Podcast appearances and mentions of Michael Weller

WADE McCOLLUM (Actor) Broadway: Wicked (Witch's Father, Wizard/Dr. Dillamond cover) London's West End: World Premiere of It Happened in Key West (Carl) Broadway Tours: Lincoln Center Theatre's My Fair Lady (Karpathy/Higgins cover), Priscilla Queen Of The Desert (Tick/Mitzi), Jersey Boys (Norm). Off-Broadway: Make Me Gorgeous, (Kate/Kenneth Marlowe), Triassic Parq (Velociraptor of Faith), Secondary Dominance (The Muse), and McCollum's Lortel Nominated and Norton Award-winning performance as Ernest in Ernest Shackleton Loves Me. World Premieres: Water For Elephants, Alliance Theatre (Wade); Michael Weller's A Welcome Guest, CATF (Shimeus); Rob Askins' The Carpenter, Alley Theatre (Gene); Fly By Night, TheatreWorks Palo Alto (The Narrator). Select Theatre: I Am My Own Wife, PCS (Charlotte/Others); A Lie Of The Mind, PCPA (Jake); A Midsummer Night's Dream, Willamette Rep (Puck); Batboy the Musical, PCS (Batboy); The Rocky Horror Show, Triangle Productions (Frank-N-Furter); The Santaland Diaries, Syracuse Stage (Crumpet); Cabaret, Dallas Theatre Center (Emcee) – Dallas/Fort Worth Theatre Critics Award; Hedwig And The Angry Inch, Triangle Productions and L.A.'s Celebration Theatre (Hedwig) – Drammy, Ovation, Los Angeles Critics Circle, and Garland Awards. Select TV and film: “FBI: MW,” “Madame Secretary,” “The Knick,” “Nightcap,” “At Home with Amy Sedaris,” Options, “Prodigal Son,” Delicate Instruments, “Submissions Only,” and Ernest Shackleton Loves Me on broadwayhd.com. www.wadesong.com Rick Elice ( Book Writer) On Broadway: Jersey Boys (Best Musical, 2006 Tony Award, 2007 Grammy Award and 2009 Olivier Award); The Addams Family; Peter and the Starcatcher (winner of five 2012 Tony Awards);and The Cher Show (winner of two 2019 Tony Awards). In the pipeline: The Princess Bride and Smash, co-written with Bob Martin; Silver Linings Playbook, a musical adaptation of the popular film; The Marvels, a musical adaptation of the popular novel; and Treasure, an original musical written with 2021 Ed Kleban Award-winner Benjamin Scheuer. From 1982-1999, as creative director at Serino Coyne Inc, Rick created and produced ad campaigns for more than 300 Broadway shows, from A Chorus Line to The Lion King. From 1999-2009, he served as creative consultant for The Walt Disney Studio. Charter member, American Repertory Theatre. Trustee, The Actors' Fund. BA, Cornell University; MFA, Yale Drama School; Teaching Fellow, Harvard University. Heartfelt thanks to those he's been lucky enough to know, whose work makes him grateful for the day he was born: Sondheim, Stoppard, Bennett, Prince, Fosse, Robbins, Nichols, Tune, Nunn, Timbers, McAnuff, Laurents, Lippa, Stone, Taymor, Papp, Schumacher, Schneider, Costello, Coyne, Brickman, and eternally, Roger Rees. Hey Rog, look who's running away with the circus! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode, we take a look at the play Loose Ends by Michael Weller. We do so through the lens of realism and the contribution that Ibsen, Strindberg and Chekov made to the modern theater. It's an unusually long episode, but listening to Milton lecture on and analyze the time period of this play is an example of where script analyses can begin. It's an exploration, a deep-dive conversation where the actor layers in information and just begins to consider it. Also— stay tuned for the end where Milton shares his favorite relationship advice! WANT MORE? Become a subscriber on Spotify for bonus content! ⁠https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/actingclass/subscribe⁠ Have a question for Milton? Send us a voice note below or email us at: ⁠questionsformilton@gmail.com⁠ Also, check out our website: ⁠www.idontneedanactingclass.com⁠  --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/actingclass/message

Derzeit jagt ein Gesetzentwurf aus dem Bundesgesundheitsministerium den nächsten. Michael Weller, Leiter der Abteilung 2 im BMG, nimmt im „ÄrzteTag“-Podcast Stellung zum Stand der Projekte und er erläutert, wo er noch Änderungspotenzial sieht.

DOUG WAGER is the former Artistic Director of the Arena Stage in Washington, DC, succeeding Zelda Fichandler where he served for twenty-five seasons as resident director, producing over two hundred productions and directing over 50 productions from 1975-2000 ranging from large-scale musicals to classics and new plays, world and American premieres. Mr. Wager currently serves as Artistic Director and Head of Directing for Temple University which he joined in 2004. He is the recipient of three Helen Hayes awards. His work has been seen in New York, both on and off Broadway, and at major regional theaters across the country. ZELDA FICHANDLER co-founded Arena Stage on August 16, 1950 with her husband, Thomas Fichandler.  She led Arena Stage for 40 years stepping down in 1991 producing more than 400 shows and directing more than 50 shows. In 1961 she opened the new Arena Stage Theater an 800 in the round building and the Kreeger Theater in 1970 and the Old Vat Room in 1976. She produced productions of Indians by Arthur Kopit, Moon Children by Michael Weller, and The Great White Hope on Broadway. It won a Tony Award for Best Play and the Pulitzer Prize. She became head of the Graduate Acting program  at New York University's Tisch School of the Arts, a post she held until 2009. She also served as Artistic Director of the Acting Company founded by John Housman. She was awarded a National Medal of Arts by Bill Clinton in 1996, and in 1999 she was inducted into the Theater Hall of Fame.  

This week we are joined by Michael Weller. Michael is a still life painter whose rich and colourful work is a testament to a meditative study of colour and form. A member of the NEAC, Michael discusses his process and influences along with his colour palette and the process that goes into creating his work. From abstract to direct observation and the nuances in light and colour.Lean more about Michael here

Meet the creators of DOCTOR ZHIVAGO - lyricists Michael Korie and Amy Powers, book writer Michael Weller and arranger Eric Stern as they recount the making of the show with their collaborator Lucy Simon. Show stars Sierra Boggess & Ramin Karimloo perform “On The Edge of Time”. Rolling Stone writer, editor and Broadway producer, Loraine Alterman Boyle, moderates.  Featured Song: ON THE EDGE OF TIME from DOCTOR ZHIVAGO Music by Lucy Simon, Lyrics by Michael Korie and Amy Powers  Performed by Sierra Boggess and Ramin Karimloo Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

June 1972 saw the release of David Bowie's album The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars which propelled the South London singer to stardom. Bowie's creation of the Ziggy Stardust persona was more than just a whimsical costume change, the whole concept had a meticulously planned gestation period and evolved many facets of his creativity. In a Melody Maker interview in January 1972, a few months before the album's release, Bowie openly discussed his bisexuality. Back then, it was a radical and potentially career harming gesture, but it became a defining moment for many gay people around the world. In this Archive on 4, Tris Penna, who worked alongside Bowie at EMI Records, assesses the origins of the album, artists Michael Weller and George Underwood discuss their schooldays and early friendship with Bowie, and Ziggy Stardust co-producer Ken Scott recalls the studio experience. “Young dude” Wendy Kirby, record plugger Anya Wilson, and former music exec Laurence Myers remember their time with “Ziggy” and singer Marc Almond talks movingly about the profound impact of Ziggy on his life. Singer and actor Toyah Wilcox talks about the creative inspiration Bowie has had for her since the age of 12, and brings the reviews of the time alive. The programme also includes rare archive material including a lost Bowie interview (as Ziggy) recorded in the Top of the Pops dressing room, a 1972 press conference, and insightful reflections from former band members Mick Ronson and Trevor Bolder. We also hear studio outtakes – as well as a lost BBC session version of the title song. Producers: Tris Penna and Sue Clark Executive Producer: David Prest A Whistledown production for BBC Radio 4.

Sie sind die schier perfekten Einsteigerbikes, fordern die Fahrtechnik, sind dabei nahezu unkaputtbar und bleiben dabei verhältnismäßig erschwinglich: Die Rede ist von Hardtails, also MTBs mit Federgabel aber ohne Heckfederung. Wir haben mit Michael Weller, Produktmanager bei Rose Bikes, über moderne Hardtails im Allgemeinen und speziell das neue Rose Bonero, dem neuem Trailhardtail des Bocholter Versenders, gesprochen. Welche Mountainbiker*innen sollten sich Hardtails genauer anschauen? Diese Frage diskutieren wir in der aktuellen Folge von #allesistfahrbar.

Lois has been hailed by critics as one of the most highly respected directors in the Bay Area. She has directed over 75 productions at Playhouse West and other theatres throughout the country. Her versatility as a director ranges from Pinter’s Betrayal “Betrayal Sparkles” (San Francisco Chronicle) to Noel Coward’s Private Lives “The production is crisp, clean and wonderfully vicious in a velvet-lined sort of way” (Contra Costa Times) to Sandy Wilson’s The Boy Friend (Bay Area Critic’s Circle awards for Best Entire Production and Best Direction of a Musical) “Every facet of this musical gem has been polished – Leaves the audience cheering” (San Francisco Bay Times). Pat Craig of the Contra Costa Times wrote: “Playhouse West is the most consistently excellent theatre on this side of the hill, and one of the best in the entire Bay Area.” Lois has personally won 7 Bay Area Critic’s Circle Awards, 6 for directing and choreographing and 1 for Best Actress in 2001. Her World Premiere Production of the musical In This House garnered 4 Critic’s Circle Awards, 2 of which were awarded to Lois for Best Musical and Best Direction of a Musical in 2008. Lois Grandi launched her performing career at age of 12, as a solo ballet dancer with The Philadelphia Orchestra. At age 17, she ventured from Philadelphia to New York, where she became enamored with Musical Theatre.  Shortly thereafter, she found herself doing the Charleston, singing and having a blast in the Off Broadway production of The Boy Friend at The Cherry Lane Theatre. Thus, her initiation into the professional theatre! Roles that followed, included Louise in Carousel with John Raitt, Leisl, in The Sound of Music, Tiger Lily in Peter Pan with Sandy Duncan and Betsy Palmer, and Laurey in Oklahoma! opposite Peter Palmer. While in New York, she made many TV commercials and industrial films. She launched the choreography facet of her career, with The Music Man starring Bert Parks. Lois moved to The San Francisco Bay Area and raised her family. Back to work after a little break, she sang in many clubs in The Bay Area and made numerous industrial films and TV commercials. She had a recurring role in the TV series Up and Coming for PBS, and performed in and directed productions in various theatres in the area. In 1984 she founded The Performing Arts Academy (later re-named The Playhouse West Academy) and founded Playhouse West Theatre in 1995. In 2005, Lois performed as Melinda Metz in Michael Weller’s What the Night is For. “Melinda changes before your very eyes – from coquettish to a neurotic mess. The actress does an emotional striptease with unusual skill in peeling off the character’s protective layers.” (Talkinbroadway.com). Earlier at Playhouse West she played the heart wrenching, handicapped Edna in Light Sensitive by Jim Geoghan. This role won her the Best Actress Critic’s Circle Award. “Lois Grandi shines in the role of Edna” East Bay Express. She was most recently seen in the TV series Trauma and played Melissa in Love Letters at The Willows Theatre in 2009. www.loisgrandi.com --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/confessionsofanactress/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/confessionsofanactress/support

Written by Shirley KingPerformed by Padmini SukumaranSynopsis:Kate thinks she needs a good lawyer...But is that really what will help her move forward? After all, a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. Bio: Padmini Sukumaran is well-versed in Drama and Theatre: from various Angles and Dimensions! She has an English Literature Doctorate and wrote her Dissertation partially on the Shakespearean depiction of the Baroque-Metaphor, "The World is a Stage" in A Midsummer Night's Dream. Padmini has performed as Shelly in Chelsea Repertory Company's production of Michael Weller's Moonchildren and in the Lead-Role of Sally in HB Studio's production of Harold Pinter's Absurdist-Play, Night School. She has trained in Acting and Musical-Theatre at the HB Studio and The Acting Studio - New York and takes Private Acting and Voice Lessons. Padmini truly enjoys continuing to train in Acting and Musical-Theatre; and believes from the bottom-of-her-heart that training is a lifelong endeavor! She also deems that Drama is a beautiful vehicle for channeling our Psychological-Vulnerability: both the light and the dark.Shirley King's plays and monologues have been produced in the US, The UK, Canada, Scotland and Korea. She is a member of The Dramatists Guild and The International Center for Women Playwrights.

Gil Kenan and Lee Gambin join Mike to discuss Milos Forman's Hair (1979), an adaptation of the groundbreaking tage play from 1968. It's the story of Berger, played by Treat Williams, and his friends who meet and interact with Claude Hooper Bukowski, played by John Savage, a hayseed who's on his way to Vietnam by way of a trip to New York City to see the sights before heading off to war.Special guests include actor Miles Chapin and screenwriter Michael Weller.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Gil Kenan and Lee Gambin join Mike to discuss Milos Forman’s Hair (1979), an adaptation of the groundbreaking tage play from 1968. It’s the story of Berger, played by Treat Williams, and his friends who meet and interact with Claude Hooper Bukowski, played by John Savage, a hayseed who’s on his way to Vietnam by way of a trip to New York City to see the sights before heading off to war. Special guests include actor Miles Chapin and screenwriter Michael Weller.

Michael Nationality - BritishBorn - 1959Age - 61Years in the family business - 40Managing Director for 25 yearsCurrently CEO - for 15 years nowWent to Roan Grammar School for Boys at 11 through to 16 years old.First worked at age 16 as a petrol pump attendant whilst waiting for my joining date for the Army.Spent 4 years in the Army, serving 4 tours in Northern Ireland and left aged 20. Joined the family business which provides commercial office cleaning and support services which my Father started in 1968. The Army was great for helping me understand teams, people and disciplines. Aged at only 22 my Father passed away and I had to assume leadership in very different and challenging times back in the early 1980's.I got married at 23 and have 3 children. 

Gain a new perspective on history and point of view as the Roundtablers analyze E. L. Doctorow’s 1975 novel Ragtime. The 1981 film based on the novel was directed by Miloš Forman from a screenplay by Michael Weller and Bo Goldman.Each week one of the Roundtable team—Valerie Francis, Kim Kessler, or Leslie Watts—aims to get to the bottom of a specific story principle by analyzing a film, novel, or short story. The rest of us analyze the story according to our own chosen topics, and together we deepen our knowledge and level up our craft.Click here for the full show notes.

Today I sit down with the mesmerizing Kathryn Grody. We talk everything from motherhood to acting to being a good human. Not to be missed. Kathryn Grody fled Los Angeles, arrived in New York City, and found herself employed on Broadway in Scapino, . Off-Broadway followed with appearances at Joseph Papp’s Public Theatre including Fishing by Michael Weller, Museum, by Tina Howe, Nasty Rumors and Final Remarks by Susan Miller and Lulu Bett directed by Jack Hofsiss at the Berkshire Theatre Festival. Ms. Grody received Obie Awards for her performances in Top Girls by Caryl Churchill, directed by Max Stafford-Clark and The Marriage of Bette and Boo by Christopher Durang, directed by Jerry Zaks as well as a Drama Desk nomination for her performance in her three character one woman play, A Mom’s Life, all at the Public Theatre. (( Other performances include Dusa Fish Stas and Vi at the Manhattan Theatre Club, The Split at Ensemble Studio Theatre, Cause Maggie’s Afraid of the Dark, The 49 Years by Liz Swados, with Estelle Parsons at the Actors Studio Raw Space, Waxing West by Savianna Stanescous at The Lark, and Victoria Roberts cartoon come to life directed by Linda Mancini at Dixon Place. )) Film appearances include Limbo, written and directed by John Sayles and Men With Guns, also by Mr. Sayles, My Body Guard, directed by Tony Bill, Lemon Sisters with Diane Keaton and Carol Kane, Another Woman by Woody Allen and Reds by Warren Beatty. Ms. Grody’s television appearances include “The Sunset Gang” with Uta Hagen, “Execution of Private Slovik” with Martin Sheen and many after-school specials. (( And of course, Law And Order-Criminal Intent in NYC..)) Kathryn Grody performed with A.C.T. in San Francisco, the Actors Theatre of Louisville and was a company member at the Mark Taper Forum in Los Angeles. ) Her essays have appeared in The Mountain Record, Harpers Bazar, Oprah magazine, and her narrative version of the original Mom’s Life was published by Avon. She appeared in the world premiere of two new Wendy Wasserstein plays, ((directed by Michael Barakeeva ))at Theatre J in Washington D.C., originated the role of Maggie in The Penetration Play by Winter Miller, ((directed by Josh Hec))t at The Mint, performed the classic role of Nell in Beckets Endgame, with Alvin Epstein, Adam Heller and Tony Roberts,(( directed by Charlotte Moore,)) at the Irish Repetory Theatre . She braved the Barrow Street Theatre with Tim Crouch in the Oak Tree, and was proud to participate in the Caryl Churchill reading at NYTW, Seven Jewish Children-a play for Gaza…... She played Hinda in Zuzka Kurtz’s My Inner Soul at The Lion, appeared in the 59th st shorts in Tina Howes’ The Woman Who Lost Her Head and was seen as Hilary Clinton in the Performance Art Biennial, I Feel Your Pain, by Liz Magic Laser..And was Lola in Donald Margulies A Model Apartment, directed by Evan Cabnet.. Falling Apart....together , the sequel of A Mom’s Life, was seen at CSC, directed by Timothy Near..Most recently played Gaby in Susan Millers’ 20th Century Blues, directed by Emily Mann at the Signature. She is a Ususal Suspect at NYTW, works with the IRC and Search For Common Ground and is on the board of Downtown Women For Change., Dances for A Variable Population and Noor Theatre.

We're back! Hosts Long Nguyen and Michael Weller talk about presentation! Listen as we touch on principles and philosophies of presentation Subscribe, rate, and review us on iTunes, and like and share our Facebook page! For any questions, comments, or concerns, send us an email at 2cookstalking@gmail.com and download previous episodes at 2cookstalking.podbean.com!

Listen in as Attic Theater Company‘s executive director Ted Caine, and cast members Hannah Sloat, Jack Sochet, and Noelle Franco of the company’s world premiere production of Jericho by Michael Weller, discuss working with the playwright in the room, loving and … Continue reading →

Hosts Briana Phipps and Jacque Borowski discuss the film Hair. Hair is a 1979 musical war comedy-drama film adaptation of the 1968 Broadway musical Hair: An American Tribal Love-Rock Musical about a Vietnam War draftee who meets and befriends a tribe of long-haired hippies on his way to the army induction center. The hippies introduce him to their environment of cannabis, LSD, unorthodox relationships and draft evasion. The film was directed by Miloš Forman (who received a César Award nomination for his work on the film) and adapted for the screen by Michael Weller (who would collaborate with Forman on a second picture, Ragtime, two years later). Cast members include Treat Williams, John Savage, Beverly D'Angelo, Don Dacus, Annie Golden, Dorsey Wright, Nell Carter, Cheryl Barnes, Richard Bright, Ellen Foley and Charlotte Rae. Dance scenes were choreographed by Twyla Tharp and performed by the Twyla Tharp Dance Foundation. The film was nominated for Golden Glob

This week it’s all about web series and all about winner for best supporting actress,Darcie Siciliano! We chat about her popular web series, He’s With Me (http://www.heswithme.tv/), and about how she learned to accept herself as one who does not fit in to typical “actress” molds, and how she got more comfortable about her own process.   Links: He’s With Me web series (http://www.heswithme.tv/) Indie Series Network (http://www.indieseriesnetwork.org/) Indie Series Awards (http://www.indieseriesawards.com/) Darcie Siciliano is a professional actress based in NYC who has had the privilege of collaborating on stage with Academy Award winner Alexander Dinelaris, Academy Award nominee Michael Weller and renowned actress Kathleen Chalfant; and on-screen with such acclaimed directors as Joe Pytka, Bob Giraldi and Neil Kraft.  She has recently completed her second season on the hit indie webseries HE'S WITH ME - for which she won an Indie Series Award for Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy, after being nominated twice. Follow her @damedacia and www.darciesiciliano.com.  

Austin Pendleton: Renowned stage and film actor and Tony nominated stage director Austin Pendleton made time for an interview in April of 1999 with former SDCF Executive Director David Diamond. This 90 minute discussion features the always candid Pendleton discussing his life in the theatre. The conversation begins with an explanation of his origins in directing. From his 1st experience directing his mother in a community theatre production of The Glass Menagerie in his hometown of Warren, Ohio to a successful production of Tartuffe at the Williamstown Theatre Festival which landed him on Broadway, he recounts the steps which led him to develop the director’s craft. He reminisces on mentors Jerome Robbins, Bill Ball, Bob Lewis and others, crediting their influence on his early directing career. The discussion then turns toward his acting and how his life as a performer informs his process as a director, admitting he "used to be a very difficult actor before [he] started directing." This discussion covers a career that spans four decades and includes stories of his best and worst memories of working on the stage. Whether directing Elizabeth Taylor, developing new work with Michael Weller, or acting for greats like Jerome Robbins and Mike Nichols, Pendleton's story is one of a truly gifted theatre professional. Originally recorded - April 27, 1999. Running Time - 1:30:40 ©1999 SDCF

Elizabeth Marvel talks about whether being "a bad kid" has influenced her more daring stage performances, and discusses the challenges of remaining alienated from her on stage family in Jon Robin Baitz's "Other Desert Cities" while she grows ever closer to her castmates. She also discusses how she was drawn to theatre after a small town upbringing, including the moment when she knew she had to act; the influence of her Juilliard mentor, the late Michael Langham, both on her craft and her career; how she managed to get jobs at Canada's Stratford Festival, The Guthrie and A.R.T in her first year out of school; what it was like to switch between Mark Ravenhill's "Shopping and Fucking" and Wendy Wasserstein's "An American Daughter" in the same year; why she is so drawn to work with director Ivo van Hove on such classic plays as "A Streetcar Named Desire" and "The Little Foxes", and how that work has expanded her range as an actor; how her pregnancy informed her performance as a lizard in Edward Albee's "Seascape"; what it was like to work with playwright and director Woody Allen; how violence has been a recurring theme in her performances, including Michael Weller's "50 Words"; and how she handled the decidedly mixed response from audiences to Caryl Churchill's "Top Girls". Original air date - March 2, 2011.

Elizabeth Marvel talks about whether being "a bad kid" has influenced her more daring stage performances, and discusses the challenges of remaining alienated from her on stage family in Jon Robin Baitz's "Other Desert Cities" while she grows ever closer to her castmates. She also discusses how she was drawn to theatre after a small town upbringing, including the moment when she knew she had to act; the influence of her Juilliard mentor, the late Michael Langham, both on her craft and her career; how she managed to get jobs at Canada's Stratford Festival, The Guthrie and A.R.T in her first year out of school; what it was like to switch between Mark Ravenhill's "Shopping and Fucking" and Wendy Wasserstein's "An American Daughter" in the same year; why she is so drawn to work with director Ivo van Hove on such classic plays as "A Streetcar Named Desire" and "The Little Foxes", and how that work has expanded her range as an actor; how her pregnancy informed her performance as a lizard in Edward Albee's "Seascape"; what it was like to work with playwright and director Woody Allen; how violence has been a recurring theme in her performances, including Michael Weller's "50 Words"; and how she handled the decidedly mixed response from audiences to Caryl Churchill's "Top Girls". Original air date - March 2, 2011.

One of "God of Carnage"'s current combatants on Broadway, Christine Lahti, talks about playing the range of emotions that consume her character over the course of the play's mere 80 minutes, and how the new ensemble developed the rapport for such a physical and intimate work. She also discusses her college years, including the dual lures of social activism and theatre performance; her experience understudying Madeline Kahn and Sigourney Weaver in the premiere of John Guare's "Marco Polo Sings a Solo"; her early Broadway work in plays by Michael Weller and Steve Tesich; being directed by and co-starring with the legendary George C. Scott in "Present Laughter", along with Broadway newbies Nathan Lane and Kate Burton; how studying with another iconic figure, Uta Hagen, taught her how to be "director-proof"; her multiple appearances in Jon Robin Baitz's monologue-driven "Three Hotels"; and her great affinity for the work of Wendy Wasserstein, evidenced by her performances in "The Heidi Chronicles" (on Broadway), "Third" (at the Geffen Playhouse) and "An American Daughter" (for television). Original air date - February 10, 2010.

One of "God of Carnage"'s current combatants on Broadway, Christine Lahti, talks about playing the range of emotions that consume her character over the course of the play's mere 80 minutes, and how the new ensemble developed the rapport for such a physical and intimate work. She also discusses her college years, including the dual lures of social activism and theatre performance; her experience understudying Madeline Kahn and Sigourney Weaver in the premiere of John Guare's "Marco Polo Sings a Solo"; her early Broadway work in plays by Michael Weller and Steve Tesich; being directed by and co-starring with the legendary George C. Scott in "Present Laughter", along with Broadway newbies Nathan Lane and Kate Burton; how studying with another iconic figure, Uta Hagen, taught her how to be "director-proof"; her multiple appearances in Jon Robin Baitz's monologue-driven "Three Hotels"; and her great affinity for the work of Wendy Wasserstein, evidenced by her performances in "The Heidi Chronicles" (on Broadway), "Third" (at the Geffen Playhouse) and "An American Daughter" (for television). Original air date - February 10, 2010.

Renowned stage and film actor and Tony nominated stage director Austin Pendleton made time for an interview in April of 1999 with former SDCF Executive Director David Diamond. This 90 minute discussion features the always candid Pendleton discussing his life in the theatre. The conversation begins with an explanation of his origins in directing. From his 1st experience directing his mother in a community theatre production of "The Glass Menagerie" in his hometown of Warren, Ohio to a successful production of "Tartuffe" at the Williamstown Theatre Festival which landed him on Broadway, he recounts the steps which led him to develop the directors craft. He reminisces on mentors Jerome Robbins, Bill Ball, Bob Lewis and others, crediting their influence on his early directing career. The discussion then turns toward his acting and how his life as a performer informs his process as a director, admitting he "used to be a very difficult actor before [he] started directing." This discussion covers a career that spans four decades and includes stories of his best and worst memories of working on the stage. Whether directing Elizabeth Taylor, developing new work with Michael Weller, or acting for greats like Jerome Robbins and Mike Nichols, Pendleton's story is one of a truly gifted theatre professional.

The creative teams of Legs Diamond: director Robert Allan Ackermam, playwright Harvey Fierstein (who won acting Tony Awards for Hairspray and Torch Song Trilogy—for which he also won a Best Play Tony in addition to his best book Tony for La Cage Aux Folles), and choreographer Alan Johnson, Paul Robeson: playwright Phillip Hayes Dean and director Harold Scott, and Spoils of War: director Austin Pendleton and playwright Michael Weller -- discuss their productions, and how they began their careers in theatre.

The creative teams of "Legs Diamond": director Robert Allan Ackermam, playwright Harvey Fierstein, and choreographer Alan Johnson, "Paul Robeson": playwright Phillip Hayes Dean and director Harold Scott, and "Spoils of War": director Austin Pendleton and playwright Michael Weller -- discuss their productions, and how they began their careers in theatre.

Sue Lawley's castaway this week is Gillian Anderson, best known for her role as Dana Scully in The X Files. Gillian was born in Chicago, Illinois. When she was two, she moved with her parents to London. At 11, the family moved to Grand Rapids, Michigan which she found deathly dull in comparison to the big city life of London. Gillian began acting in community theatre productions while in high school and decided to study drama at the Goodman Theater School at Chicago's DePaul University. After she finished her degree, she moved to New York City to find work. She performed in a couple of plays, but then was cast as the female lead in a new science fiction TV series. The X Files turned out to be a massive success and in September 1993, Gillian began a nine-year stint in the FOX TV series. For her role she received two Screen Actors Guild awards, an Emmy and a Golden Globe for Best Actress in a Drama Series. In 1999 Gillian wrote and directed her own episode. In 2000, Gillian played Lily Bart in the Terence Davies' feature The House of Mirth and won the British Independent Film Award for Best Actress. This year she debuts on the West End in Michael Weller's What the Night is For.[Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs]Favourite track: Hallelujah by Jeff Buckley Book: The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle Luxury: Recordings of her daughter and "her love" reading self-written stories and poetry