning 1927 movie palace designed by the Boller Brothers with artistry by Waylande Gregory, blending Art Deco with Moorish and Exotic Revival styles.
In April 1978, the City of St. Joseph purchased the theatre from “Town Hall Center” (the former name of the Performing Arts Association) for $267,689.37, transforming it into a vibrant community arts hub. Its indigo sky ceiling and ancient-inspired motifs remain a breathtaking backdrop for the Performing Arts Association (that’s us!), the St. Joseph Symphony, Robidoux Resident Theatre, and numerous other arts organizations, including out-of-town rentals. The Missouri Theatre was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1979.
As Technical Director, Frank has witnessed the dizzying transformation of theatrical technology. Yet tucked away at home, on a modest shelf, sit treasures: a tiny potbelly stove once belonging to his grandparents, used in countless productions on the Missouri stage, and his very first electric drill used to build on the Missouri Theatre stage, a relic from the early 1980s still humming with memories.
Theatre, of course, is never without its backstage chaos. Polleck recalls the night the entire lighting system died mid performance. “We didn’t want to stop the show. I grabbed two people, handed them spotlights, and we lit the rest of it manually. As they say, ‘the show must go on.’”
Over thousands of performances, certain productions stand out like jewels. He speaks fondly of the night PAA invited Debbie Reynolds to grace the stage, a moment of Old Hollywood elegance he will never forget. That is Frank’s cup of tea! He also remembers the production of To Kill a Mockingbird as the finest stage play the Missouri Theatre has ever seen.
And managing a historic theatre? It has its quirks, like the gently sloped stage that requires every set to be built with subtle adjustments. “It’s part of the building’s charm,” he says. “We work with it, not against it.” The years have brought him into orbit with extraordinary artists and craftspeople, some gone, many still here, whose creativity fuels his own. “They have helped bring my ideas to life. They have kept this theatre alive. That is a big reason I am still here.”
His philosophy for preserving the theatre’s soul while meeting modern demands is simple: “You have to remember it’s not just about the performance, it’s about the experience.” Frank has traveled to many theatres across the country and insists, “We are blessed to have a theatre like this in our town.”
Pat Hazell
From Seinfeld to The Missouri Theatre, Pat Hazell chats with us about his up-coming performance, “The Wonder Bread Years”
In a world that moves forward at breakneck speed, Pat Hazell invites audiences to pause, open a Capri Sun, and remember what made growing up in mid-century America so wonderfully weird and heartwarming.
Hazell, a veteran comedian, playwright, and original writer for Seinfeld, brings his celebrated one-man show The Wonder Bread Years to the Missouri Theatre on October 4. But this isn’t just another stroll down memory lane. Hazell offers something deeper, a shared experience that blends stand-up, storytelling, and collective laughter. From Halloween costume mishaps to the sacred chaos of the kid’s table, his “The Wonder Bread Years” strikes a nostalgic chord that audiences everywhere can’t get enough of.
“I wanted to write a thesis on our collective sense of wonder, where we lost it and how we get it back,” Hazell says. “Those coming-of-age years were when we were the most wide-eyed and curious, and so many funny things happened.” Over the years, Hazell’s own perspective has changed. “I’ve gone from being the son making fun of my parents to the parent who tells stories with lots of details but little to no information.”
That sense of timing and relatability comes from years working in television. “From working in broadcast TV, I learned to write for a broad audience and keep my material safe for everyone,” Hazell says. “Jerry Seinfeld appreciated my observations, and being in that world gave me a view into how a television series is made. But I always wanted to maintain my own voice, so I created the one-man show to keep performing during hiatuses and off seasons. It let me keep my comedic muscles in shape.”
What makes The Wonder Bread Years so special is its focus on the everyday. “I wanted to find the common denominators. I look at a day in the life of a kid and a year in the life of a kid,” Hazell says. “Cereal prizes, sack lunches, sitting at the kids’ table, saving gift wrap on Christmas morning, road trips in the wayback of the Country Squire wagon, Evocative things that everyone can relate to.”
Hazell customizes each performance based on where he’s touring. “The show is never exactly the same. I’ll reference local landmarks, adjust my language depending on whether folks say pop, soda, or coke,” he says. “In Saint Joseph, Missouri, I’ll probably mention Jesse James and the Pony Express. The mail can get out of town, but not the outlaws.”
Though he has worn many hats including stand-up comedian, playwright, and producer, Hazell says it’s the energy of live performance that keeps pulling him back. “Everything I do centers around creativity, but nothing compares to the thrill of a live show. It’s like surfing a wave of laughs. That adrenaline rush is what keeps me coming back.”
In a time when nostalgia seems to be everywhere, Hazell’s show connects on a deeper level. “It’s comfort food for the soul. With so much uncertainty in the news, politics, and the world, being able to sit with a group of people and laugh for 90 minutes is a powerful escape. You realize just how much we all have in common.”
Hazell’s comedy doesn’t rely on shock or controversy to get laughs. “There’s so much humor in everyday life. It’s just about framing it the right way,” he says. “Clever comedy is making a comeback. You don’t need to be offensive to be funny. You just have to be honest. Laughter and hope are two of our most important survival tools today.”
Even after decades of creative work, Hazell isn’t slowing down. He’s currently writing a book titled Someday I’m Gonna… which offers guidance for living a creative life and finishing projects like screenplays, books, or TV shows. He also hosts a weekly podcast called Creativity in Captivity where he interviews some of the biggest names in arts and entertainment, from Pixar’s Pete Docter and director Frank Oz to comedian Jerry Seinfeld and even St. Joseph’s own dinosaur sculptor Gary Staab.
Despite all of his success, Hazell stays grounded in his mission to entertain, to connect, and to remind audiences that joy is never far from reach.
If you’re craving a night of laughter, nostalgia, and connection, don’t miss The Wonder Bread Years at the Missouri Theatre on October 4. Whether you grew up in the wayback of a station wagon or just want to feel like a kid again, Pat Hazell will take you there, one story at a time.
For Tickets; go to TicketsToTheShow.com
Martial Thevenot
Martial is the Businessman Who Brought Boardroom Brains to the World of Art and Still Made Time for Dad Jokes
For some, the arts are a weekend indulgence. For others, they become a life mission. In this month’s Arts Talk feature, we profile a our good friend, Martial Thevenot, whose journey into the creative world began with a simple invitation and evolved into a passion for building thriving, joyful communities. He’s equal parts business strategist, community advocate, and old-school gentleman with a wardrobe that tells a story and a laugh that’s always on the table.
It all started with a teacher.
“I was first invited to get involved by a respected grade school teacher of our children and it sparked something in me,” he recalls. That spark turned into a flame, fed by a piece of advice from his father: “What if life were a stage and we were all actors?” That Shakespearean idea planted early would eventually blossom into board service with purpose. “I’ve had a penchant for role-playing, so the opportunity felt natural,” he says. “The deeper I got, the more I saw the vital role the arts play in creating healthier, happier, more thriving communities.”
Board service offered more than just a backstage pass. It revealed something fundamental about the people behind the curtain. “What surprised me most,” he admits, “was that those who immerse themselves in the arts as supporters, participants, or even avid fans seem to be happier, healthier, longer-living, and incredibly generous. There’s a vitality and warmth among arts lovers that’s truly inspiring.”
Now, as his board term ends (at least for now), he reflects on what he hopes will remain. “I hope to be remembered for the enthusiasm and passion I brought for understanding the broader life value of the arts and for doing my best to share that through words, actions, and resources alongside an incredible team.”
Balancing board service with business leadership might seem like a high-wire act, but for him, the two were never in conflict. “As with all my service and volunteer work, I strive to blend the two,” he explains. “Being a business owner gave me the flexibility to cross-apply insights from bringing the lessons of volunteering into the business world to helping introduce operational and fiscal tools and tactics into the arts association.” he adds “Doing good is good for business” and vice versa, especially when it builds a culture of teamwork and synergy. His hashtag of choice? #dosomegoodery.
That philosophy extends to how he views leadership in general, especially for those just stepping into the arena. “Never stop learning. Read. Work on self-awareness and recognize your ripple effect on the world,” he says. “Success often stems from optimism, responsibility, integrity, generosity and a strong work ethic but also from kindness, service and uplifting others. Business isn’t a solo act.” His advice? Find the right partners, allies, mentors, and cheerleaders and help them win. “If they are well engaged and feel safe, they will be game changers.”
Naturally, in classy fashion, we asked: if your wardrobe told your life story, what would be in the museum?
His answer is pure class with a touch of flair.
“A classic suit jacket or blazer, sometimes with a tie. Professionalism was practically stitched into my upbringing.
Clean, comfortable shoes or boots because details matter and being prepared and able to go the extra mile matters.
A bold costume piece and a hearty smile. A nod to a love of fun, color, raising curiosity à la PT Barnum, prompting smiling faces and sparking positive conversations.
And now that his schedule is more his own? He’s not slowing down. He’s speeding up. “I have to move!” he laughs. “Whether it’s ice hockey skating or shooting pucks on ponds, at rinks, or on backyard synthetic ice, swimming laps, biking, brisk walking. I stay active. Mind and body both feel better when I’m in motion. I’m not a good napper at all!”
Ask his family what relaxed looks like for him, and the answer is as vibrant as you’d expect.
“Enjoying a lively Sunday dinner whether home cooked, grilled or Ubered. Any opportunity for cracking puns and dad jokes while savoring food and beverages made with creativity and flair. Some people eat to live. I live to eat, especially with loved ones around a joyful table.”
In the end, this Martial’s story is one of seamless integration. Style meets substance, business meets service, and the arts are the heart of it all.
On behalf of the Performing Arts Association, their staff, board of directors, and long time patrons: Thank you, Martial, from the bottoms of our hearts!
Scott Chesak
In an exclusive sit-down with Performing Arts Association, the genre-jumping producer opens up about trading live chaos for studio precision and how a throwaway jingle turned into a Weezer anthem.
“When I first fell in love with music,” he says, “I fell in love with albums. I’d turn off all the lights, crank my headphones, and get lost in the sonic universe of a recording.” That obsession didn’t just fuel his early dreams. It redirected them. Despite the rush of live performance, it was always about the studio. “Eventually, touring took a toll. I knew I had to make that leap of faith.”
That leap landed him behind the boards on Pray for the Wicked by Panic! at the Disco, where he kicked off the album with the thunderous “(Fk A) Silver Lining.” “I wanted something with a ton of energy,” he says. “It started with chopping up break beats, playing organ and guitar.” He trusted his instincts and let it ride!
Touring with powerhouse front man Gerard Way was its own kind of education. “Gerard’s authenticity left a mark. He’s not putting on a show. He is the show. One of the kindest people I’ve met in the industry. No rockstar ego. Just real”.
When asked about the strangest place he’s heard his music, he laughs. “A K-pop song I worked on ended up in a Dance Dance Revolution game. I bought it just to try it out and immediately failed. It was brutal.” But the biggest surprise? “Random fans sending me covers of my songs. That’ll always be the biggest honor.”
Perhaps the wildest ride of his studio career came with “Wind in Our Sail” from Weezer’s White Album. What started as a pitch for a TV commercial turned into a full-circle moment.
“My publisher heard it and said, ‘This is too good for an ad.’” So he pitched it to Evan from Crush Music, Weezer’s manager, who liked the bones but pushed for a rework. “I redid it. He still wasn’t sold. Then my friend Ryan Spraker jumped in and gave it that missing magic.” The track nearly died on the vine multiple times. “Then one day I’m backstage in St. Petersburg, Russia, and get an email. ‘Weezer’s going to release it on their new album’. Rivers [Cuomo] added a new brilliant lyric and killer melody.” Boom. It’s alive!
It was during the Weezer project that the realization hit. “People I’d known for years started looking at me differently. I wasn’t just a sideman anymore.” Though it didn’t mean an instant exit from touring, it marked the start of a new chapter. One that would ultimately define his career.
While many producers burn themselves out chasing the next viral sound, he keeps a different compass. “If it’s already in the top 10, the trend’s over. It’s pointless chasing what’s popular right now. You have to trust your taste and always serve the song.”
Advice for the Kid with the Dream? “Advocate for yourself now,” he says without hesitation. “No one else will do it for you.” It’s that self-determination that carried him from teenage fandom to Grammy-level production credits.
When asked who he’d want to work with—living or dead—Scott doesn’t reach for the usual legends. No Freddie. No Bowie. No Billie. Instead, he sets his sights on the unknown.
“I’d want to find that undiscovered once-in-a-generation talent,” he says. “The kid with zero followers, changing the world from their bedroom. That’s who I want in the studio. Let’s make something no one’s ever heard before.”
Scott, thanks for taking time out of your schedule to chat with us for our Performing Arts newsletter!
Click here to see Scott on tour with All American Rejects
Click here to see Scott on David Letterman playing Keyboards and singing backup for Christina Perri.