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Reed and Austin talk about what a busy, hectic, and productive two years it’s been, and how weirdly similar 2012 will be. Featuring insight into the cyclical nature of theatre, tips on regeneration, a special appearance from Jon Weber, host of NPR’s Piano Jazz Rising Stars, and frustratingly vague references to our touring plans for summer 2012. (Length 15:34)
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Playwright Sara Gmitter (In the Garden: A Darwinian Love Story) returns to Chicago's Tony-winning Lookingglass Theatre for the world premiere of her adaptation of Charlotte Brontë's novel Villette – and returns to the Podcast to discuss how the production came to be and why the novel isn't as famous as Brontë's other work, Jane Eyre. Sara talks about the challenge of channeling Brontë’s voice (in both language and staging); who to credit (or blame) for this adaptation; the joy of working with characters that demand to be brought to life; gratitude to directors and designers who help visualize the story; how the relationship between the protagonist and audience mirrors the one between an author and reader; the undeniable fact that Charlotte Brontë is funny; and the unassailable right of an unreliable narrator to keep some things to herself. (Length 20:35) (PICTURED: Debo Balogun, Mi Kang, Ronald Román-Melendez in the Lookingglass Theatre production of Villette, written by Sara Gmitter, directed by Tracy Walsh. Photo by Sandro Miller.)
Our 'London Entertainment Correspondent' (!) Elizabeth Dennehy reviews the transformative Almeida Theatre production of Tennessee Williams' A Streetcar Named Desire, directed by Rebecca Frecknall and starring Paul Mescal and Patsy Ferran (above). Elizabeth discusses how the direction and performances made it feel as if she was hearing Streetcar for the very first time, and how they scrape off the barnacles of affectation from previous productions; redefine the tragedy of Blanche DuBois; how her feelings are perfectly expressed in David Benedict’s review in Variety; how the magic of theatre is not an illusion and more effective when it doesn’t try to be; and the fundamental importance of trusting the words, trusting the actors, and most of all, trusting the audience. (Length 20:54)
Part speakeasy bar, part magic theater, the Chicago Magic Lounge presents live magic shows seven nights a week in its two performance spaces, its bar, and at your own table. It's incredible immersive theater and the brainchild of Joey Cranford, the founder, co-owner, and CML CEO. Joey talks about his Magic Lounge's inspiration and how its roots are firmly embedded in Chicago history; the relationship of Chicago’s magic community to its improv community; the art of building anticipation and developing a speakeasy aesthetic; the fun of making a clubhouse; and the revelation that (to paraphrase Soylent Green) “Magic is people!” (Length 21:20)
1 Comment
Linda · January 7, 2012 at 10:28 pm
You guys are awesome. I actually have never been to a show but had seen a dvd of you. My sister thought that you were fantastic. She rented the dvd repeatedly and made me watch it. If I could find it again I would buy it. Any plans on being in Minnesota at any time?