America

Updating America (Abridged)

They keep writing American history so we have to keep reducing it! Playwrights Reed Martin and Austin Tichenor discuss how they’ve updated The Complete History of America (abridged), which they wrote with Adam Long back in 1993. Reed and Austin share how Dee Ryan’s recent one-hour production of the script was so helpful; how Reed discovered who the most pivotal figure in American history has been for the last 30 years; the challenges of keeping up just the last two weeks of American history; how the “Special Election Edition” that the RSC performs differs from the published version of the script; why Reed’s heavy teaching schedule prevents him from joining us on the road; and how adjunct professors are doing the Lord’s work (without the benefits). (Length 18:18)

Podcast: Download (Duration: 18:18 — 21.0MB)

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By austin, ago

‘America’ In Chicago

The best of America comes to Chicago this month as Dee Ryan (The Office, Second City, the RSC’s Complete Millennium Musical (abridged)) directs a special one-hour, five-actor production of The Complete History of America (abridged) on Saturday nights at the IO Theater (plus Sunday, August 18 and Tuesday, August 20). Dee and cast member Sheri Flanders talk about the special energy fueling this production; how it’s timed to coincide with the Democratic National Convention; the exciting Edinburgh Fringe-like vibe of IO; how they’re keeping the bronzers locked up; the power of ensemble-driven theatre; and how Second City veteran Dee wants to bring an improvisational energy to scripted comedy.(Length 17:44)

Podcast: Download (Duration: 17:44 — 20.4MB)

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By austin, ago

The Devil’s Work

Demons and witches and ghosts, oh my! As we reach our 666th podcast, it seems like the perfect time to talk about how the Devil has influenced (or hasn’t) the work of the Reduced Shakespeare Company. Reed Martin and Austin Tichenor discuss Faustian bargains; Satan being cut from The Complete History of America (abridged); rewriting The Music Man; Adam Long’s tribute to two legends in his one-man show Satan Sings Mostly Sondheim; the fear of mockery; our Kerfuffles in Northern Ireland; making friends in Louisiana; stories for another time; how times have changed; celebrating the Devil’s opposite in The Bible: The Complete Word of God (abridged); making up for missed opportunities with episode 420; and hopefully soon-to-be requited love for our book How The Bible Changed Our Lives (Mostly For The Better). (Length 21:55)

Podcast: Download (Duration: 21:55 — 25.4MB)

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By austin, ago

Episode 595. Alli & Davey

Our long-time friends and colleagues Alli Bostedt and Davey Naylor were married last Friday, May the 4th (Be With You), 2018, in the Sebastiani Theatre in Sonoma, CA (where we filmed The Complete History of America (abridged)) and, just days before the ceremony, they took time to talk about how their romance overcame early tour awkwardness and problematic venues (thank you, Rhyl!). Featuring knockout predictions, comments from Best Man Matt Rippy, origin stories, canal canoodling, romantic Berkhamsted opportunities, memories of our UK tour of The Complete World of Sports (abridged) and New Zealand tour of Completely Hollywood (abridged), and the inspiring story of how romance can blossom even during a theatrical tour. (Length 19:01). 

Podcast: Download (Duration: 19:01 — 22.1MB)

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By austin, ago

HELLO, SINGAPORE!

Proving yet again that there is no accounting for taste, the RSC has returned to Singapore this month, performing "The Complete History of America (abridged)" and "Completely Hollywood (abridged)" from November 1-14. Click on the podcasts below to listen to us talk about Read more…
By austin, ago