'Backstage' on WZBG Has a New Host

Backstage, the radio show that has been supporting theatre in CT for nearly 16 years and airs on FM 97.3 WZBG in Litchfield every Saturday morning, has a new host. Community theatre actor Eric Lindblom will take over the microphone on March 31, 2018.

Johnny O, otherwise known as John Ozerhoski, has been the host of Backstage since its inception, but announced in January that he would be stepping down as soon as a replacement could be found. The beloved host intended to name the new host at the same time, and I had hoped to cover this announcement, but then I got a message that the person they went with decided to decline the position. As a result, Johnny O continued as the host of the show every Saturday, but often remarked that this would probably be the last time he would be interviewing his various guests, most of whom had appeared on the program many times in the past. The long-time host never gave a hint as to how the search for his replacement was progressing, however.

One of these final guest was Mr. Lindblom, an actor that I had enjoyed watching in many roles on the Warner Theatre stage. As I was listening live and then as I enjoyed the podcast of the program, I actually thought to myself how comfortable he sounded on the radio. It had been such an honor for me to be invited by Johnny O to appear on Backstage last year as a guest interviewer, and I also recorded an hour-long interview with J. Timothy Quirk for his radio program Nutmeg Chatter on WAPJ Torrington 89.9 and 105.1 FM, so I have a fine appreciation of how nerve-wracking radio work can be, although it definitely gets easier with practice.

Click here to listen to the podcast of my interview with Mr. Quirk to hear what I mean.

Mr. Lindblom sounded both poised and prepared and had an easy rapport with Mr. Ozerhoski. The fact that he is both a educator and an actor no doubt helps him to sound so professional, but to my knowledge he had no background in radio broadcasting. Johnny O added this apt description to the podcast: “It's me and Eric Lindblom shooting the breeze about all things theatre and and some other fun topics.” Nevertheless, I still couldn’t stop thinking that he would be a great choice for Backstage.

On Monday Johnny O posted on Facebook that he was “very happy and excited to FINALLY announce that Eric Lindblom would be taking over the hosting duties of Backstage.” He noted that he had met the new host a few years back during the Warner Theatre production of ‘Hello, Dolly!’ when he was “fantastic” in the role of Cornelius Hackl. I personally will never forget the opening night performance of ‘Hello, Dolly!’ and these paragraphs from my review tells why.

During the number ironically entitled "Dancing," the tall actor playing Cornelius, Eric Lindblom, took what I think was a preplanned fall when something went wrong. With what looked to be a severely injured knee, he kept on going as best he could but was unable to dance. After an extended intermission to care for him (thankfully a PA was among the cast members backstage,) he reappeared with a cane, supported by his costar Kate Brophy (as Irene Molloy,) to huge applause. My heart went out to him as he made it through the second act; his acting and singing did not suffer one bit but he had to be in tremendous pain. The rest of the cast did an amazing job of making some quick minor changes and the news is that the initial prognosis on the knee is a good one and he will be performing in the Sunday matinee. Mr. Lindblom is an inspiring example of "the show must go on."

Mr. Lindblom, who I had last seen as Andre Thibault in 'Dirty Rotten Scoundrels' at the Warner, is an English teacher at Southington High School. Before his injury, I had taken a note about the physicality involved in his role as the lanky Cornelius Hackl and that of Barnaby Tucker played by Mr. Sutton. Mr. Lindblom was a strong actor and singer throughout the three hour performance and I would have congratulated him on his fine performance even if he hadn't taken on an onstage injury. I am so glad to hear that he will heal and be able to return to the Warner stage.

Mr. Lindblom went on to star in many more productions at the Warner. Of his performance in ‘And Then There Were None,’ on which Mr. Ozerhoski served as assistant director, I wrote: “Southington HS English teacher Eric Lindblom made his mark as the dashing and confident Philip Lombard.” He played George Banks in ‘Mary Poppins’ opposite High school math teacher Sybil Chamberlin as Winifred Banks and of his role in ‘The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas’ I wrote that “Eric Lindblom returned to the Warner stage after an injury during ‘Hello, Dolly!’ to play the sheriff Ed Earl Dodd and it was so good to see him back on the stage and thankfully not dancing.” If you want to hear about the nature of his injury from the man himself, listen to the podcast of the aforementioned appearance on Backstage.

I got to see the actor in ‘Follies’ at the Warner and ‘Disney’s Beauty and the Beast.’ Of the latter I wrote, “Eric Lindblom has healed well enough to move around in the costume of the tightly-wound Cogsworth.” He also was part of the Goshen Players, Inc. staged reading of ‘Of Mice and Men,’ as well as their wonderful production of ‘First Date.’ The talented actor is currently in rehearsals for the Goshen Players spring musical ‘It Shoulda Been You’ and I am looking forward to attending one of the final rehearsals of this one for a review.

“Eric has approached this new venture with the exact focus and commitment needed to take over the role of host and I couldn't be happier or more proud of him,” writes Mr. Ozerhoski. “He will be a truly wonderful host and bring a new voice and style that will only enhance this little show that is nearing its 16th year on FM 97.3 WZBG. Please help me in welcoming him as the new host!”

Johnny O added his thanks to WZBG afternoon drive host Amy Ferrarotti for all the help in getting the new host ready with the board-opping and mic skills. Not an easy task, from what I could tell, although I am proud to report that during my time sitting at the news desk at WZBG for my appearance, I did learn how to operate a fader switch.

Reaction on social media has been quick and overwhelmingly positive. Community theatre actress Emily Diedrich posted: "Omg I’m soooo happy! Congrats Eric Lindblom! While I will miss the amazing John Ozerhski, I’m super glad you’re taking the reigns."

I agree with her on all points. I would add my sincere congratulations and wish him the traditional “break a leg” for his newest venture, but definitely not literally. Backstage airs on Saturday mornings at 9:00AM on FM 97.3 WZBG.