Lili-Anne Brown

The Color Purple

Breon Arzell is the choreographer for the Goodman Theatre production of The Color Purple, directed by Lili-Anne Brown with musical direction by Jermaine Hill, and he shares how their extraordinary Chicago cast transforms a show this team has worked on before. Breon reveals the importance of making art with the artists you’ve actually got in the room; how this show honors our ancestors; how we find find community both in the story and in life; how the Greek chorus breaks the fourth wall and cues the audience that they’re allowed to laugh; and the ultimate grace and blessing of finding divinity within. (Length 21:33) (PICTURED: Brittney Mack (Celie) and Shantel Renee Cribbs (Nettie) in the Goodman Theatre production of The Color Purple, directed by Lili-Anne Brown, choreographed by Breon Arzell, and musical directed by Jermaine Hill. Photo by Brett Beiner.)

Podcast: Download (Duration: 21:33 — 24.8MB)

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By austin, ago

Hot Wing ‘Quing’

Lili-Anne Brown directs the fabulously funny and moving Writers Theatre production of Katori Hall’s Pulitzer Prize-winning play The Hot Wing King that’s filled with extraordinary heart and comic specificity. Brown shares what drew her to this group of flamboyant characters; the challenge of cooking real hot wings onstage; how she brings grandeur to The Hot Wing King and intimacy to the musical The Color Purple; and how you should definitely come for the LOLs but stay for the dramá. (Length 18:45)

Podcast: Download (Duration: 18:45 — 21.6MB)

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By austin, ago

The Nacirema Society

Chicago director Lili-Anne Brown brings extraordinary levels of funny and heart to the Goodman Theatre production of Pearl Cleage’s wonderful comedy of class, The Nacirema Society Requests the Honor of Your Presence at a Celebration of Their First One Hundred Years. Brown discusses the kind of rehearsal room she creates; how she worked her way up the theatrical ladder; how we don’t talk enough about the value of comedy; how the comedy basics of high status versus low status goes too frequently unrecognized; how she gives license to her actors to explore and invent; how the best and funniest idea wins; and how the recipe always begins with great actors and giving them permission to try. (Length 21:08)

Podcast: Download (Duration: 21:08 — 24.3MB)

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By austin, ago