An Interview by Joe Cosentino with Audio Book Performer Brian Cheney
for the Release of the Audio Book of Finding Armando by Joe Cosentino,
Joe: Brian, congratulations on the release of our audio book of Finding Armando, Found at Last series Book 2.
Brian: As they say, it takes two to tango. (smile)
Joe: And I’m so glad you are my dancing partner in the audio book world. You know I think you are terrific.
Brian: Right back at you.
Joe: You have performed the audio books of my last eight Nicky and Noah mysteries and many of my books published by Dreamspinner Press. What is it that you like about my writing? (And please take as much time as you need-smile) that led you to perform the audio book of my Finding Armando?
Brian: What can I say, Joe, other than I love your writing, and it all makes so much sense to my imagination as a narrator. Since our first book together, Drama Christmas, (if you haven’t listened, dear reader, get it today on Audible!) I feel like I’m in lock step with the heart and soul of your writing.
Joe: Finding Armando spans many decades. It is about young lovers trying to reunite lost lovers of the past who were separated due to the military’s archaic Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell policy. Did you relate to this story on a personal level?
Brian: Absolutely. Having grown up in the 80s, I have many friends who, unfortunately, never felt safe to be themselves and love who they love. I know we have a long way to go, but I’m so encouraged by the huge steps we’ve taken regarding inclusion.
Joe: Readers have said that the novella made them laugh one minute and cry the next, all the while feeling incredibly romantic. They fell in love with Theo and Jamison, and with all of the other characters! How did you balance the romance, humor, and drama when performing this novella?
Brian: I have to admit, I got choked up more than a few times with this one! But your writing always makes it easy to navigate the storytelling.
Joe: You are an incredibly talented actor, opera singer, and audio book performer. Finding Armando includes wonderful male and female characters of various ages. How did you create all the terrific characters for the audio book?
Brian: Thank you! I think it all comes down to imagination. I started narrating professionally because I used to love reading to my kids before bed. This is the closest thing I do as an artist that gives me the same joy. So they are my audience in my imagination, and I just read the story to them.
Joe: Which was your favorite character to perform?
Brian: I really enjoyed Theo. His heart and his sense of humor really make me smile.
Joe: Which character was the most difficult to perform?
Brian: Probably Armando! Uh oh, was that a spoiler? (smile)
Joe: Should we tell them our little secret?
Brian: Sure.
Joe: There are more audio book collaborations for Brian and me to come. So stay tuned!
Brian: Yeah!
Joe: Thank you, Brian. I can’t wait for our next collaboration!
Brian: Me too!
Finding Armando
Found at Last, book 2, by Joe Cosentino, published by Dreamspinner Press,
audio book performed by Brian Cheney
Length: 4 hours
Language: English
Genre: MM, contemporary, romance, mystery, comedy, adventure
Cover Art: Paul Richmond
Release date: October 22, 2024
An investigative adventure in search of an elderly man’s first love brought Theo and Jamison together. Now they’re called to put their sleuthing skills to use once again and reunite Pocono resort manager Asher with his lost love, Armando. But the hunt through rural Pennsylvania won’t be easy with Jamison’s younger brother locking horns with the resort’s assistant manager and a shocking offer from the sous chef, Grace.
Joe Cosentino was voted Favorite MM Mystery, Humorous, and Contemporary Author of the Year and Second Place Favorite MM Romance Author of the Year by the readers of Divine Magazine. His Dreamspinner Press titles are the In My Heart Anthology: An Infatuation & A Shooting Star, the Tales from Fairyland Anthology: The Naked Prince and Other Tales from Fairyland & Holiday Tales from Fairyland, the Bobby and Paolo Holiday Stories Anthology: A Home for the Holidays & The Perfect Gift & The First Noel, the Found At Last Anthology: Finding Giorgio & Finding Armando, and the two Player Piano mysteries. He is also the author of the 18 Nicky and Noah mysteries, 5 Jana Lane mysteries (The Wild Rose Press), and 5 Cozzi Cove novels (Ninestar Press). His books have won numerous Book of the Month awards and Rainbow Award Honorable Mentions. As an actor, Joe appeared in principal roles in film, television, and theatre, opposite stars such as Bruce Willis, Rosie O’Donnell, Nathan Lane, Jason Robards, and Holland Taylor. He received his Master of Fine Arts degree from Goddard College, Master’s degree from SUNY New Paltz, and is a happily married emeritus theatre professor residing in New York State.
Web site: https://joecosentino.weebly.com/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/JoeCosentinoauthor
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4071647.Joe_Cosentino
Amazon: Author.to/JoeCosentino
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joecosentinoauthor
Brian Cheney, hailed by KUSC Los Angeles as the “next great tenor”, protégé of legendary tenor Jerry Hadley, has gained international acclaim for his portrayal of characters such as Radamés in Aida, Don José in Carmen, Mario Cavaradossi in Tosca, Rodolfo in La bohème, the Duke in Rigoletto, and Canio in Pagliacci. “It is tenor Brian Cheney as the brave painter Cavaradossi who really blew me away. Cheney has that terrific tenor sound: the power, richness, and vocal color of a high baritone combined with ringing, awe-inspiring high notes” (Stage and Cinema.) Highlights from last season include Mr. Cheney’s creation of the role of Victor Frankenstein in the world premiere performance of Gregg Kallor’s Frankenstein in New York to critical acclaim and his National Philharmonic debut as the tenor soloist in Leonard Bernstein’s Mass and West Side Story. “Cheney’s ringing tenor voice carried well in the stone catacombs, conveying the fear that the deep bass sound of the monster summoned. And as the section of the sketches went on, Cheney’s voice bloomed to match the action and threats of the creature.” (Operawire) Recent engagements include Radamés in Aida with Virginia Opera, Antonin Scalia in Derrick Wang’s Scalia/Ginsburg with Toledo Opera, and Salute to Vienna performances in Miami, West Palm Beach, Nashville, and New York City (Lincoln Center). In audio books, Mr. Cheney performed eight of Joe Cosentino’s Nicky and Noah Mystery novels, many of Joe Cosentino’s books published by Dreamspinner Press, All the King’s Men by Scott Leddy, Swarm by Guy Morris, The Last Ark by Guy Morris, and Pressure by Barry Napier. www.briancheneytenor.com