Podcasts about chicago shakespeare theatre

In the new bonus episode of the Behind The Song podcast, Janda chats with the lead actors in the cast of Sunny Afternoon, based on the music of The Kinks. This jukebox musical first was seen on London's West End, and is premiering in North America in Chicago through April 27, 2025 at the Chicago Shakespeare Theatre. Listen in on the conversation with Danny Horn (Ray Davies) and Oliver Hoare (Dave Davies) about the music of The Kinks and why this must-see production is so special and authentic. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Evelyn Hoskins speaks exclusively to West End Frame about reprising her performance as Carol in the North American premiere of 42 Balloons at the Chicago Shakespeare Theater.Evelyn co-hosted last week's episode of The West End Frame Show and whilst she was in the podcast booth she spoke about taking 42 Balloons' to the US. We couldn't include that bit of the conversation in last week's episode as the casting news hadn't been revealed... but now that it's all announced, in this mini episode we bring you the clip of Evelyn discussing how she feels about returning to 42 Balloons for its North American premiere alongside Charlie McCullagh as Larry.Last year Evelyn starred as Carol in the fully staged premiere of 42 Balloons at The Lowry in Salford, having played the role for the concert performances at the Vaudeville Theatre. The show is written by Jack Godfrey and directed by Ellie Coote.42 Balloons runs at Chicago Shakespeare Theatre 24th May – 29th June 2025. Visit www.chicagoshakes.com for info and tickets. Follow Evelyn on Instagram: @evelynhoskins This podcast is hosted by Andrew Tomlins. @AndrewTomlins32 Thanks for listening!Email: andrew@westendframe.co.ukVisit westendframe.co.uk for more info about our podcasts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Miriam trained at LIPA (Liverpool Institute of the Performing Arts) and has worked extensively in theatre as well as for screen.  For theatre she has appeared at the Sam Wanamaker Playhouse and The Globe in Much Ado About Nothing, and many credits at the Torch Theatre in Milton Haven, Wales.  Including: One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest One Man, Two Guvnors Sleeping Beauty  The Woman, in the Woman in Black.  As well as appearances at the National Theatre, Liverpool Everyman, Warwick Arts Centre and the Royal Court Liverpool amongst many more.  For screen she appeared in the short film “The Date” with Claire Cartwright (who has also been on the show), which received many nominations across the short film circuit. The film is still available on YouTube please check it out, both Claire and Miriam give lovely performances in a story about two women finding love in the modern world of dating apps and web presences.  Watch it here: https://youtu.be/hKdxA8cOYtc?si=tQrWwNLteNJ2__bM She joined me fresh from her run as Lady Ephesus in Pericles both in Stratford at the RSC and at Chicago Shakespeare Theatre in the USA.  We discuss Pericles, The Date, her time at LIPA and extensively about her role as the Woman in The Woman in Black. She played the terrifying apparition that made audiences jump every night in Susan Hill's brilliant yet nerve-jangling story. As well as some other ghost stories from theatre's up and down the country.  If any of you have any ghost stories please send them over to me and Miriam and I would love to share out in another episode!  Oliver Gower Spotlight Link: https://www.spotlight.com/9097-9058-5261 Instagram: @goweroliver For enquiries and requests: olliegower10@gmail.com

On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek catches up with the multi-talented filmmaker and musician Haroula Rose. Her new movie, ALL HAPPY FAMILIES, opened in theaters this weekend. Gary sits down with Chicago Shakespeare Theatre artistic director Edward Hall to talk about his new interpretation of HENRY V. Later in the show, theater critic Kelly Kleiman joins Gary to review Drury Lane's new production of THE AUDIENCE. And Gary highlights the work of a local non-profit theater company that's been presenting Gilbert and Sullivan operettas for the past 60 years.

In this episode, Eric sits down with award winning actress, director and art patron Phylicia Rashad. They discuss her experience of growing up in Houston, Texas during legal segregation, travels with her Family as a young girl. Her early exposure to art through her mother's many interests and love for art. Her experience of studying Theater at Howard University during a time of social upheaval. Moving to New York City, acting in plays and performing on Broadway, breaking into the entertainment industry... to eventually acting in Television shows including The Cosby Show, where she played the beloved role of Clair Huxtable and Films including CREED I, II, & III and The Beekeeper. They explore how she first discovered her love for acting and cultivated her craft, the support she had from her parents to pursue a career in the arts, evolving as a performer and working in different mediums... including her passion for directing plays!    ...To now serving as Dean of the Chadwick A. Boseman College of Fine Arts at Howard University — where she's enjoying her role and commitment to 'presenting windows of access and opportunity'. They explore the role that James Porter played during his time at Howard. His devotion to the Art department and art history. Howard University's extensive collection of African American art and how the students live amongst the art. They explore her own personal collection of visual art. Stifling of human creativity as being deliberate and the role of and necessity of creativity and freedom to explore creativity for human development.  Publishing her Mother's book of poetry and reviving her mother's work at Brainerd Institute Heritage of educational and cultural practices; promoting literacy through the arts for pre-school children...!  Guest Bio: An accomplished actor and stage director, Phylicia Rashad became a household name when she portrayed Claire Huxtable on The Cosby Show, a character whose enduring appeal has earned her numerous honors and awards. She has appeared in NBC's This Is Us, in the popular Fox TV series Empire, and in Tarrell Alvin McCraney's Peabody Award-winning series David Makes Man, on the OWN Network. A force on the stage; appearing both on and Off Broadway, often in projects that showcase her musical talent such as Jelly's Last Jam, Into the Woods, Dreamgirls and The Wiz. In 2016, Rashad was inducted into the Theater Hall of Fame and received both the Drama Desk and the Tony Award for Best Actress in a Play for her riveting performance as Lena Younger in the 2004 Broadway revival of Lorraine Hansberry's A Raisin in The Sun. Among Ms. Rashad's film credits are Creed and Creed II, Just Wright, Tyler Perry's Good Deeds, A Fall From Grace. Ms. Rashad made her critically acclaimed directorial debut at the Seattle Repertory Theater with August Wilson's Gem of the Ocean. She has also directed Stephen Adly Guirgis' Our Lady of 121st Street, The Roommate, Blues for an Alabama Sky, Ma Rainey's Black Bottom, Joe Turner's Come and Gone (2014 NAACP Theatre Award for Best Director). Respected in the academic world as well, Ms. Rashad was appointed Dean of the Chadwick A. Boseman College of Fine Arts at Howard University in May of 2021.  Ms. Rashad also holds the distinction of being the first recipient of the Denzel Washington Chair in Theatre at Fordham University. She has received countless esteemed awards including the BET Honors Theatrical Arts Award, Chicago Shakespeare Theatre's Spirit of Shakespeare Award. And serves on several important boards including Brainerd Institute Heritage and DADA, the Debbie Allen Dance Academy. Phylicia Rashad graduated Magna Cum Laude from Howard University and is the mother of two adult children.  For more on Eric's Perspective, visit www.ericsperspective.com

The talented Jason Alexander and Daniel Breaker took a time out from their show Judgement Day at Chicago Shakespeare Theatre to chat with Lisa about all things Chicago; the people, the accents and definitely the food! Little known fact about Lisa is that she can quote every single Seinfeld episode ever BUT yet again, gets distracted by food. Sit down and enjoy the hilarious conversation between these three and if you're in Chicago, you can see Jason Alexander and Daniel Breaker in Judgement Day at Chicago Shakespeare Theatre, in its newly extended run here in town!

Tiffany Yvonne Cox is a 1st generation Trinidadian actress, director, writer, and producer. She has been on several regional stages such as Chicago Shakespeare Theatre, Kansas City Repertory Theatre, The Milwaukee Repertory Theatre, and more. Select TV credits include: Grey's Anatomy; Dead To Me; Good Trouble and more. She currently can be seen playing Autumn Owens on Reasonable Doubt (Hulu) which was renewed for Season 2. And on Hallmark's Napa Ever After. In Tiffany's spare time she volunteers with CSH Speak Up! (where she supports those who have experienced homelessness in developing their story to share with legislation for more funding towards supportive housing) influenced her to direct and produce. Recent directing/producing credits include: Star Vehicle; Commune; Roadside Assistance; the podcast play LaDonna's Epiphany ft. Anna Maria Horsford. Tiffany started a grassroots group after joining SAG-AFTRA Leadership called MOVING THE DIAL to advocate for Black performers need for equity in Hair and Makeup on set. Since the inception of the group; the commercial and theatrical contracts added protections for people of color and those with textured hair. Follow her work at www.tiffanyyvonnecox.com.

As part of Mickey-Jo's trip to New York, he got to catch THE NOTEBOOK at the Schoenfeld Theatre, a new musical adaptation of the Nicholas Sparks novel. Check out his ★★★★ review for his thoughts on this emotive musical and where it lets the rain in a little... The three-time Tony Award-nominated musical The Notebook, one of the most cherished contemporary love stories, is on Broadway starring 2024 Tony nominees Dorian Harewood and Maryann Plunkett. The Notebook started as a 1995 bestselling novel by Nicholas Sparks, which was then adapted into a 2004 fan-favorite movie starring Academy Award nominees Rachel McAdams and Ryan Gosling. Now, Ingrid Michaelson sets the timeless story to music: the indie singer-songwriter contributes original music and lyrics that breathe new life into the story of lovers Noah and Allie. A Broadway alum, Michaelson appeared as Sonya in Natasha, Pierre and the Great Comet of 1812; now she returns as a first-time Broadway creative. In The Notebook on Broadway, an elderly man reads a romantic story to a female patient in a nursing home. The chapters that follow unlock a breathtaking love story, whisking the patient and the man back to their youth and providing the details that, as they age, will tragically connect them. Decades earlier, Allie and Noah were star-crossed lovers: Military drafts, family ties, and opposing classes all threatened to separate their love, but they have a once-in-a-lifetime relationship that endures for decades. Two Broadway powerhouses direct this new production, which premiered at Chicago Shakespeare Theatre. Michael Greif, a four-time Tony Award nominee for electric productions like Rent and Next to Normal, co-directs The Notebook musical alongside Schele Williams, who is directing the 2024 The Wiz revival. Also on the team is librettist Bekah Brunstetter, who earned three Emmy nominations writing for This Is Us. The cast includes Tony Award-winner Maryann Plunkett as Older Allie, Dorian Harewood as Older Noah, Joy Woods as Middle Allie, Ryan Vasquez as Middle Noah, Jordan Tyson as Younger Allie, John Cardoza as Younger Noah, Andréa Burns as Mother/Nurse Lori, and Carson Stewart as Johnny/Fin. Playing various roles are Yassmin Alers, Alex Benoit, Chase Del Rey, Hillary Fisher, Jerome Harmann-Hardeman, Dorcas Leung, Happy McPartlin, Juliette Ojeda, Kim Onah, Charles E. Wallace, and Charlie Webb. • 00:00 | introduction 02:20 | overview / synopsis 08:31 | the material 16:29 | casting approach 21:52 | performances • About Mickey-Jo: As one of the leading voices in theatre criticism on a social platform, Mickey-Jo is pioneering a new medium for a dwindling field. His YouTube channel: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠MickeyJoTheatre⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ is the largest worldwide in terms of dedicated theatre criticism, where he also share features, news and interviews as well as lifestyle content for over 60,000 subscribers. Since establishing himself as a theatre critic he has been able to work internationally. With a viewership that is largely split between the US and the UK he has been fortunate enough to be able to work with PR, Marketing, and Social Media representatives for shows both in New York, London, Hamburg, and Paris. He has also twice received accreditation from the world renowned Edinburgh Fringe Festival. His reviews and features have also been published by WhatsOnStage, for whom he was a panelist to help curate nominees for their 2023 and 2024 Awards as well as BroadwayWorldUK and LondonTheatre.co.uk. He has been invited to speak to private tour groups, at the BEAM 2023 new musical theatre conference at Oxford Playhouse, and on a panel of critics at an event for young people considering a career in the arts courtesy of Go Live Theatre Projects. Instagram/TikTok/X: @MickeyJoTheatre

On this episode I talked with Jordan about when her passion for theatre and performing started, the moment she knew she wanted to make theatre a career for herself, growing up on the east coast and whether she went to theatre shows often, becoming a well-rounded performer, playing Ariel in The Little Mermaid at B'way Method Academy, workshopping shows, what peaks her interest when reading a script for a play or musical, playing Kizette in Lempicka at La Jolla Playhouse, her audition process for Younger Allie in The Notebook, her experience premiering the show at Chicago Shakespeare Theatre, when she found out out that the show would be transferring to Broadway, the preparation that goes into making one's Broadway debut, making the role of Allie her own, developing chemistry for the show, funny moments on stage, and MUCH MORE! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/backstagewithbeccab/support

Joe Chvala has created over 30 original works for the stage that have toured from New York to Paris and from Jacob's Pillow Dance Festival to Litle Falls, MN. He is the founder and artistic director of the highly acclaimed percussive dance company, Flying Foot Forum. Articles and reviews of his work have appeared in national and international magazines and newspapers including the New York Times, La Monde, the Chicago Tribune, Dance Magazine, and the Village Voice. The range of his work has been described as "somewhere between Sammy Davis, Jr. and Samuel Becket" and has earned such accolades as "Fred Astaire on acid" and "the Agnes DeMille of the tap." Chvala has also choreographed, directed, and/or been commissioned to create new work for a variety of venues including the Walker Art Center, The Ordway Center, the Chicago Shakespeare Theatre, The Guthrie Theater, the Minnesota Opera, Arkansas Repertory Theatre, The Children's Theatre Company (to name a few). He has received Ivey and Minnesota SAGE Awards for theater and dance, as well as numerous other awards, fellowships, and grants from organizations including the National Endowment for the Arts, Minnesota State Arts Board, Target, and McKnight Foundation. Chvala also choreographs and directs dance for films. His first short film, COOKAPHONY, has been chosen as an official selection at 14 film festivals, winning four awards at various festivals including Paris Short Film Festival, Sedona International Film Festival, Vasteras International Film Festival (Sweden) and the Minneapolis/St. Paul Internatonal Film Festval.

Richard III; Act 5, Scene 1 BuckinghamFebruary 28, 2024 Photo by Adrian Sanchez-Gonzalez Actor Yao Dogbe returns to the stage of Chicago Shakespeare Theatre for the highly-anticipated production of Richard III. The inaugural effort by brand-new helmsman Edward Hall, this reimagining of one of Shakespeare's bloodiest plays has been grabbing attention for its unconventional casting and daring concept. But for Dogbe, it's more than just another role—it's a personal journey about family. Click here to follow along with the text. Click here for a First Folio Version of the text. Click here for a scanned version of the text. Click here For More information about Richard III at the Chicago Shakespeare Theater

On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek catches up with author Doug Preston to talk about the unique literary project he helped put together. Preston and Margaret Atwood recruited over 30 of the world's most popular fiction writers to work on a collaborative novel called FOURTEEN STORIES. The Dueling Critics, Kerry Reid and Jonathan Abarbanel, join Gary to review Gift Theatre's latest and discuss the recently announced non-equity Jeff Award nominations. Later in the show, Gary takes a closer look at Chicago Shakespeare Theatre's new Sufjan Stevens-inspired production, ILLINOISE. And we'll highlight some local Lunar New Year activities.

Edward Hall, the new artistic director of the Chicago Shakespeare Theatre, discusses his return to Chicago and his new production of Richard III, starring Tony Award-nominated actor and double-amputee Paralympian medal-winning athlete Katy Sullivan in the title role. Edward reveals what went into his choice of play (and actor); the beauty of happy accidents and wonder of actor-driven Shakespeare; how Shakespeare's plays are endlessly intriguing and endlessly relevant; the challenge of showing the things we're saying; the musicality of the American approach to Shakespeare's verse; inspiration from Game of Thrones, Succession and The Bear; and embracing the Chicago ethos of ensemble and the improv rule of making your scene partner look better. (Length 19:09)

Behold – the late, great Edward Lionheart, a Shakespearean actor whose performances in Julius Caesar, Troilus and Cressida, Othello, Cymbeline, and others left him the laughingstock of London theatre critics, is dead.  And yet somehow, someone is knocking off said critics one at a time in truly Shakespearean fashion… albeit with slight alterations to the text.  Shylock may have wanted his pound his flesh – this killer takes the heart.  Joan of Arc might have burned at the stake – this killer fries his victims in a hair salon.  Peregrine Devlin, head of the London Critics Circle, is baffled, as are the police.  And yet – the order of the killings bear a striking resemblance to Lionheart's last repertory season.  What's going on with the Thames-side meths drinkers that have taken up residence in the crumbling Burbage Theatre?  And what might Edward's daughter, Edwina, have to do with everything?  Friends, Romans, Countrymen, lend us your ears – for herein lies the tale of the deceased actor who set out to exact revenge, and succeeded, and the rest – is silence. Intro, Debate Society, Hot for Teacher (spoiler-free): 00:00-26:10Honor Roll and Detention (spoiler-heavy): 26:11-1:07:38Superlatives (spoiler-heavier): 1:07:39-1:28:17 Director Douglas HickoxScreenplay Anthony Greville-Bell, based on an idea by Stanley Mann and John KohnFeaturing Harry Andrews, Coral Browne, Robert Coote, Diana Dors, Jack Hawkins, Ian Hendry, Joan Hickson, Michael Hordern, Arthur Lowe, Robert Morley, Milo O'Shea, Dennis Price, Vincent Price, Diana Rigg, Eric Sykes Ben Viccellio is an actor, writer and Associate Professor of Drama & Film at Kenyon College. His acting credits include the role of Oedipus in Frank Galati's Oedipus Complex at The Goodman Theatre; Cherry Orchard, Theatrical Essays, and the world premiere of Men of Tortuga at Steppenwolf; the role of Petruchio in Short Shakespeare: Taming of the Shrew, Macbeth in Short Shakespeare: Macbeth, and Guildenstern in Hamlet at Chicago Shakespeare Theatre.  Ben has also also acted for film and television, as well as in the odd commercial... some of them, he claims, very odd. His writing for the stage has been produced in Chicago, Los Angeles, New York and Aspen. Our theme music is by Sir Cubworth, with embellishments by Edward Elgar.  Music from Theatre of Blood by Michael J. Lewis. For more information on this film (including why the Professor chose it, on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Our Blog⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠), the pod, essays from your hosts, and other assorted bric-a-brac, visit our website, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠scareupod.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Please subscribe to this podcast via Apple or Google Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. If you like what you hear, please leave us a 5-star rating. Join our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ group. Follow us on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Wine: BIO: Tiffany Yvonne Cox is a 1st generation Trinidadian actress, director, writer, and producer. She began her professional career interning at The Milwaukee Repertory Theatre. This launched her into the Chicago Theatre scene where she worked with companies such as Chicago Shakespeare Theatre, The House Theatre, The Goodman and many more. After her first TV role on Chicago Fire she decided to move to LA where she has worked on shows such as Grey's Anatomy, Dead To Me, and Good Trouble. She currently has a recurring role in the upcoming Raamla Mohamed/ Kerry Washington/ Larry Wilmore led legal drama Reasonable Doubt on Hulu and a lead on Hallmark's Mahogany film Napa Ever After. When not on screen or stage, Tiffany volunteers with the non-profit organization CSH Speak Up! where she supports those who have experienced homelessness in developing their story to share with legislation for more funding towards supportive housing. Once she realized bringing minority stories to the forefront was something she enjoyed creating through art, Tiffany began producing and directing. This began with collaborating on the Digital Series COMMUNE. Followed by her directorial debut of a short film called Roadside Assistance which has extended into a workshop on empathy and allyship. She directed the one woman show Whoa Man by Brianna Morris, the podcast play LaDonna's Epiphany featuring Anna Maria Horsford, and most recently Star Vehicle; a short film that is a comedic love letter to all actors with a look into the world of the diversity day player. Follow Tiffany's work at www.tiffanyyvonnecox.com and www.roadsideassistancewkshp.com. Instagram Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Katie checks in with former actor (Annie, The Heiress, Ah, Wilderness!, Little Darlings) and Drama Desk, Lortel, and SDC Joe A. Callaway Award nominated director (Annie National Tour, Chicago Shakespeare Theatre, Denver Center Theatre, Goodspeed Opera House, Hartford Stage, Pioneer Theatre Company, Mint Theatre Company), Jenn Thompson.

Welcome to the Green Room Meditations Podcast, presented by the Indiana Repertory Theatre and hosted by Devon Ginn. Today, we are in conversation with: Tracy Michelle Arnold. Tracy stars in the Indiana Repertory Theatre's one-woman show titled Shakespeare's Will. Tracy holds an MFA in Acting from Northern Illinois University and has been a proud member of Actors Equity Association since 1990. Tracy has served as a company member of American Players in beautiful Spring Green, Wisconsin, where favorite roles include Cleopatra in Antony & Cleopatra, Olivia in Twelfth Night, Lady Macbeth in Macbeth, Regan in King Lear and Charlotta in The Cherry Orchard. This season marks Tracy's 23rd year with APT, which fills her to the brim with gratitude and joy. At American Players Theatre, she has met the best of friends, the most talented of companions, the dearest of husbands, and the most extraordinary group of characters to inhabit. From Cleo to Kate, Jacques to Iachimo, Blanche DuBois to Linda Loman, each has broadened her capacity to understand and admire the human condition in all its wondrous complexity. She has been blessed to work in many fine theatres, Asolo Rep, Indiana Repertory Theatre, the Goodman Theatre, Forward Theater, Northlight, Writers, and Chicago Shakespeare Theatre among them. She makes her home here in Spring Green with her family.   About Shakespeare's Will: In Shakespeare's Will, the story of William Shakespeare's wife Anne Hathaway takes center stage. Anne has been cloaked in silence and invisibility, and now she tells her side of the story, full of love and loss, secrets and sacrifices. Inspired by what little we know about her, this witty and imaginative play creates a surprisingly modern portrait of a proudly imperfect wife and mother. Arnold conveys all of it, playing numerous characters - including Anne's husband, father, children and sister-in-law - while changing emotions in the blink of an eye. From carefree flirt to haunted widow. From tender mother of three to sex-starved lover of many. From terror-stricken plague refugee to joyous chronicler of nature's beauty. With a nod toward Anne's own slim inheritance, Arnold is given only a bed, table and chair - as well as a long scarf that embodies everything from a newborn to an ocean - to tell her story. It's more than enough for Arnold, who rises above a few moments where the script sags - and who is no more willing than Anne to be bound by a man's words, whether poetic or testamentary. Shakespeare's Will is on stage at the Indiana Repertory Theatre until April 16th. Click here for tickets: https://bit.ly/3nCWctf  About the Indiana Repertory Theatre: Founded in 1971, the Indiana Repertory Theatre (IRT) is the largest professional not-for-profit theatre in the state and one of the leading regional theatres in the country. The mission of the Indiana Repertory Theatre is to produce top-quality, professional theatre and related activities, providing experiences that will engage, surprise, challenge, and entertain people throughout their lifetimes, helping us build a vital and vibrant community. Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access (IDEA): The IRT strives to celebrate and serve the diverse people and cultures that make up our whole community. The IRT is committed to providing access for all; to creating and maintaining an antiracist theatre that is inclusive, safe, and respectful.

Tina El Gamal is an artist, educator, and arts administrator in Chicago. She believes in the power of a good story, and a good cup of coffee.Tina El Gamal (she/they) is a Chicago-based actor, director, educator, and arts administrator. They hold a BFA in Acting from the University of Illinois at Chicago.Recent acting credits include: Measure for Measure (u/s) (Chicago Shakespeare Theatre); the U.S. premiere of Light Falls (u/s, perf.) (Steep Theatre); Passage (u/s, perf.) (Remy Bumppo); Young Playwrights Festival (Pegasus Theater); Twice, Thrice, Frice... u/s (Silk Road Rising); Much Ado About Nothing (Oak Park Festival Theatre); the Chicago premiere of I Call My Brothers (Interrobang Theatre Project), and the world premiere of Through the Elevated Line (u/s) (Silk Road Rising). Tina was featured in Newcity Mag's Players 50 2022. When she isn't performing and directing for stages across Chicago, Tina serves as the Managing Director of Jackalope Theatre Company. She is represented by Big Mouth Talent. You can find her on insta @streetlightcleopatra."

On today's show, we have iconic and legendary TV actress Marion Ross, AKA Mrs. C-Mrs. Cunningham from the TV show Happy Days. Marion talks about her early days in Hollywood, Happy Days, working with and being friends with Ron Howard, Henry Winkler, Anson Williams, Donny Most, Erin Moran and Mr. C himself-Tom Bosely, along with what brought her to write her HIT memoir, My Days: Happy & Otherwise. In her warm and candid memoir, My Days: Happy & Otherwise, Marion shares loving recollections from the award-winning Happy Days team from break-out star Henry Winkler to Cunningham 'wild child' Erin Moran. Marion shares what it was like to be a starry-eyed young girl with dreams in poor, rural Minnesota, and the resilience, sacrifices, and determination it took to make them come true. She recalls her early years in the business, being in the company of such luminaries as Humphrey Bogart, Lauren Bacall, and Noel Coward, yet always feeling the Hollywood outsider-a painful invisibility that mirrored her own childhood. She reveals the absolute joys of playing a wife and mother on TV, and the struggles of maintaining those roles in real life. Among Ross's most heart-rending recollections are those of finally finding a soul mate-another secret hope of hers made true well beyond her expectations.  Funny, poignant, revealing and featuring Gary Marshall's final illuminating interview, as well as a touching forward from her 'TV son' Ron Howard, and her conversation with her real-life son Jim Meskimen (IG: @jimpressions), Marion Ross's story is one of inspiration, persistence, and gratitude. It's also a glowing tribute to all those who fulfilled her dreams and in turn, gave us some of the happiest days of our own lives.  Get her book, My Days: Happy & Otherwise at www.amazon.com ISBN-10: 1496715152 ISBN-13: 978-14967145159   Next is our friend and the King of the Hamptons Zach Erdem (IG: @zacherdem), owner of 75 MAIN restaurant in Southampton and the STAR of the HIT reality TV show 'Serving The Hamptons', now playing on (IG: Discoveryplus). Zach talks all things 'Serving The Hamptons', his restaurant 75 Main (IG: @75main) and the sun-filled fun he and his staff have serving the Hamptons locals and celebs.  Zach also talks about his humble start in the restaurant biz. He came here from Turkey in his early twenties, slept on a park bench in NYC, and couched surfed until he put enough money together to get himself a place to live.  He not only has a place to live and eat, he also owns: Blu Mar Restaurant (IG: @blumarhamptons) where they serve the freshest fish on the east end, Harpoon House (IG: harpoonhouse) the ultimate in luxury hotel accommodations and Buddha Lounge (IG: @buddha_lounge_) where you can dance the night away.  If you want to eat, sleep, party, and play, the KING of the Hamptons, Zach Erdem (IG: @zacherdem) has you covered.  You can Peep Cyn and me on the first episode of 'Serving The Hamptons'. Thank you Zach for having us on.   To keep up with all things Zack Erdem/King of the Hamptons, follow him on the web at: www.75main.com   Wrapping up the show is singer/songwriter and musical theatre artist Oliver Houser. (IG: @oliverhouser). ***Oliver Houser will be holding an EP release concert at www.rockwoodmusichall.com in NYC on June 23, 2022 @ 7 PM EST. Oliver Houser is a New York-based singer/songwriter and musical theatre artist. Being the winner of the inaugural Stephen Schwartz Award, the ASCAP Foundation-Sammy Cahn Award, and a Dramatists Guild Foundation Fellowship, has afforded Oliver the opportunity to present his work at Chicago Shakespeare Theatre, the Village Theatre, the Kennedy Center, the annual National Alliance for Musical Theatre Conference (NAMT), the SoHo Playhouse, the New York Musical Festival, the New York International Fringe Festival, the Other Palace Theatre in the UK, London's Royal Academy of Music and other venues across the United States and the world. Oliver has headlined at the Kennedy Center and performs his music throughout New York City. He has developed work at the Ucross Foundation, the KHN Center for the Arts, the Virginia Center for the Creative Arts, the Rhinebeck Writers Retreat, the Johnny Mercer Colony at Goodspeed Musicals, and the Warren Miller Center for the Arts. Oliver is a Jonathan Larson Grant finalist, and his work was a finalist for the O'Neill Musical Theatre Conference. He was selected for Jeanine Tesori's Front & Center Master Class and is an alum of the ASCAP Musical Theatre Workshop, the BMI Advanced Musical Theatre Workshop, and the Johnny Mercer Songwriters Project. Oliver is a proud member of ASCAP and The Dramatists Guild.  To keep up with all that he's doing, follow him on the web at: www.oliverhouser.com Thank you for listening to the show and follow us on IG at: The Big Fat Joey Show.

Paul Gordon was nominated for a 2001 Tony Award for composing the music and lyrics to the musical Jane Eyre. He won the 2015 Jeff Award for Best New Work for his book, music and lyrics for Sense and Sensibility, commissioned by Chicago Shakespeare Theatre. He is the recipient of the 2009 Ovation Award for his music and lyrics to Daddy Long Legs which has had productions all over the world, including Off-Broadway, where it was nominated for 2 Drama Desk Awards, an Off-Broadway Alliance Award and 3 Outer Critic Circle awards. Knight's Tale, written with John Caird, opened at the Imperial Theatre in Tokyo in 2018 and was remounted in 2021. He is one of the 3 founders of StreamingMusicals.com and his critically acclaimed Austen adaptations, Emma and Pride and Prejudice can be streamed on StreamingMusicals and Amazon Prime. Estella Scrooge, Being Earnest and No One Called Ahead can also be streamed on StreamingMusicals.com. His other shows include: Analog and Vinyl, Stellar Atmospheres, The Front, Juliet and Romeo, Ribbit, Sleepy Hollow, The Circle and The Sportswriter. Look to license Paul's work at Music Theatre International and Uproar Theatrics In his former life, Paul was a pop songwriter and wrote several number one hits. Paul Gordon Website

NICOLAS KING has been performing since he was 4 years old. Having been in 3 Broadway productions before the age of 12 is no small feat. Aside from appearing opposite Tom Selleck in “A Thousand Clowns", and Carol Burnett's "Hollywood Arms" directed by Hal Prince, he was Broadway's longest running Chip in Disney's “Beauty and The Beast”. King has also appeared in dozens of national TV commercials, including his award winning 'Oscar Mayer Lunchables' commercial. King has appeared on many TV talk shows such as "The View", "The Today Show", "Sally Jesse Raphael", "Liza & David", and twice on "The Tonight Show" with Jay Leno (including Leno's final week as host in 2014). His latest album, "Act One - Celebrating 25 Years of Recordings", was released in 2021 with Club 44 Records and features collaborations with Jane Monheit, Norm Lewis, hit-maker Charles Calello, and longtime musical director Mike Renzi. He performed on the Jerry Lewis MDA Telethon for 8 consecutive years live in Las Vegas, originated the voice of "Oscar" on Discovery Kids' "Kenny The Shark" and is the recipient of the 1995 and 1996 Talent America Award, 2010 Julie Wilson Award, 2015 AMG Award for Artist of the Year, the 2012 Bistro Award for 'Outstanding Performer of the Year', and the 2019 Legends Award for his contribution to the preservation of the Great American Songbook. Aside from performing alongside artists as Tony Danza, Andrea McArdle, Jack Jones, Lainie Kazan, Donna McKechnie, Faith Prince, Billy Paul, Jennifer Holliday, Debby Boone, and Linda Lavin, he has also performed alongside his mentor, the legendary Liza Minnelli, since he was 11 years old as her opening act from 2002-2012, touring all over the country. King has performed on many iconic stages including concerts and appearances at Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, Birdland, 54 Below, Chicago Shakespeare Theatre, and aboard Silversea and Crystal Cruises.

Famed character actor David Strathairn performs in the one man show, “Remember This: The Lesson of Jan Karksi”, at Chicago Shakespeare Theatre through November 13th. The play's director, Derek Goldman, tells Reset how the play challenges audiences to remember the horrors of the Holocaust, and also take on the world's current problems.

On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek sit down Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events Commissioner Mark Kelly, who is retiring from his role leading the city's culture agency. The Dueling Critics, Kerry Reid and Jonathan Abarbanel, will review Chicago Shakespeare Theatre's mash-up of the bard and The Beatles and they'll preview some Halloween themed shows currently playing around town. Gary looks at some Halloween trends. And later, Gary talks to the author of a new book that follows what happens to all those characters who are the last ones standing at the end of a horror movie.

DFT Info: http://deerfieldfamilytheater.com/ Schoolhouse Rock Live Tickets: https://bit.ly/3othZ4Q (performances on November 12, 13, 14, 19, 20 and 21) George Keating: georgepkeating@gmail.com Scott Ferguson: http://www.scottfergusonhomes.com/ Lawyers for the Creative Arts: https://law-arts.org/ Message us: https://anchor.fm/dft GEORGE KEATING (Associate Artistic Director, Voice and Movement Core) is a longtime member of Actors' Equity Association. He holds a B.F.A. in Acting from The Theatre School at DePaul University, where he is an Adjunct Professor of Movement to BFA and MFA Acting majors. George is co-founder of Theatrebam Chicago and co-creator of the award-winning hit show Schoolhouse Rock Live!. He appeared in SRL! in Chicago, on tour and off-Broadway. George was honored to train in kabuki with Shozo Sato, Royal Treasure of Japan, culminating in a performance in the world premiere Kabuki Lady Macbeth at Chicago Shakespeare Theatre. George was honored with the inaugural Angela Lansbury Award for Best Supporting Actor at the International Mystery Writers' Festival. He appears on Chicago's many stages such as: Paramount, Goodman, Northlight and Court. Notable roles: Baptista Minola, The Taming of the Shrew; Felix Ungar, The Odd Couple: George Banks, Mary Poppins; Thenardier, Les Miserables; The Baron, Grand Hotel and Gould in Grey Gardens. This is George's fifteenth summer as core faculty at NHSI where he previously directed The Serpent, The Madwoman of Chaillot, The Other Shore, Strider, Find Hakamadare!, The Scarecrow, The Handmaid's Tale, A Dream Play, A Very Old Man With Enormous Wings and Animal Farm. SCOTT FERGUSON is a teacher, writer, director and entrepreneur. He has taught theatre at the Northwestern University National High School Institute, “Cherubs,” for 22 years. Scott is the Co-Founder and Artistic Director of Theatrebam Chicago where he wrote and created the hit shows, Schoolhouse Rock Live!, Schoolhouse Rock Live Too! and The Main Street Kids' Club: A MathStart Musical. Some favorite shows he has directed: The Rocky Horror Show, Xanadu, Pippin, A Year With Frog And Toad (3 times), Altar Boyz, Big River, Saucy Jack & The Space Vixens, Aida, Beauty And The Beast, Floyd Collins, Jekyll & Hyde, Bat Boy, Evita, Return To The Forbidden Planet and The Mystery Of Irma Vep. In Chicago, Scott is also loving his career as a Realtor and raising his puppy Rufus!

John Landecker welcomes director Daryl Cloran and lead Lakeisha Renee from the Chicago Shakespeare Theatre to talk about their version of the Shakespeare classic, ‘As You Like It’, which they have thoughtfully remixed with the music of The Beatles. ‘As You Like It’ is at the Chicago Shakespeare Theater from October 6th to November 21st. […]

The Whole Artist with Courtney Rioux: Conversations with artists about acting, purpose, and the journey to finding wholeness. You are so much more than the last job you booked. Today Courtney sits down with Tiffany Yvonne Cox. Tiffany is a 1st generation Trinidadian actress, producer, writer, and director. She began her professional career interning at The Milwaukee Repertory Theatre. This launched her into the Chicago Theatre scene where she worked with companies such as Chicago Shakespeare Theatre, The House Theatre, and The Goodman. After her first TV role on Chicago Fire, she decided to move to LA where she has worked on shows such as Grey's Anatomy, Dead To Me, and several films and national commercials. When not on screen or stage, Tiffany volunteers with non-profit organizations such as CSH Speak Up! where she supports those who have experienced homelessness to share their stories with legislation. She realized bringing minority stories to the forefront was something she could easily create through her art. She began producing her own creative work beginning with the Digital Series COMMUNE. Followed by her directorial debut of a short film called ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE. To learn more about Tiffany's work and projects, check out these links: www.tiffanyyvonnecox.com INSTAGRAM: @tiffany_y_cox Commune The Series: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvfEGj5TF0w3uNMePKhP6jA Black HMU United: http://www.facebook.com/blackhmuunited The Roadside Assistance Workshop http://www.roadsideassistancewkshp.com A safe online retreat to grow and nurture empathy and allyship through reflective conversations and time with your inner voice. -- Tiffany directed and acted in LaDonna's Epiphany Ep. 1 of the Vaccine Vignets featuring Anna Maria Horsford https://vaccinevignettes.com/podcast-item/how-to-avoid-making-bad-choices/ — Catch Tiffany in Artemisia Theatre's next Podcast play titled RACHEL by Angelina W. Grimke — Release Date of May 26th--- artemisiatheatre.org PGA To Host Panel On “Hair & Makeup Equity” With SAG-AFTRA Foundation, Gersh & Management 360 – Deadline https://deadline.com/2021/04/hair-makeup-equity-panel-may-11-sag-aftra-foundation-gersh-management-360-1234745204/ Sign up for V.I.P. updates and free gifts at: www.courtneyrioux.com Find Courtney on Social Media: instagram.com/courtneyrioux ### Special thanks to: Eric Backus for mixing this episode. Mandy Work Wetzel for all of your hard work. Photography by Joe Mazza, Brave Lux. For more information, go to http://bravelux.com/ Music by Blythe Martin Productions. For more info, please contact Jamie and Erik at erik@SoundAnswer.com Edited by Courtney Rioux --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/courtneyrioux/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/courtneyrioux/support

On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek catches up with Mariem Pérez Riera, the director of a new documentary about trailblazing career of Rita Moreno. The Dueling Critics, Kerry Reid and Jonathan Abarbanel, join Gary to discuss Chicago Shakespeare Theatre's new virtual production I, CINNA (The Poet). Later in the show, Gary checks in with the CEO of Classic Cinemas to find out more about the challenges movie theater operators are facing over a year after the pandemic began. Plus an interview with author with Jennie Fields about her Chicago-set espionage thriller, ATOMIC LOVE.

Story:We’re excited to bring our first play in our 2021 series of plays from the PEN America’s PRISON WRITING PROGRAM, What’s Prison Like?Writer: Matthew MendozaMatthew Mendoza has published fiction, nonfiction, and poetry, all from prison! His play Freedom Feather was performed by Rehabilitation Through The Arts at the Brooklyn Book Festival as part of “Break Out 2018: Voices From the Inside.” He has won awards from American Short Fiction and PEN America. He juries prison writing for Evening Street Review.Director: Bernadette ArmstrongBernadette moved to Los Angeles to work in film in the late 1990’s and after her first two films went to festivals she took a short hiatus from writing until she fell in love with small theater. Since 2008 she has had several successful theater projects produced in No Hollywood. Her play The Reading Group was named Pick of the Week by LA Weekly Magazine and in 2017 her play Simple Lives was nominated for Outstanding Writing of an Original Play or Musical by the Valley Theater Awards (the only woman nominated)Cast:Amir Abdullah is an award-winning actor and writer. His TV work includes The Odd Couple and Tosh.0, as well as extensive commercial work both on-camera and in voice-over. Amir also voices the antagonist in the video game Abo Khashem. Amir has appeared on stage in dozens of productions, including Macbeth and Romeo and Juliet at the Chicago Shakespeare Theatre. Amir can be seen in the feature film Radioflash and is a member of SAG and Actor’s Equity.Jeffrey Johnson as WadeEric Nikolaus Kwasnjuk as RodriguezEric Kwasnjuk- Bio Eric Kwasnjuk, (pronounced-kwaz-knee-yuk) is living his best and most exciting time of his life. He is an exceptional actor and free-spirited, oddball comedian. He has performed with Zack Galifianakis and Dave Chappelle and has starred in International Award-winning films. Grit, faith, and determination are what motivates him to never give up on his passion for acting and entertaining and his enthusiasm for livingGoreti da Silva as BannonGoreti da Silva has had the pleasure of working on several of Bernadette Armstrong’s plays: Dark Stage, Unheard Voices, Simple Lives, and Joan. Goreti has won The Michael Grossman Most Inspirational Award for her work in the Desert, and the Valley Theatre Award for her work in “Park Plays: Portland”.Sound Production: Recorded at ES Audio Services in Glendale, CA. Recorded and Mixed by Hall CantrellSound Editor: Hall CantrellBecome a Patreon of Open-Door PlayhouseSupport the show (https://fundraising.fracturedatlas.org/open-door-playhouse)

Renowned illusionist and performance artist Scott Silven will virtually whisk audiences away to his homeland of Scotland in “The Journey,” a new art experience from Chicago Shakespeare Theatre. Reset talks to Silven about the challenges of performing and maintaining connection in the COVID-19 era.

WGN’s entertainment reporter Dean Richards joined Jon Hansen, who’s filling in for Bob Sirott, for his daily appearance on the WGN Radio Morning Show. Dean talked about the passing of country singer K.T. Oslin, John Mulaney in rehab, and Peter Pan is streaming for free from Chicago Shakespeare Theatre. Dean wrapped the segment by sharing his […]

Porchlight's popular series Sondheim @ 90 Roundtable with Michael Weber is back with an incredible line up and great conversation. Weber is joined by Deanna Dunagan (Tony Award-winning actor for "August: Osage County," who appeared in the world premiere of "Bounce" at the Goodman, directed by Hal Prince), Chris Jones (Chicago Tribune chief theater critic and culture columnist, New York Daily News Broadway and WBBM-TV critic) and Michael Mahler (Jeff Award-winning actor, music director, composer/lyricist whose credits include creating additional lyrics for the Broadway revival of "Miss Saigon" as well as music direction for "Road Show" at Chicago Shakespeare Theatre) to talk about "Road Show," previously titled "Bounce" and before that "Gold!" and "Wise Guys." With music and lyrics by Sondheim and book by John Weidman, this show has a fascinating history, a complex evolution and has never appeared on the Great White Way but had productions in Chicago, Washington D.C. and off-Broadway. "Road Show" tells the story of brothers Addison and Wilson Mizner and their adventures across America at the start of the 20th century for the Klondike Gold Rush to the Florida real estate boom in the 1920s. Join Weber and the panel which is sure to be another fascinating Sondheim @ 90 Roundtable! Edited by Remington Cleve New episodes every Saturday at 7pm CT! Video premieres available on YouTube and Facebook. YouTube.com/PorchlightMusicTheatre Facebook.com/PorchlightMusicTheatre Learn more at PorchlightMusicTheatre.org

Host Luisa Lyons chats with Tony nominated composer Paul Gordon. Topics include Jane Eyre, Daddy Long Legs, how union rules impact artists, the differences between subscription and pay-per-view models, why filming musicals is important, and making theatre more accessible, sustainable, and fair. Paul Gordon was nominated for a 2001 Tony Award for composing the music and lyrics to the musical Jane Eyre. He won the 2015 Jeff Award for Best New Work for his book, music and lyrics for Sense and Sensibility, commissioned by Chicago Shakespeare Theatre. His critically acclaimed stage musicals, EMMA and PRIDE AND PREJUDICE are available to stream on Amazon Prime. He is the recipient of the 2009 Ovation Award for his music and lyrics to Daddy Long Legs which has had productions all over the world, including Off-Broadway, where it was nominated for 2 Drama Desk Awards, an Off-Broadway Alliance Award and 3 Outer Critic Circle awards. Daddy Long Legs was also the first off-Broadway musical to be livestreamed. No One Called Ahead was filmed and released in June of 2019. Knight’s Tale, written with John Caird, opened at the Imperial Theatre in Tokyo in 2018 while the concert version debuted in 2020 with the Tokyo Philharmonic. His other shows include: Being Earnest, Estella Scrooge: A Christmas Carol with a Twist, Analog and Vinyl, Stellar Atmospheres, The Front, Juliet and Romeo, Sleepy Hollow, The Circle and The Sportswriter. In his former life, Paul was a pop songwriter and wrote several number one hits. Learn more about Paul Gordon at www.paul-gordon.weebly.com/ and follow him on Twitter.Visit Filmed Live Musicals at www.filmedlivemusicals.com. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter. You can also support the site at Patreon. Host Luisa Lyons is an Australian actor, writer, and musician. She holds a Masters in Music Theatre from London's Royal Central School of Speech and Drama and now lives, works, and plays in New York. Learn more at www.luisalyons.com or follow on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.

About: Beethoven and the Misfortune Cookies was inspired by the firing of Kabin Thomas, a 43- year-old, African American Music Appreciation Professor at The University of Arkansas in 2006 after a white student complained about the use of profanity and a graphic image depicting a lynching in one of his lessons. This is the story of how he lost himself and then found his way back.Please listen to episode 11 after the play for a discussion with writer Joni Ravenna, Amir Abdullah, Devereau Chumrau, and special guest Kabin Thomas.Writer: Joni RavennaA graduate of USC, Joni Ravenna is a multi-hyphenate: TV writer/producer, journalist, published author, and award-winning playwright. She is also Co-Author of the book, "You Let Some GIRL Beat You?- The Ann Meyers Drysdale Story" (Behler Publications, 2012) which Forbes Magazine called "a stunning portrayal of one of today's legendary women's basketball treasures." Currently, Ravenna is working with Emmy and Peabody Award-winning writer-director and co-executive producer of the popular ABC series, "MONK", Fern Field, to convert her memoir, "Letters To My Husband" into a stage play.Director: Devereau ChumrauDevereau Chumrau is an actress born in Los Angeles, California. She is an Angeleno by heart but spent the past decade studying and improving her acting craft abroad at the University of Ghana, London Study Centre of the Arts, and Florida at Asolo Conservatory. She is an actress and producer, known for Dexter, Key and Peele, and Twilight: Storytellers.Actor: Amir Abdullah - As Kabin ThomasAmir Abdullah is an award-winning actor and writer. His TV work includes The Odd Couple and Tosh.0, as well as extensive commercial work both on-camera and in voice-over. Amir also voices the antagonist in the video game Abo Khashem. Amir has appeared on stage in dozens of productions, including Macbeth and Romeo and Juliet at the Chicago Shakespeare Theatre. Amir can be seen in the feature film Radioflash and is a member of SAG and Actor’s Equity.Sound Production: Recorded at Clear Lake Studios in North Hollywood and mixed at Avant Sound Recorded and Mixed by Hall CantrellSound Editor: Hall CantrellSupport the show (https://fundraising.fracturedatlas.org/open-door-playhouse)

I'm so excited to bring you this episode. My guests today are Cara Cooper and Jessica Rush. They're both Broadway Moms and they're here to talk about motherhood, parenting, their podcast (MAMAS Talkin' LOUD), balancing career and family, as well as how their lives have been impacted by COVID-19. Cara is a special needs mom and we talk about that journey as well. Cara and Jessica are absolutely hilarious and I encourage you all to check out their podcast, MAMAS Talkin' LOUD. It's a trip.  This is a fantastic conversation and I'm thrilled to bring it to you all. About Cara Cooper:Cara Cooper is an actress most recently on Broadway in the critically acclaimed musical The Prom. Prior to that, she was the longest-running Mary Delgado in the Broadway company of Jersey Boys. During her run in JB, she had not one, but two babies. She lives in New Jersey with her husband, Graham Bowen, and the aforementioned babies, Elin and Finn (who are no longer babies). Before kids, her Broadway career included the original companies of Elf, The Wedding Singer, All Shook Up, Urban Cowboy, replacing in Legally Blonde, and waking up for a matinee at 10 am… She has appeared on Showtime's “City on a Hill” and in the films Adult Beginners and The Great Gilly Hopkins (both of which she shot while pumping in the trailer). As the mother of a child with special needs (her daughter is autistic), she is keenly aware of the specific challenges of raising children of different ‘abilities' and fights for this community of warrior parents to feel seen and supported. She is the co-founder of Broadway Baby Mamas and keeps her sanity with equal parts exercise, wine, and tortilla chips. About Jessica Rush:Jessica Rush is a mom, wife, and award-winning actress currently seen as Rhonda in the original Broadway company of Tina: The Tina Turner Musical. She most recently completed a successful run in Broadway's Dear Evan Hansen, where she stood by for both Cynthia Murphy and Heidi Hansen. Last season she originated the role of Joyce Bogart in Summer: The Donna Summer Musical. Jessica had the honor of closing the Broadway run of Jersey Boys as the longest-running Lorraine, and prior to that, appeared in Guys and Dolls and was the stand-by for Laura Benanti in Gypsy with Patti LuPone. Television credits include appearances on “Billions”, “White Collar” and the award-winning web series “Then We Got Help”. She was the recipient of the Joseph Jefferson Award for her portrayal of Louise in Gypsy at Chicago Shakespeare Theatre and is co-founder of the Broadway Baby Mamas. Ms. Rush enjoys a charcuterie board, rosé, pumpkin spice, and all things basic while raising her voice in the fight for awareness and equality. She is married to actor Eric Anderson, and mom to their daughter, Elliot. About MAMAS Talkin' LOUD:Website: https://broadwaypodcastnetwork.com/podcast/mamas-talkin-loud/ (https://broadwaypodcastnetwork.com/podcast/mamas-talkin-loud/) Instagram https://www.instagram.com/mamastalkinloud/ (@mamastalkinloud ) Twitter: https://twitter.com/mamastalkinpod (@mamastalkinpod  ) Link to the season finale episode: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rachel-tucker-on-both-sides-of-the-pond/id1483884105?i=1000486769299 (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rachel-tucker-on-both-sides-of-the-pond/id1483884105?i=1000486769299) The Podcast Is Available on Apple/iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher, iHeart, TuneIn, Deezer, http://player.fm/ (Player.FM), Pocket Cast, Podcast Addict and everywhere else you listen to podcasts. https://broadwaypodcastnetwork.com/ (https://broadwaypodcastnetwork.com/) About Me: All my information and relevant links are https://www.liinks.co/theautismdad (here) Sponsors This episode is sponsored by Mightier. Mightier is an amazing program out of Harvard Medical and Boston Children's. It uses video games to teach kids to emotionally self-regulate. Visit...

Courtney Mack is a New York-based actress, singer, and dancer. She is originally from a small town in Wisconsin and came to Chicago to pursue a Musical Theatre degree at Columbia College. She is now on Broadway as an alternate in Six: The Musical! Her recent theatre credits include, Six: The Musical at The Ordway, The Citadel Theatre, American Repertory Theatre, Chicago Shakespeare Theatre, Ghost: The Musical with Theatre at the Center, Million Dollar Quartet with Paramount Theatre, Heathers: The Musical with Kokandy Productions, Mamma Mia! with Paramount Theatre, Side Show with Porchlight Music Theatre, Cabaret with Theatre at the Center. She received a Jeff Award for actress in a Principle Role for her lead performance in Heathers: The Musical as Veronica Sawyer. She was also featured in Chris Jones’ Chicago Tribune article: "10 Hot New Faces" of 2016.  In this episode, Courtney chats with NYC-based actress and host Maggie Bera about her training at Columbia, the theatre scene in Chicago, and how she found her place in the most anticipated show on Broadway! To get The Essential Guide to Instagram for Actors online course, go to www.actoraesthetic.com/instagram and use the code PODCAST30 to save 30% off your purchase! To join the Actor Aesthetic Alliance Facebook group, click here. Spread love and don't forget to rate, review and subscribe to the Actor Aesthetic Podcast on iTunes, Google, Stitcher, or your favorite podcast app. Visit actoraesthetic.com for more info. Follow Maggie Bera on social media Instagram: @actoraesthetic Facebook: www.facebook.com/ActorAesthetic/ Email: maggie@actoraesthetic.com

Join me in the Labyrinth with actor, comic, radio host, and "professional gay," Scott Duff.  A graduate of Northwestern University, he is an Artistic Associate of About Face Theatre, having appeared in over 15 AFT productions, and has performed all over Chicago including work with the Goodman, Steppenwolf, Theater Wit, Windy City Playhouse, Lookingglass, Chicago Shakespeare Theatre, iO, and American Theatre Company. Scott is the host/producer of OUT CHICAGO, a live weekly talk show for the LGBT community airing Sundays on WCPT, Chicago’s Progressive Talk AM & FM, and Scott Duff Cooking Stuff on YouTube. Links: Scott Duff: https://www.scottduff.me/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scottdangerduff/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWlOhVRKzcRmjamGMpB3pIw/   Application to work with me: https://forms.gle/7FcFxCFBQE6cpDVg8 Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beckybrett.live LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/beckybrett3/ Music: iScream by Brendan Caldwell

In this episode, we get real about some of the stresses that come with taking ADHD medications as an artist. We also talk about Dru's love of Hip Hop, getting misdiagnosed as having anger issues as a pre-teen, and keeping a sense of play and wild abandon even as an adult.  Here is some information on Dru: Dru Smith's artistic mission is to continually create art that aims to lessen the gap between those who are marginalized and those in power. He's a director/writer/actor/musician who lives and works in Chicago. He co-wrote and co-directed Concerning Foster, a play about the desegregation of District 65 schools in Evanston, IL. He also co-created the play, I.D., which was a vignette-style production that asked hard questions about racial and cultural identity. I.D. received a remount due to its unprecedented success. While working as an actor, Dru has been seen on stage at The Gift, Urban Street Theatre Company, and Chicago Shakespeare Theatre - where he understudied the production of Othello: The Remix. He was also an ensemble member of the former company, Chicago Slam Works. There, he was on a team of artists who created slam-poetry-forward theater around different social justice themes, and he was also lucky enough to direct their final show before closing, Carrier. Dru received his BFA in Acting from SUNY Purchase before moving to Chicago, and is a proud graduate of The School at Steppenwolf. He serves as the Education Director for Mudlark Theater Company. You can find some of his music on Bandcamp: Sir Andrew The Bard: The Prologue

On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek catches up with choreographer Stephanie Martinez to talk about the inspiration for her work BLISS! Later in the show, Gary sits down with Lyric Opera president Anthony Freud to talk about the company's recently announced 2020-21 season. The Dueling Critics, Kerry Reid and Jonathan Abarbanel, stop by to review Chicago Shakespeare Theatre's new production of EMMA. Gary revisits his conversation with the directors of AMERICAN FACTORY, which won an Academy Award last week for Best Documentary. And Gary talks with Chicago Magazine dining editor Amy Cavanaugh about the magazine's February cover story.

Today’s interview is with Chicago artist, Leah Raidt. Leah Raidt proudly hails from Louisville, Kentucky. She is an actor, teacher, mentor and director based in Chicago, IL. She is the founder and head instructor of The College Audition Clinic at Actors Training Center, and a teacher and private coach at The Green Room Studio. Works in process include developing and directing the show Reverse Missionary with creative partner Juliet Barrett, which had a workshop premier through The Guest House Project at Haven Theatre. Upcoming projects include ROE at The Goodman Theatre. Past credits include work with Steppenwolf Theatre, Cloudgate Theatre, Chicago Shakespeare Theatre, Griffin Theatre, American Theatre Company and more. Leah has worked as assistant-director to Jonathan Berry and Nick Bowling. She holds a B.F.A from DePaul University, and is a graduate of The School at Steppenwolf. Represented by DDO Artists Agency and Heyman Talent.  Contact info Website: www.leahraidt.com Instagram: @lraidt For coaching Email lraidt@gmail.com Also may contact coach@thegreenroom.com     Want to start winning your day? (FREE GIFT)  Acting is stressful enough. It’s time to stack the odds in your favor Head on over to www.tonyrossicoaching.com and sign up for the self care email newsletter. When you do, you’ll get an email back with a link to listen to a free audio, How to Win the Day.    Through my own self care routine, I’ve identified three ways you can win the day and make it much easier to experience more positive emotions. Whether you’re going to a day job, heading to an audition, or having one of those “I don’t have time to eat or sleep!” weeks - this audio has some tips for you. Head over to www.tonyrossicoaching.com now and sign up for the email newsletter to grab it - because honestly, you deserve to start winning your day.    Wanna chat with me?    Use this link here to schedule a free one on one. Just make sure it's 48 hours in advance.    NOTE: Don’t see an open slot? Email me at tony.rossi@gmail.com with the subject “1-on-1 Inquiry” and we’ll work something out :)    Books & Podcasts to check out**   The Book of Joy For a list of Tony’s favorite books and podcasts, check out his list here!**  Wanna listen to some of these books????Get your first Audible book free over at www.audibletrial.com/tonyrossishow      Previous Tony Rossi Show Episodes to Check Out    Meditation Doesn’t Have to Suck - A Deep Dive with Kelsey Mathes  How High Standards Can Help Your Career - Pt 2 (Day Jobs)       Things Tony likes Built In Chicago - Tony’s Day Job (they’re hiring!)    People Tony likes    Kelsey Mathes  Website  Instagram    Other references For Sponsorship Inquiries Shoot an email to tony.rossi@gmail.com and put “Tony Rossi Show Sponsor” in the subject line.  Wanna just support the podcast? You’re the best. Head to patreon.com/tonyrossi for donation optins, starting at $1/month.    Are we connected? (We totally should be….) Facebook: facebook.com/tonyrossicoaching Instagram: @tony.rossi Twitter: @_tonyrossi  **Indicates affiliate link. (So like, buy two) Hey...you're enough. Without all those things you want and deserve.  You're enough. Like, today.    #notperfect #stillenough ************************

The current Chicago Shakespeare Theatre production of Romeo And Juliet completely reinvigorates Shakespeare's most famous play, emphasizing frequently overlooked themes and giving events an intense urgency that accentuates both the comedy and the tragedy. Director Barbara Gaines (who's also CST's founding artistic director) talks about what finally drew her to the play and how she emphasized certain things while eschewing too much romanticization; how she underscores the dangers of cycles repeating endlessly; creates powerful final images: how every Shakespeare play can be improved by setting it in a high school; how she adds tension and comedy to the balcony scene; gives us a reduced history of Chicago Shakespeare Theatre; and the wonderful but maybe not too surprising relationship between Chicago Shakes and Second City. (Length 24:02) (Pictured: Brittany Bellizeare and Edgar Miguel Sanchez in Chicago Shakespeare Theater’s production of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, directed by Barbara Gaines. Photo by Liz Lauren.) The post Romeo And Juliet appeared first on Reduced Shakespeare Company.

Chicago is lousy with Hamlets this spring/summer of 2019! Friend of the pod Samuel Taylor was involved with two of them - at Chicago Shakespeare Theatre and with the Back Room Shakespeare Project, the latter of which Sam co-founded - and he discusses how all this activity supports and complements both companies and the Chicago theatre community. Featuring the beauty of electricity, fruitful studies in contrasts, asserting control over the laughs, being invested in turtle races, celebrating America’s Mike Nussbaum as the First Gravedigger, hearing about Hamlet being put on trial and Quicksilver Shakespeare actors pulling Hamlet's characters out of a hat, continuing work on Hamlet's Big Adventure (a prequel), the best possible scheduling of Titus Andronicus, the fascination of watching somebody doing something very difficult, and the wonder of understanding both the history of Shakespeare in Chicago and of Chicago Shakespeare. (Length 24:24) (Pictured: Mike Nussbaum as the First Gravedigger, in the Chicago Shakespeare Theatre production of Hamlet, directed by Barbara Gaines. Photo by Liz Lauren. Old Style Hamlet logo courtesy of the Back Room Shakespeare Project.) The post Dueling Chicago Hamlets appeared first on Reduced Shakespeare Company.

Recent projects include: Born Yesterday for Ford’s Theatre; MacBeth for Chicago Shakespeare Theatre; Penn and Teller on Broadway, directed by John Rando; the premiere of Queens for a Year, directed by Lucie Tiberghien for Hartford Stage; The Tempest for American Repertory Theatre, Chicago Shakespeare, and South Coast Repertory theatres directed by long time collaborators, Aaron Posner and Teller.The Scottsboro Boys directed by Joe Calarco for The Signature Theatre.At Wit’s End, Love in Afghanistan, Vanya, Sonia, Masha and Spike for Arena Stage; the premiere of American Song, directed by Mark Clements for Milwaukee Rep; The Games Afoot for the Cleveland Playhouse; Company, Hairspray, Chess, and Sunset Boulevard for The Signature Theatre directed by Eric Schaeffer; Sabrina Fair for The Ford’s Theatre and The Merry Wives of Windsor for The Shakespeare Theater; Hand to God, directed by Joanie Schultz for The Studio Theatre; Jelly’s Last Jam for Signature Theatre, directed by Matt Gardiner; District Merchant for South Coast Repertory, directed by Michael Michetti; At Wit’s End, for Cincinnati Playhouse, directed by David Esbjornsen; Three Sisters for The Studio Theatre directed by Jackson Gay; and the premiere of No Sisters for The Studio Theatre written and directed by Aaron Posner.Nominated for Washington, D.C’s Helen Hayes Award for Outstanding Set Design fourteen times, he received the award in 2000, 2009, 2015 and most recently in 2017 for Stunning, for Woolly Mammoth Theatre, directed by Anne Kaufmann.Inclusion of materials for The Chicago Shakespeare production of Macbeth was funded in part by The University of Maryland International Program for Creative Collaboration and Research where Mr. Conway is a Professor of Design.

Born and raised in Japan, Izumi came to the states to learn performing arts at age of 18. She double majored in dance and theatre design at State University of New York, Buffalo. Right after the graduation, she moved to Chicago to attend the master program at Northwestern University, focusing on costume and scenic design. Soon after completing the program in 2009, she started working as a freelance costume/makeup designer in Chicago. She has joined Red Tape Theatre as an ensemble member in 2012, where she has designed all productions since such as Skriker, Elephant’s Graveyard, Lear, Madam Barker, and Hamlet is Dead. She has also designed costumes for production with Griffin Theatre, A Red Orchid, The Gift, The Music Theatre Company, The Hypocrites, Lifeline, Strawdog, Albany Park Theatre Project, Steep, Porchlight Music, CPS Shakespeare at Chicago Shakespeare Theatre, The Building Stage, Marry-Arrchie, Two Pence Shakespeare, Evanston Dance Ensemble, Wheaton College, Sideshow, TUTA, Raven Theatre, and Buzz 22. Her makeup designs appeared in the productions with Theo Ubique Cabaret (Cats, Non-Equity Jeff Award for Artistic Specialization), and Chicago Dramatists. She has served as a costume staff/designer at National High School Institute for last 7 years. Izumi is honored to receive Michael Maggio Emerging Designer Award 2014.

Sunday SUNDAY Sunday! Two down-on-their-luck titans face off in the battle that ROCKED the eighties! It’s Georges versus Georges! Drag queens versus dots! Hummin' Jerry Herman versus Stone Cold (according to the critics) Steve Sondheim! WHO will reign victorious in this knock-down drag-out no-holds-barred fight to return to Broadway glory? Find out this Sunday SUNDAY Sunday (by the blue purple yellow red water)! Works referenced/cited: Freedman, Samuel G. “'REAL THING' AND 'LA CAGE' DOMINATE THE TONY AWARDS.” The New York Times, 4 June 1984. O' Connor, John J. “THE 38TH TONY AWARDS.” The New York Times, 5 June 1984. Freedman, Samuel G. “DISPUTE OVER TONY AWARDS.” The New York Times, 31 May 1984. Freedman, Samuel G. “'SUNDAY' TOP TONY NOMINEE.”The New York Times, 8 May 1984. Gans, Andrew. “DIVA TALK: A Backwards Glance-the 1984 Tonys PLUS Ripley, Menzel and Jones.” Playbill, 1 July 2005. Alexander, Ron. “AN OPULENT OPENING PARTY FOR 'LA CAGE'.” The New York Times, 23 Aug. 1983. Rich, Frank. “STAGE: THE MUSICAL 'CAGE AUX FOLLES'.” The New York Times, 22 Aug. 1983. Bennetts, Leslie. “HOW STARS OF 'LA CAGE' GREW INTO THEIR ROLES.” The New York Times, 24 Aug. 1983. Bennetts, Leslie. “HERE COMES THE MUSICAL 'LA CAGE'.” The New York Times, 21 Aug. 1983. Boutwell, Jane. “Tracks.” The New Yorker, 20 June 2017. Brantley, Ben. “Review: 'Sunday in the Park With George,' a Living Painting to Make You See.” The New York Times, 24 Feb. 2017. Canby, Vincent. “Film: 'Cage Aux Folles,' Farce in a French Club.” The New York Times, 13 May 1979. Freedman, Samuel G. “STOPPARD DEBATES THE ROLE OF THE WRITER.” The New York Times, 20 Feb. 1984. Gussow, Mel. “THE REAL TOM STOPPARD.” The New York Times, 1 Jan. 1984. Hinton, Peter. “The Real Thing Study Guide.” National Arts Centre, 2006. Kakutani, Michiko. How Two Artists Shaped an Innovative Musical The New York Times, 10 June 1984. Lawson, Carol. “BROADWAY; Summer's Hottest Ticket? How about Sondheim Musical?” The New York Times, 17 June 1983. Lawson, Mark. “Tom Stoppard: 'I'm the Crank in the Bus Queue'.” The Guardian, 14 Apr. 2010. Rich, Frank. “STAGE VIEW; SONDHEIM SAYS GOODBYE TO BROADWAY - FOR NOW.” The New York Times, 24 July 1983. Rich, Frank. “STAGE: 'SUNDAY IN THE PARK WITH GEORGE'.” The New York Times, 3 May 1984. Rich, Frank. “THEATER: TOM STOPPARD'S ''REAL THING''.” The New York Times, 6 Jan. 1984. Rockwell, John. “'SUNDAY IN THE PARK' ILLUMINATES SONDHEIM'S ART.” The New York Times, 29 July 1984. Sommer, Elyse. Tom Stoppard | a Curtainup Feature. “Sunday in the Park with George.” Chicago Shakespeare Theatre. Harvey Fierstein with Barbara Walters on 20/20 (1983) Hirschfeld, Al. Hirschfeld On Line. Applause, 1999. Sondheim, Stephen. Look, I Made a Hat: Collected Lyrics (1981-2011) with Attendant Comments, Amplifications, Dogmas, Harangues, Digressions, Anecdotes and Miscellany. Alfred A. Knopf, 2011. Gordon, Joanne. Art Isn't Easy: the Theater of Stephen Sondheim. Southern Illinois University Press, 1992. Bloom, Ken, and Frank Vlastnik. Broadway Musicals: the 101 Greatest Shows of All Time. Black Dog & Leventhal Pubs., 2010. Hischak, Thomas S. The Oxford Companion to the American Musical: Theatre, Film, and Television. Oxford University Press, 2008. Filichia, Peter. Broadway Musicals: The Biggest Hit & the Biggest Flop of the Season 1959 to 2009. Applause Books, 2010. Bloom, Ken, and Frank Vlastnik. Broadway Musicals: the 101 Greatest Shows of All Time. Black Dog & Leventhal Pubs., 2010. Guernsey, Otis L. Curtain Time: The New York Theatre (1965-1987). Applause , 1987. Citron, Stephen. Jerry Herman: Poet of the Showtune. Yale University Press, 2004. Bryer, Jackson R., and Richard Allan. Davison. The Art of the American Musical: Conversations with the Creators. Rutgers University Press, 2005.

Christopher Luscombe, who's directed in London's West End, at Shakespeare's Globe, and for the ‘other RSC' (the Royal Shakespeare Company), now directs Nell Gwynn, a charming new comedy with music about the famous (or infamous) 17th Century actress now having its world premiere at the Chicago Shakespeare Theatre. Also an alumnus of the Cambridge Footlights, Chris discusses Nell the play, Nell the actress, and Nell the production. Featuring a wonderful tribute to Chicago actors, the value of being authentically English, the absolute treat of continuing to work on a play over several years, the advantage of embracing contradictions, the great thing about not being afraid of comedy, and the importance of starting from scratch every time. (Length 18:21)

Anthony Pound is the Associate Director of Education and Youth Engagement at the New Victory Theatre in New York City, and now that school is back in session Anthony tells us all about  NewVic's award-winning Usher Corps theatre internship program. Featuring robust education departments, amazing lower lobbies, incredible online resources, briefing and debriefing, winning awards, post-show workshops, pursuing realistic careers in the arts, shout-outs to Sunset Cultural Center and Chicago Shakespeare Theatre, and finally, fabulous encounters with former first ladies. (Length 20:12)

Chaon Cross plays Lady Macbeth in the exciting and literally magical production of the Scottish play directed by Aaron Posner and Teller in the current production at the Chicago Shakespeare Theatre, and discusses the challenges of finding the balance between the textual and theatrical and between character and razzmatazz; the difficulties of acting while performing magic; the art of creating a useful backstory; the pitfalls of human desires: the glory of creating a world; the relative usefulness of politics; and the surprising delight of speaking with Lady She-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named. (Length 21:16)

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Gary welcomes actor, director, producer, choreographer, casting and teaching professional Stephen Schellhardt to the co-host chair of Booth One this week. Longtime listeners to the program may remember Stephen as a panel guest when we recorded our all-things Sondheim Episode 38 before a live audience at Writers Theatre. His recent production of Urinetown received glowing notices. See a review here. Stephen will next be seen as Melman the Giraffe in Madagascar The Musical at Chicago Shakespeare Theatre, directed by friend of the show, episode 57 guest Rachel Rockwell. More details. Stephen is about to begin a position at Northwestern University where he'll be teaching Musical Theatre. We're going to put that knowledge to the test in this Episode 60! Gary and Producer Betsy just returned from a whirlwind trip to New York City where they saw 6 Broadway shows in 5 days! Here's a rundown of the cavalcade: Sweat - Terrific play with a fine ensemble cast. Khris Davis! This show will have a lot of legs on the regional circuit with one set and important timely subject matter. Sadly, the 2017 Pulitzer Prize-winning play just closed in NY, but it will have a long and profitable life after Broadway. Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812 - Lavish, interactive spectacle of a production, but we found it curiously un-engaging, despite having the best seats of our trip. Gary never found the emotional heart of the piece, though the last 20 minutes are very moving. Still, it's a long slog to get to those final moments and it's not a show we can highly recommend, except for the fact that you'll not see anything else as lavish as this anywhere, and Josh Groban is exceptional as Pierre. A Doll's House, Part 2 - Laurie Metcalf deserves all the acclaim she's received for this performance in Lucas Hnath's imaginative sequel to Ibsen's classic. The rest of the cast - Jane Houdyshell, Chris Cooper and Condola Rashad, all nominated for Tony's - round out this genuinely entertaining and thought-provoking dramedy. Maybe a bit too short and some unexplored themes, but it's for Metcalf that one should see this particular production. Gary likens her star turn to what it might have been like to see Hepburn or Davis on the stage in their heyday. A true American theater treasure! The Little Foxes - Seeing Laura Linney and Cynthia Nixon in this searing Lillian Hellman play was to see acting at it's finest. Perfectly cast and superbly staged, Gary and Betsy were also very impressed by Richard Thomas and Michael McKean's performances. We saw the version for which Linney and Nixon were nominated - Regina and Birdie respectively. Stephen comments that the two actresses believe this combination plays against their types. That's what acting is all about, and what a pair of powerhouse actors they are! As of this publication, this show is also now closed, but it's a theater-going memory that will live in our minds for a long time to come. Come From Away - Words cannot describe the heartfelt joy and spontaneous enthusiasm this show engendered in us. It's a musical that shouldn't really work, given its subject matter and minimalist plot. But it was perhaps our favorite show of the whole trip. This as well will play beautifully in "the provinces", and crowds should certainly adore it as much as the one on the night we saw it. A terrific score and fantastic staging. With a cast of ordinary-looking townsfolk and air passengers, the show utilizes just a single stationary set (with a small turntable), a couple of tables and a dozen or so chairs. When it comes to your town, run, don't walk to experience this gem of a musical! The cast album is on repeat in Stephen's car! The Play That Goes Wrong - For sheer fun and entertainment, here was a show that we went to on a whim with half-price tickets from the TKTS Booth. This play features a great ensemble of physical comedy actors and a set that fully deserves its Tony Award for Best Scenic Design.

Booth One welcomes the amazing Rachel Rockwell to our studios amidst her action-packed schedule. Her beautiful production of Shakespeare in Love has just opened at Chicago Shakespeare Theatre, and she has about a million other irons in the fire. As a choreographer, Rachel was nominated for Joseph Jefferson Awards for The King & I (2007) and A Chorus Line (2011). As a director, she received Jeff Award nominations for Miss Saigon (2009); The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee—Best Musical (2009); Ragtime (2010) and 42nd Street (2011). For her acclaimed Drury Lane Oakbrook Theatre production of Ragtime (11 Jeff nominations and seven awards), she received the Joseph Jefferson Award as Best Director of a musical. As Director, Jeff Award nominations (2012) for Best Director and Best Musical: The Sound of Music and Sweeney Todd at Drury Lane Oakbrook Theatre; and Best Play: Enron at Timeline Theatre Company. In 2013, her production of Oliver! received a Jeff nomination for Best Musical. In 2014, she received Jeff Award nominations (Director, Choreography and Best Musical) for the revival of Brigadoon at The Goodman Theatre and Les Miserables at Drury Lane Oakbrook. Her production of Brigadoon was named Best Musical and she was named Best Choreographer for that production. She won the Jeff Award for Best Choreography for her production of Billy Eliot in 2015. In 2016, she won the Jeff Award as Best Director for her production of Ride The Cyclone at Chicago Shakespeare Theatre.[22] She has directed notable Children's Theatre productions at Chicago Shakespeare Theater. At CST, she also choreographed productions of The Merry Wives of Windsor, Romeo and Juliet, and Measure For Measure. Since the mid-nineties, Rockwell has directed and choreographed dozens of productions for such theaters as: Steppenwolf, Chicago Shakespeare Theatre, Drury Lane Theatre Oakbrook, Marriott Theatre Lincolnshire, Paramount Theatre, Noble Fool Theatricals, Fox Valley Repertory, Apple Tree, The Little Theatre on the Square, SIU Summer Theatre and McCleod Summer Playhouse. Rachel is also working on writing and developing new musicals. Look out world!!! Booth One has a couple of ideas we may be passing by her desk. Rachel is the third musical genius to come on our show who hails from Indiana. Beckie Menzie and Danni Smith, both past guests and friends of the show, cultivated their talents in the Hoosier State. We're wondering what's in the water over there!? Rachel credits her success to a long line of mentors and teachers, including Buzz Miller, who danced Bob Fosse's brilliant choreography in the seminal "Steam Heat" on Broadway and in the film of The Pajama Game. Rachel was Dance Captain in Mamma Mia on Broadway and the National Tour, and she gives us some backstage insight about what a difficult and important job this is. She choreographs in her car(!) and counter-clockwise in her living room to avoid the coffee table. So yeah, kind of a genius. Deb Acker, the production stage manager at Chicago Shakespeare, says Rachel is the most prepared director she's ever worked with. Rachel tells us why she prepares so thoroughly. Gary and Rachel talk the 2017 Tony Award nominations and Rachel particularly recommends Come From Away. Martha Lavey,  a mentor to us all and a huge force in the Chicago theater community, is our Kiss of Death segment this week. There are no words. But these journalists come close: Hedy Weiss for the Chicago Sun Times Chris Jone for the Chicago Tribune New York Times        

This is Booth One's second Easter holiday for Gary and Roscoe, having just passed the first anniversary of our podcast. Ross reprises his hilarious story of appearing as a young child in a photo in the Niles Daily Sun  (Michigan) searching for an Easter Egg in the bushes with his "hind-end" in focus. We appeal to our Booth One podcast nation for a copy of this priceless photo. Happy hunting! And when in Chicago, don't forget to visit The Fudge Pot chocolate store in Old Town to satisfy your sweet tooth! visit their site Gary talks about his beloved mother Dolores's favorite Polish Easter traditions, gathering around pierogi, kielbasa and lamb cake -- the art of lively conversation flourishing. Our Waspy producer had to get used to the volume. For Poles, Easter is the holiest day of the year. Read more about the food here. Update on the presidential race: As the GOP may soon meet it's death in the general election, Gary suggests the GOP symbol elephant might go to the amazing Elephant Sanctuary in Hohenwald, Tennessee. This 2700 acre retirement home is filled with features of their natural habitats and is closed to the public. How cool is that? For educational and observational purposes, there are 14 solar-powered "elecams". We love everything about this. Check out the details here!Speaking of lame elephants, Donald Trump. Here's something: One of Trump's first business ventures out of college was backing a Broadway show called Paris is Out by Richard Seff in 1970. The show ran for 96 performances at the Brooks Atkinson Theatre. Would that his campaign closes as quickly. Details in this great NYT story. LEARN MORE about Gary Z and Roscoe when they play Chat Pack, our favorite game. We aspire to write our own Chat Pack for the show. If you have ideas for questions, please send them in. This week the Broadway chat boards were alive with controversy and invective as actress Patti Murin rebutted some snarky comments that cropped up on BroadwayWorld.com. web site Not only did they vilify the musical Nerds! she was working on that just got shut down in rehearsals for lack of funding, but some comments go right after the talent of the actors. Her responses are witty and priceless and should lead to more oversight of these chat boards in the future. read more Find out how Roscoe learned his lesson in writing on the chat boards in his story about actress Irene Dailey. read bio Looking for that perfectly "little" cute place in the Village or Little Italy? Well, look no further than Mr. Donahue's, a 9-seat restaurant serving hearty meals in a tiny space. go to website No reservations, first come only. Better bring a book. And an umbrella. And find out more about Columbia University student Jonah Reider who opened a restaurant in his dorm room to raise a little extra cash. He's gotten more than he bargained for! read more here Gary and Roscoe recount their Booth One experience attending Chicago Shakespeare Theatre's new production of Othello. As new press list members, we received the royal treatment. Gary recalls seeing the play on Broadway with James Earl Jones and Christopher Plummer.  Talk about star power! Kiss of Death Martha Wright, Broadway Actress, who took over for Mary Martin in two iconic roles of the American Musical Theatre - Nellie Forbush in South Pacific and Maria Rainer in The Sound of Music. Though never a star like Martin, Ms. Wright by all accounts acquitted herself brilliantly in her portrayals. She performed Forbush more than 1,000 times on Broadway, closing the show in January 1954. Ms. Wright was 92. read full obit        

Gary and Roscoe welcome Chicago Shakepeare Theatre's Creative Producer Rick Boynton to the show! First a recap of those Republican candidates who have dropped from the race in the wake of the Iowa caucuses - Huckabee, Santorum and Paul. Gary's "girlfriend" Carly Fiorina has nary a pulse and the smart money is on her taking a dive after New Hampshire. We'll know by the time this episode airs. Rick Boynton read full bio is currently Creative Producer at the world-famous Chicago Shakespeare Theatre on Navy Pier in Chicago Learn More. Which means he oversees all the amazing art that appears on stage there. Rick began his career as a performer after graduating from Northwestern University. He has also worked as an agent, a casting director (at Jane Alderman  & Chicago Shakes) and as the Artistic Director at Marriott Lincolnshire Theatre. Rick talks about his years as an actor in such shows as 1776 and Shear Madness. And about his time at Marriott Lincolnshire and the incredible creative minds and spirits he encountered during those years, including a vivid and thrilling description of their production of Miss Saigon on a budget. As well as their staging of new musicals, including Honk! We discuss at length the original musical Sense and Sensibility by Paul Gordon read about the show, which CST mounted on their main stage, and how that project first got started and then came to fruition in a gorgeously produced production. It's a unique inside look at how a theatrical idea is born, nurtured and finally blossoms into a full blown work of art. Another CST project is the recently lauded production of Ride the Cyclone read more, an off-beat, quirky and altogether insightful musical about a group of young choir singers who meet an untimely demise when a roller coaster jumps the track. The kids are left in a kind of purgatory, where a mysterious mechanical wizard promises one of them the opportunity to return to life by telling their story - but they all get to vote. This musical should see plenty of afterlife in New York and regionally. Rick gives us a glimpse into what's in store in terms of new works at CST for the coming season.  Gravedigger's Hamlet read about the show by Michael Mahler, Alan Schmuckler and Laura Schellhardt is scheduled for the fall of 2016 in conjunction with the Shakespeare 400 Chicago Festival about the festival. Shakespeare 400 Chicago is a yearlong international arts festival in 2016 celebrating the vibrancy, relevance and reach of Shakespeare. It involves theatres, museums, music, dance, opera, exhibits, lectures, film, and radio. They'll even be restaurant chefs, creating menus reflective of the themes of a Shakespeare play or sonnet, curated by Rick working with friend of Booth One Alpana Singh read bio. Don't miss some of these amazing events happening around the city all year long! Roscoe and Rick discuss the brilliant production of Follies which played at CST in 2011, and Rick relates a moving anecdote of Stephen Sondheim's visit to see the show. Truly a Booth One Experience! Gary asks Rick about his favorite places in all the world as he travels the globe in search of new and exciting theatrical works. His answers may surprise you. Rick gamely plays a little Chat Pack with Gary and Roscoe, and the conversation quickly leads to their mutual excitement over the news that Bette Midler will star in a 2017 production of Hello, Dolly! on Broadway see more at Playbill.com. Gary's never seen Roscoe so excited! Kiss of Death Lois Weisberg was an influential and energetic champion of the Chicago arts/cultural/entertainment scene. As head of the Department of Cultural Affairs, for the City, Lois was responsible for creating some of the most well-known and long-lasting events in Chicago. A few of her accomplishments: championing the World Music Festival and SummerDance programs; starting Chicago Blues Festival, the largest blues festival in the world; pushing forward C...

Gary and Roscoe announce their upcoming appearances at the 35th Annual Taste Of Chicago on July 8 & 10. See the complete Taste Daily Schedule here. Iconic silent screen child star Baby Peggy is profiled with a very personal viewpoint and in-depth analysis from Roscoe. Read full article The Northwest Chicago Film Society has a new home and announces their 2015 line-up of films, from Technicolor to 80’s realism. Read more The Tony Awards are over and we recap the 69th annual awards show. The Tonys In our Cultural Update segment, Gary and Roscoe review the Theo Ubique production of A Marvin Hamlish Songbook .  And take a trip to Chicago Shakespeare Theatre to hear about their new original musical Sense and Sensibility. Read more Kiss of Death A moment of silence for screen legend Christopher Lee and actor Ron Moody, the definitive Fagin in Oliver! on stage and film.  James Last – A titanic, Teutonic Mantovani! The Guardian Vincent Musetto – NY Post Editor who wrote the most anatomically evocative headline in the history of American journalism.

Joe Dowling: In January of 2000, Joe Dowling met with SDC Members and guests at Chicago Shakespeare Theatre to discuss his career in the classics. It is a career that began long before his appointment as Artistic Director at Minneapolis' Guthrie Theatre in 1995, and even before becoming the Artistic Director of Ireland's National Theatre, the Abbey, at the age of 27. As family legend goes, his first artistic note to an actor was at the age of three, and it was instant recognition that he would spend his life on stage. In this interview with former SDCF Executive Director, David Diamond, Joe Dowling tracks his theatre life beginning with stories from his decades as an actor with the Abbey Theatre Company. He began his directing career in the 1960's with children's theater at the Abbey's smaller space, the Peacock theatre, revolutionizing the energy of the company until he was appointed Artistic Director in 1977. He speaks of his time as the Abbey's AD, the collaborative relationships he developed there with playwrights like Brian Friel, and the politics that caused his resignation. He goes on to discuss his American career and its origins at D.C.'s Arena Stage and the Manhattan Theatre Club. Then he covers the process through which he directs a classic production; his methods for preparation and exploration, and his affinity for tech rehearsals. He calls himself an actor's director. He believes the director's role is that of an interpreter more often than a creator. And he maintains that he works best with collaborators he enjoys as people, no matter how good the concept, idea or the design. Originally recorded - January 1, 2000. Running Time - 1:29:39©2000 SDCF

TravCast is the Writer's Podcast from the Traverse, Scotland’s New Writing Theatre. Associate Director, Hamish Pirie, interviews well known playwrights whose work features in the year round programme at the Traverse. In this episode, Hamish Speaks to Omphile Molousi. Omphile was born in the village of Bodibe in 1981, where he was raised by his Grandmother. He is a freelance writer/actor/director. He graduated at the Market Theatre Laboratory. He’s been doing theatre since 2001. His theatre acting credits include: Cadre, Itsoseng, Shakespeare dreaming at the zoo, Sizwe Bansi is dead, Animal farm, Robben Island Bible, Romeo and Juliet, The mirror, Caucasian chalk circle, Much ado about nothing, Echoes, Blurring Shine, Julius Caesar, Sharpeville 1&2 and others. His writing credits for Theatre: Cadre (Published by Junkets publishers and Oberon books UK, World premiere at the Chicago Shakespeare Theatre, SA premiere at the Market Theatre, Grahamstown National arts Festival Main program, Currently performing at the 2013 Edinburgh Festival in Scotland), Itsoseng (Published by Junkets publishers and Oxford University Press SA, adapted for a BBC radio play, and performed at various local and international venues including Chicago Shakespeare Theatre, 2008 Edinburgh festival in Scotland, 2011 Dublin Festival in Ireland, 2013 Adelaide Festival in Australia.), Balalatladi (Rehearsed reading at Washington DC’s Kennedy Centre, Performed at the Family Season Festival in Cape Town, Performed at the National School of The Arts Festival), Informal (Performed at the Market Theatre Lab and National School of the Arts, For the right reasons (Published by Oxford University Press SA and Junkets Publishers, Staged reading at the Adelaide Festival in Australia), Daddy comes tonight (Published by Junkets Publishers) The sweet door (Performed at Windybrow Theatre), Ijo! (Performed at the Market Theatre Laboratory and Grahamstown National Arts Festival 2005), Pozeng (Resident project at the Market Theatre Laboratory) Short Story: Bargain (Published by Penguin publishers). Writing for TV; Zone 14 series 2, 3, 4 and 5. His Theatre Directing credits include: Cadre, Informal, Balalatladi, Ijo and Pozeng Omphile was the first recipient of the Bret Goldin Bursary Award which gave him an opportunity to intern at the Royal Shakespeare Company as an actor in the UK. He also won the Scotsman Fringe First Award 2008 for Itsoseng, at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in Scotland. He won the Andre Deshields award for Itsoseng, best performance at the Black theatre alliance awards 2010 in Chicago. He taught the Cicely Berry voice technique and acting at the Actors Centre and is currently teaching at the Market Theatre Laboratory. He is also a field worker at the Market Theatre Laboratory since 2010. As a fieldworker he travels throughout the whole country assisting community theatre groups to develop their stories. He is a founder of Mowa Art Fields, a Not for Profit Organization that teaches teachers in rural public schools to teach creative arts. The organization also has an annual festival for Grade 5-7 learners in the North West Province. Original music by James Iremonger www.jamesiremonger.co.uk Produced and engineered by Cian O Siochain

The Q Brothers' hip-hop adaptation of Othello is bringing new audiences to Chicago Shakespeare Theatre. CST Creative Producer Rick Boynton, who helped develop Othello: The Remix, joins brothers GQ and JQ to discuss their work with Anne Nicholson Weber.

What lies behind the art of singing Stephen Sondheim's music? Carmen Cusack and Jason Danieley join Anne Nicholson Weber to talk about what they've learned about Sondheim's music performing the lead roles in Chicago Shakespeare Theatre's current production of Sunday in the Park with George.

This week's podcast focuses on Chicago Shakespeare Theatre's new initative to take their production of The Taming of the Shrew into Chicago's neighborhood parks. Director of Production Chris Plevin and cast members Ericka Ratcliff (Kate) and Matt Mueller (Petruchio) join Anne Nicholson Weber to talk about the challeges and rewards of producing Shakespeare outside in broad daylight for audiences in neighborhoods around the city.

This week's podcast features Barbara Gaines and Criss Henderson, the Artistic and Executive Directors of Chicago Shakespeare Theatre. They join Anne Nicholson Weber to review the company's 25-year history, flexion points along the way, and what lies ahead.

This week's podcast profiles Stephen Ouimette, who is currently appearing as Grumio in The Taming of the Shrew at Chicago Shakespeare Theatre. He talks with Anne Nicholson Weber about his wide-ranging career acting for theatre and television, voicing animated films and directing for the stage.

The subject of this week's interview podcast is Noel Coward. Jim Corti, director of Writers Theatre's Oh Coward, and Gary Griffin, director of Private Lives at Chicago Shakespeare Theatre, join Anne Nicholson Weber to talk about Coward's aesthetic and how each of them chose to re-examine Coward's work with today's audiences in mind.

In January of 2000, Joe Dowling met with SDC Members and guests at Chicago Shakespeare Theatre to discuss his career in the classics. It is a career that began long before his appointment as Artistic Director at Minneapolis' Guthrie Theatre in 1995, and even before becoming the Artistic Director of Ireland's National Theatre, the Abbey, at the age of 27. As family legend goes, his first artistic note to an actor was at the age of three, and it was instant recognition that he would spend his life on stage. In this interview with former SDCF Executive Director, David Diamond, Joe Dowling tracks his theatre life beginning with stories from his decades as an actor with the Abbey Theatre Company. He began his directing career in the 1960's with children's theater at the Abbey's smaller space, the Peacock theatre, revolutionizing the energy of the company until he was appointed Artistic Director in 1977. He speaks of his time as the Abbey's AD, the collaborative relationships he developed there with playwrights like Brian Friel, and the politics that caused his resignation. He goes on to discuss his American career and its origins at D.C.'s Arena Stage and the Manhattan Theatre Club. Then he covers the process through which he directs a classic production; his methods for preparation and exploration, and his affinity for tech rehearsals. He calls himself an actor's director. He believes the director's role is that of an interpreter more often than a creator. And he maintains that he works best with collaborators he enjoys as people, no matter how good the concept, idea or the design.