Podcast appearances and mentions of ellis rabb

The first part of Backstage Babble's 200th episode celebration is here, and it is an honor to be talking theater legend Jack O'Brien, who recently received the lifetime achievement award at the 2024 Tonys. Tune in to hear some of the stories of his expansive career, including the genesis of his newest show THE ROOMMATE, his advice for young directors, his friendship an collaboration with Stephen Sondheim, figuring out the sensitive timing of SHUCKED, learning from Ellis Rabb about how to give notes to actors, the show of his that launched more careers than any other, his unique relationship with the cast of PORGY AND BESS, how he decided to leave his position as artistic director of The Old Globe, the intriguing critical response to IMAGINARY FRIENDS and CAROUSEL, how his revival of ST. LOUIS WOMAN almost came to Broadway, revising DAMN YANKEES with George Abbott, his criteria for choosing shows to direct, how INTO THE WOODS changed the regional theater landscape, and so much more. This episode is a masterclass in directing from one of the greatest theatrical minds of all time. I can't think of a more perfect way to celebrate 200 episodes.

SHOWS: The Full Monty, Hairspray, The Coast of Utopia Note: This interview was recorded via phone with Mr. O'Brien and may not have as clear of a sound as our other episodes. Trust us when we say the brilliance of Mr. O'Brien's wisdom outweighs any technical issues. The Tony Award winning Jack O'Brien is one of the industry's most versatile directors, one who easily goes from Shakespeare to Shaiman to Stoppard, all without missing a beat. In addition to his many years as the Artistic Director of San Diego's Old Globe Theater he has directed such shows as Porgy and Bess, The Most Happy Fella, Damn Yankees, The Full Monty, The Invention of Love, Hairspray, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, The Coast of Utopia, The Nance, Carousel, and All My Sons, to name just a few. Jack pulls back the curtain on his career to discuss how he became a protege of Ellis Rabb, what it was like working with the legendary Helen Hayes, and why he embraces every second he is in a theater. Also, Jack shines the spotlight on Tom Stoppard, Terrence McNally, and Nathan Lane! Buy Jack's autobiography here Become a sponsor of Behind The Curtain and get early access to interviews, private playlists, and advance knowledge of future guests so you can ask the legends your own questions. Go to: http://bit.ly/2i7nWC4 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Actor Peter Evans, early in his career, while starring in David Mamet's "A Life in the Theatre", discusses how he and his co-star, Ellis Rabb, are "in tune" with each other; working with a young director; and how unexpected events are integrated into a performance.

Actor Peter Evans, early in his career, while starring in David Mamet's "A Life in the Theatre", discusses how he and his co-star, Ellis Rabb, are "in tune" with each other; working with a young director; and how unexpected events are integrated into a performance.

Director Jack O'Brien announces his new title as Artistic Director Emeritus at San Diego's Old Globe Theatre and charts his quarter-century tenure as Artistic Director from his hiring in 1981; reveals his original plans to be a musical comedy writer and star; describes his apprenticeship as a director in the APA Repertory Company under such mentors as Ellis Rabb and John Houseman; remembers his final acting appearance -- opposite Christopher Walken -- and how that set him firmly on the directing path for good; discusses his emergence as an acclaimed director of both musical comedies (including "Hairspray" and "The Full Monty") and the plays of Tom Stoppard (including "Hapgood" and "The Coast of Utopia"); and shares the impetus behind the creation of the stage version of "How The Grinch Stole Christmas". Original air date - December 14, 2007.

Director Jack O'Brien (Tony Award winner for Hairspray and The Coast of Utopia) announces his new title as Artistic Director Emeritus at San Diego's Old Globe Theatre and charts his quarter-century tenure as Artistic Director from his hiring in 1981; reveals his original plans to be a musical comedy writer and star; describes his apprenticeship as a director in the APA Repertory Company under such mentors as Ellis Rabb and John Houseman; remembers his final acting appearance -- opposite Christopher Walken -- and how that set him firmly on the directing path for good; discusses his emergence as an acclaimed director of both musical comedies (including Hairspray and The Full Monty) and the plays of Tom Stoppard (including Hapgood and The Coast of Utopia); and shares the impetus behind the creation of the stage version of How The Grinch Stole Christmas.

Director Jack O'Brien announces his new title as Artistic Director Emeritus at San Diego's Old Globe Theatre and charts his quarter-century tenure as Artistic Director from his hiring in 1981; reveals his original plans to be a musical comedy writer and star; describes his apprenticeship as a director in the APA Repertory Company under such mentors as Ellis Rabb and John Houseman; remembers his final acting appearance -- opposite Christopher Walken -- and how that set him firmly on the directing path for good; discusses his emergence as an acclaimed director of both musical comedies (including "Hairspray" and "The Full Monty") and the plays of Tom Stoppard (including "Hapgood" and "The Coast of Utopia"); and shares the impetus behind the creation of the stage version of "How The Grinch Stole Christmas". Original air date - December 14, 2007.

Tony nominee Mary Louise Wilson discusses her journey from workshop to Broadway with the musical "Grey Gardens"; recalls her Broadway debut in the troubled Judy Holliday vehicle "Hot Spot"; describes working with legendary stage figures George Abbott, Ellis Rabb and Eva LeGallienne in works as diverse as "Flora The Red Menace" and "Alice In Wonderland"; reflects on appearing in two productions of "The Women" thirty years apart; and considers the extraordinary impact of the Roundabout reinvention of the classic "Cabaret". Original air date – June 1, 2007.

Tony winner for Grey Gardens, Mary Louise Wilson discusses her journey from workshop to Broadway with the musical Grey Gardens; recalls her Broadway debut in the troubled Judy Holliday vehicle Hot Spot; describes working with legendary stage figures George Abbott, Ellis Rabb and Eva LeGallienne in works as diverse as Flora The Red Menace and Alice In Wonderland; reflects on appearing in two productions of The Women thirty years apart; and considers the extraordinary impact of the Roundabout reinvention of the classic Cabaret.

Tony nominee Mary Louise Wilson discusses her journey from workshop to Broadway with the musical "Grey Gardens"; recalls her Broadway debut in the troubled Judy Holliday vehicle "Hot Spot"; describes working with legendary stage figures George Abbott, Ellis Rabb and Eva LeGallienne in works as diverse as "Flora The Red Menace" and "Alice In Wonderland"; reflects on appearing in two productions of "The Women" thirty years apart; and considers the extraordinary impact of the Roundabout reinvention of the classic "Cabaret". Original air date – June 1, 2007.