Meet Eric Lindblom, the New Host of 'Backstage' on FM 97.3 WZBG

Pictured above: Eric Lindblom at the microphone of WZBG in Litchfield Photo courtesy of his Facebook page

“I am honored to be continuing the Backstage legacy at WZBG and to have the support of their loyal listeners.” - Eric Lindblom, the new host of 'Backstage' on FM 97.3 WZBG

Eric Lindblom is the new host of the FM 97.3 WSBG’s Saturday morning theatre program, now called Backstage with Eric. The radio program that has aired at 9am every Saturday for the last 15 years was hosted by only one other broadcaster, the beloved John Ozerhoski.

Click here to read about the happy announcement of the new host of Backstage posted on March 12, as well as some background information on Mr. Lindblom from my reviews of his theatrical appearances.

I was thrilled when Johnny O announced his replacement and that the program would continue. That it turned out to be a community theatre singer/dancer that I had seen in many productions was an added bonus. During April vacation, I had the pleasure of seeing Mr. Lindblom up close and personal (because of his in-audience entrance) in the wonderful Goshen Players production of ‘It Shoulda Been You.’ I liked it so much that I wrote an unprecedented two-part review. I recently checked in with the new ‘Backstage’ host about how his first month on the air has been going.

“I think my first month has gone well,” he reports. “I was fortunate to be able to spend a great deal of time training with WZBG's Amy Ferrarotti, so I had a pretty thorough knowledge of the technical side of the job before my first solo show.” Mr. Lindblom’s first solo program was one where there was no in-studio guest, and featured show tunes befitting the Easter season. The Saturday, March 31st broadcast of Backstage on FM 97.3 WZBG with its new host, Eric Lindblom featured songs from GODSPELL and JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR and is available on podcast.

“I was able to ease into the role without having to juggle too many things at once,” he told me. After that first show, the host has welcomed “several wonderful in-studio guests whose naturally outgoing natures made interviewing them incredibly easy,” he reports. “It has been a pleasure thus far,” he added.

Mr. Lindblom confirmed for me that he had absolutely no background in radio broadcasting or any other type of broadcasting before taking this job. I could attest to the fact that he is a wonderfully talented community theatre actor with a great stage presence, but I had to ask how he himself accounts for the fact that he sounds so very natural on the air.

“I think a large part of that comes from my job as a teacher and my experience as an actor. Teaching has helped me further my public speaking skills, which translate over to a radio position; in both jobs I look to inform and engage without sounding as though I'm putting on a false persona.”

I had often mentioned in my reviews that Mr. Lindblom is a fellow educator. The new host also holds down a full-time position as an English teacher at Southington High School. He has been on staff there for 13 years, ever since he graduated from college. He earned his degree in English at the College of the Holy Cross (Worcester, MA) and went on to receive his Master's in Education from the University of Bridgeport.

Being a performer in so many community theater productions has allowed him to meet many of his guests and to develop a rapport with them. Mr. Lindblom believes that this familiarity also reduces the potential for being self-conscious on the air.

Last week,Director Roxie Quinn and actor Rob Girardin came to the WZBG studio to discuss the Warner Theatre's upcoming production of THE FULL MONTY. I wondered if interviewing friends from theatre made it harder to interview them on the air. “I don't think it's necessarily easier or harder to interview ‘theater friends.’ Knowing the guest previously does bring an instant chemistry; they know me and I know them, so we can easily have a conversation. But, by the same token, guests with whom I'm not personally connected still share my passion for theater, and that common ground enables us to talk without difficulty.”

Mr. Lindblom has noticed one danger in interviewing friends on the air. “I suppose I would have to say that the only major difference is that, with ‘theater friends,’ there is a chance for veering off-topic a bit since we have that history together, and we could end up bringing the conversation in other directions. But, beyond that, there's not much difference between interviewing a old friend or a brand-new one.”

I could not resist asking what had been the biggest surprise so far. “The biggest surprise for me has been the unwavering support of the Backstage audience. John [Ozerhoski] is incredibly charismatic and was able to build a loyal fan base over his 15+ years; I did worry somewhat that the fans would be hesitant to accept anyone other than John hosting the program.”

What has actually happened is that Mr. Lindblom has been welcomed by the longtime listeners and he has received many positive comments about his broadcasts so far. “They seem to be willing to let me settle into this job and, eventually, make it my own,” he explained.

I personally was taken by surprise when Johnny O announced that he planned to step down as the host of ‘Backstage.’ While I am happy that his departure will allow him to spend more time with his young family, I worried that my favorite radio program would not continue. I asked Mr. Lindblom if this was one of the reasons why he accepted the offer to take over the Saturday staple.

The new host said this was only one factor in his decision making process. “The idea of continuing the show was a factor in my decision to take over for John. ‘Backstage’ has been an invaluable forum for community theater groups to promote their projects. It would be a great disservice to the community if this forum were to disappear, so I did feel it was important for the show to continue, as did the management at WZBG. Of course, that was only one factor in my decision-making process, but I do feel a certain sense of responsibility to continue to provide local organizations the chance to highlight their productions.”

I am grateful to Mr. Lindblom for allowing me to interview him about his new gig and give his listeners some insight into who this “new guy” on their radio is all about. Tune into FM 97 WZBG every Saturday morning at 9am and listen to Backstage with Eric for the latest in area theatre news and to listen to some great showtunes. There may even be a chance to call in and win tickets to an upcoming production. Check out the Facebook page for Backstage with Eric Lindblom.

Nancy Sasso Janis has been writing theatre reviews since 2012 as a way to support local theatre venues and she posts reviews of well over 100 productions each year. In 2016, she became a member of the Connecticut Critics Circle. She continues to contribute theatre news, previews, and audition notices to local Patch sites. Reviews of all levels of theatrical productions are posted on Naugatuck Patch and the Patch sites closest to the venue. Follow the reviewer on her Facebook pages Nancy Sasso Janis: Theatre Reviewer and Connecticut Theater Previews and on Twitter @nancysjanis417