The And Scene Theater Podcast

And Scene #40 - Top 5 Dream Roles

andscenepod — Mon, 08 Jan 2018 04:30:00 -0400

Welcome to this week’s episode of the And Scene Theater Podcast!

In Act 1, we discuss the comings and goings of the D.C. theater scene, Broadways HUGE take at the 2017 box office, the latest production at Playwrights Horizons, and Mike takes a point of personal privilege to discuss Broadway in inclement weather.

In Act 2, we know that perhaps our acting glory days are behind us, but that doesn’t stop us from thinking about roles we would love to play! This week we discuss our Top 5 Dream Roles. We each considered our own criteria, so take a listen and see which roles we would still love to play. Any producers out there want to cast us?!?

What about you? What are your dream roles? Let us know! We would also like to bring you more of the topics you would like to hear about, so please get in touch with your feedback, and maybe we can have you on the shout discuss your theatrical passion!

Connect with us on Twitter at @andscenepod, via email at andscenepod@gmail.com, and on Facebook at facebook.com/andscenepod. Please subscribe to the podcast on iTunes, Google Play Music, or Stitcher, and leave us a rating (five stars please!). Thank you for listening!

NEWS SOURCES
DC Theater: https://dctheatrescene.com/2018/01/04/big-changes-coming-2018/
Broadway Grosses: https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/broadway-pulverizes-annual-box-office-record-hurdling-16-billion-1070517
Mankind: https://www.playwrightshorizons.org/shows/plays/mankind/

And Scene #39 - Our Theater New Year’s Resolutions

andscenepod — Tue, 02 Jan 2018 04:30:00 -0400

Happy New Year, and welcome to this week’s episode of the And Scene Theater Podcast!

In our first Act 1 of 2018, we discuss a special production in Palo Alto, California, the casting of Jesus in the live TV version of Jesus Christ Superstar, and the good work being done by a theater in Oklahoma.

In Act 2, we ring in the new year by presenting our Theater New Year’s Resolutions! From seeing more Off-Broadway theater, to getting our own works produced, we are looking to make some changes to our theater lives in 2018.

What about you? Do you have any 2018 resolutions related to the theater? Let us know! We would also like to bring you more of the topics you would like to hear about, so please get in touch with your feedback, and maybe we can have you on the shout discuss your theatrical passion!

NEWS SOURCES
Palo Alto: https://www.mercurynews.com/2017/12/15/theater-sensory-sensitive-show-of-around-the-world-in-80-days-set/
JCS: http://www.playbill.com/article/john-legend-will-star-in-nbcs-jesus-christ-superstar-live
Oklahoma: http://bit.ly/2CdEuE1
Summer: http://www.playbill.com/article/dates-set-for-summer-the-donna-summer-musicals-spring-2018-broadway-transfer

And Scene #38 - Theater History Pop Quiz: Commedia dell’arte

andscenepod — Mon, 18 Dec 2017 04:30:00 -0400

Welcome to this week’s (and this 2017’s FINAL) episode of the And Scene Theater Podcast!

This week in Act 1, it wouldn’t be a week of theater news without discussing a new jukebox musical. But this week, we have TWO! As well, we discuss the continued efforts of the Parent Artist Advocacy League (@PAALTheatre), and a new four hour production being successfully staged in NYC.

Then in Act 2, we couldn’t let the year end without one more test of your theater knowledge. That’s right, it’s time for another Theater History Pop Quiz!! This week’s topic: Commedia dell’arte. What do you know about this form of theatrical creativity? Pick up your #2 pencil, and let’s find out!

How did you do? Did you learn anything new about Commedia? Let us know! And please reach out to us on what subjects you’d like to hear about on upcoming shows. We do this show for you so we want to bring you what you want to hear!

NEWS SOURCES

Temptations: http://www.playbill.com/article/temptations-musical-aint-too-proud-will-play-pre-broadway-engagement-at-the-kennedy-center
Go-Go’s: http://www.playbill.com/article/go-gos-musical-head-over-heels-produced-by-gwyneth-paltrow-will-play-san-francisco-before-broadway-bow
A Room in India: https://www.nytimes.com/2017/12/06/theater/a-room-in-india-review-theatre-du-soleil.html
Theatre or Family: http://howlround.com/creating-a-family-friendly-work-environment

And Scene #37 - Review Roundup!

andscenepod — Mon, 11 Dec 2017 04:30:00 -0400

Welcome to this week’s episode of the And Scene Theater Podcast!

This week in Act 1, we discuss Broadway addressing sexual harassment and assault, legal action taken against casting agents, and the latest on the Lin-Manuel Miranda-produced live action movie version of The Little Mermaid.

Then in Act 2, we have a Review Round-up on six shows that have opened this fall: three with aspirations for Broadway (The Honeymooners, Mean Girls, and Summer: The Donna Summer Musical), and three that have already made it there (Once on this Island, The Band’s Visit, and SpongeBob Squarepants the Musical). We take a look at how the critics viewed these shows, and offer our opinions on whether we think the shows will ultimately succeed.

Have you had the opportunity to see any of these shows yet? Do any of them pique your interest? Any that you’d avoid like the plague? Let us know!

NEWS SOURCES
Town Hall: https://www.thedailybeast.com/the-sexual-abuse-and-harassment-scandals-blowing-up-on-broadway
Casting Agents: https://broadway.news/2017/12/05/broadway-league-files-suit-casting-directors-continue-push-union/
Hammerstein Award: https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/Photo-Coverage-The-York-Theatre-Gala-Honors-Tom-Jones-Harvey-Schmidt-with-2017-Hammerstein-Award-20171205
Little Mermaid Movie: http://www.playbill.com/article/disney-eyes-rob-marshall-for-live-action-the-little-mermaid

REVIEWS (links to all quoted reviews are found at the below aggregated links):
Honeymooners: http://www.playbill.com/article/what-did-critics-think-of-the-honeymooners-musical
Mean Girls: http://www.playbill.com/article/read-the-reviews-for-the-broadway-bound-mean-girls-musicals-world-premiere
Summer: http://www.playbill.com/article/what-did-critics-think-of-summer-the-donna-summer-musical-world-premiere
Once on this Island: http://www.playbill.com/article/read-the-reviews-for-broadways-new-once-on-this-island
The Band’s Visit: http://www.playbill.com/article/what-did-critics-think-of-new-broadway-musical-the-bands-visit
SpongeBob: http://www.playbill.com/article/what-did-critics-think-of-broadways-spongebob-squarepants-musical

And Scene #36 - I Don’t Want to be an Actor!

andscenepod — Mon, 04 Dec 2017 04:30:00 -0400

Welcome to this week’s episode of the And Scene Theater Podcast!

This week in Act 1, we discuss whether critics actually have any influence, a new women’s theater festival, and diversity coming to theater in Colorado.

Most people who fall in love with the theater do so whilst performing on stage. However, not everyone is going to earn a living on stage. If you want to stay working in the theater, but won’t be a professional actor, what do you do? Well, you listen to this week’s Act 2 and find out!

We run through some the other jobs in and around the theater, and discuss what those jobs are, why an actor would want to do them, and how to pursue them if they pique your interest.

Were you an actor who is now working elsewhere in the theater? Do you think you might be interested in one of these other vocations? Let us know!

SOURCES

Critics: http://www.americantheatre.org/2017/11/28/tastemaking-in-a-post-newspaper-world/
Women's Voices: http://www.playbill.com/article/allison-janney-named-honorary-chair-of-2018-womens-voices-theater-festival
Colorado: http://www.americantheatre.org/2017/11/29/dcpa-announces-playwrights-for-13th-annual-new-play-summit/
Betty Corwin: http://www.playbill.com/article/meet-the-woman-who-fought-to-record-and-preserve-broadway-shows

And Scene #35 - Our Theater Wish Lists

andscenepod — Mon, 27 Nov 2017 04:30:00 -0400

Welcome to this week’s episode of the And Scene Theater Podcast!

This week in Act 1, we discuss the arrival of a large ape on Broadway, some interesting pre-show options in Paris, the recovery of the Houston Alley theater, and theater makes its way to TV again!

In Act 2, with Thanksgiving now in our rearview mirror, the Holiday Season is officially upon us. So, hearkening back to our childhood, we detail our theater wish lists for this year. What are Mike and Meghan asking Santa to bring them this year? Take a listen and find out!

What is on your theater wish list this year? Is there a specific show you’d like to see? Is there a trend you’d like to theater, in general, to move toward? Let us know!

SOURCES
King Kong: http://kingkongaliveonbroadway.com/
Singin in the Rain: http://www.playbill.com/article/this-paris-production-of-singin-in-the-rain-is-unlike-any-youve-ever-seen
Houston Alley: http://www.khou.com/mobile/article/entertainment/the-show-must-go-on-for-the-alley-theatre/493785694
Rise: http://www.playbill.com/article/nbcs-theatre-focused-drama-rise-sets-march-premiere

And Scene #34 - Playwrights Horizons w/ Billy McEntee

andscenepod — Mon, 20 Nov 2017 04:30:00 -0400

Welcome to this week’s episode of the And Scene Theater Podcast! We welcome special guest, Billy McEntee (@WJMcEntee)!!

This week in Act 1, we discuss a group in California using theater to help victims of wildfires recover, a new TV show that gets high school performers back together, and the actual expansion of theater arts in middle schools!

In Act 2, Billy McEntee of Playwrights Horizons (@PHNYC) visits the show to discuss his career int theater, his current position in the communications department at Playwrights, and Playwrights’ mission to champion new American theater.

Have you ever seen anything at Playwrights Horizons? Have you ever been interested in communications and community outreach in the theater? Let us know!

SOURCES
The Imaginists: http://www.americantheatre.org/2017/11/07/know-a-theatre-the-imaginists-of-santa-rosa-calif/
Encore: http://www.playbill.com/article/kristen-bell-will-reunite-high-school-musical-cast-members-for-new-tv-series
Educational Theater Foundation: http://www.stltoday.com/entertainment/arts-and-theatre/area-middle-schools-will-get-theater-arts-programs-with-help/article_a13cfddf-f9b6-5dde-b5ac-d0f3b9638239.html
Michael Schur: https://kentremendousblog.tumblr.com/post/167394588758/tom-and-lin-manuel-an-appreciationjealous-rant

And Scene #33 - Diversity in Playwriting: Part One

andscenepod — Mon, 13 Nov 2017 04:30:00 -0400

Welcome to this week’s episode of the And Scene Theater Podcast!

This week in Act 1, we discuss the an interesting pairing for particle physics, some Lin-Manuel Miranda news, and the new Boston theater group, Front Porch Collective.

In Act 2, we start a new series on playwrights of color that you should know. In the spotlight this week: Ayad Akhtar and Larissa FastHorse. We discuss their work, and how each has addressed their place in America.

We plan on periodically coming back to this topic, so if you know of, or are yourself!, a playwright of color that you think we should highlight, let us know!

SOURCES
Particle Physics: http://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-41699062
Lin-Manuel: http://www.playbill.com/article/lin-manuel-miranda-will-star-in-hamilton-in-puerto-rico
Asian Characters: http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-wales-41608800
Front Porch Collective: http://www.wbur.org/artery/2017/11/06/front-porch-collective-theater

And Scene #32 - Process Drama

andscenepod — Mon, 06 Nov 2017 04:30:00 -0400

Welcome to this week’s episode of the And Scene Theater Podcast!

This week in Act 1, we discuss the reopening of a major regional theater thought to be lost, a theater in an unusual spot in Singapore, and the President;s misconception of what a Broadway hit is.

In Act 2, Meghan schools Mike on the differences between Production Drama vs Process Drama, and their uses in education. What do these styles of theater bring to students, and how can they be utilized by educators to further childhood development?

Have you ever participated in Process Drama before? Do you think it was successful? Are you an educator, and would you consider using Process Drama with your students in the future? Let us know!

SOURCES
Moulin Rouge: http://www.playbill.com/article/moulin-rouge-musical-to-reopen-bostons-colonial-theatre-before-broadway-bow
Singapore: https://www.theguardian.com/world/shortcuts/2017/nov/01/avenues-trees-live-theatre-spa-why-singapore-airport-best-planet
Chicago: http://www.chicagotribune.com/entertainment/theater/news/ct-ent-actors-pay-study-1026-story.html
Michael Moore: http://www.playbill.com/article/trump-responds-to-michael-moores-broadway-show

And Scene #31 - Top 5 Title Showtunes

andscenepod — Mon, 30 Oct 2017 04:30:00 -0400

Welcome to this week’s episode of the And Scene Theater Podcast!

Meghan is back, and she tells us about the show she put up this week, to kick off Act 1. We then discuss this week’s news regarding theater equality efforts, the ghosts of Broadway, and a theater festival in Cairo, Egypt.

In Act 2, Mike and Meghan each give their Top 5 Title Showtunes. In other words, what are the best songs that share a name with the show in which they appear? The nominees considered are listed below. So which did they choose?

What do you think? Was your favorite mentioned? Do you have a different Top 5? Let us know!

SOURCES
Change the Stage: http://www.chicagotribune.com/entertainment/theater/news/ct-ent-actors-pay-study-1026-story.html
Broadway Ghosts: http://www.playbill.com/article/scandals-and-secrets-of-the-supernatural-the-stories-behind-broadways-haunted-theatres
Cairo: https://thetheatretimes.com/feminine-edition-womens-voices-prevail-2017-cairo-contemporary-theatre-festival/

Title Showtunes: 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, 42nd Street, Avenue Q, Cabaret, Guys and Dolls, Hair, Hello Dolly, How to Succeed…, Jesus Christ Superstar, Little Shop of Horrors, Mame, Man of La Mancha, Oklahoma!, The Phantom of the Opera, Rent, The Sound of Music, Sunday in the Park with George, Sweeney Todd

And Scene #30 - A Monologue…on Ticket Prices

andscenepod — Mon, 23 Oct 2017 04:30:00 -0400

Welcome to this week’s episode of the And Scene Theater Podcast!

Mike is flying solo this week, as Meghan is rehearsing and putting up anew production that we’ll talk about next week. But for the here and now, in Act 1, Mike discusses a new theatrical discovery in Old Jerusalem, another(!) jukebox musical, and the surprising location of a theater troupe celebrating their 50th season.

In Act 2, Mike was fortunate to win the change to purchase tickets to Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. The whole process of getting that opportunity, and then the ginormous prices he had to pay, got him thinking about ticket prices in general. How did they get so high? Was there a catalyst? And what can be done to curb their increase, let alone bring them down. Mike gives his first monologue on ticket prices.

What do you think? Have you missed productions you really wanted to see simply because of price? Do you have any idea on how to bring prices down? Let us know!

SOURCES
Jerusalem Roman Theater: http://www.aikenstandard.com/ap/roman-theater-uncovered-at-base-of-jerusalem-s-western-wall/article_5504b968-b518-11e7-9175-1fa64413d4bb.html
Tina: http://www.playbill.com/article/tony-nominee-adrienne-warren-will-star-as-tina-turner-in-world-premiere-of-tina-musical
UCB: https://nyti.ms/2zlNgtB
Columbia: https://nyti.ms/2ziZ1Ry

Ticket Price Sources:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/lifestyle/1990/03/03/broadway-100-ticket/6f588fd4-1962-4f3a-b09a-6b7ce7cc0a25/?tid=ss_tw&utm_term=.0f20dd7ff31f
https://www.theatlantic.com/business/archive/2012/06/how-did-broadway-tickets-get-so-expensive-blame-the-1/258346/
https://www.nytimes.com/2017/06/08/business/broadway-theater-ticket-prices.html?_r=0
http://www.inflation.eu/inflation-rates/united-states/historic-inflation/cpi-inflation-united-states.aspx
http://www.nytimes.com/2003/07/20/theater/theater-how-much-did-your-seat-cost.html
http://www.nytimes.com/1990/06/27/theater/broadway-adopts-a-plan-to-cut-costs-and-ticket-prices.html

And Scene #29 - SHOWdown: The Lion King vs Ragtime!

andscenepod — Mon, 16 Oct 2017 04:30:00 -0400

Welcome to this week’s episode of the And Scene Theater Podcast!

It’s time for another SHOWdown!!

But before we get to that, in Act 1, we discuss the latest Geniuses named in the theater world, a new cross-Atlantic theater partnership, and perhaps the new Hamilton?

In Act 2, we have our second Broadway SHOWdown. After facing off West Side Story and The Music Man in our first episode (ignore what Mike actually says in this episode), we pit two musical heavyweights against each other again. This week, it’s the Knockouts of Ninety-Eight: Ragtime vs The Lion King! Listen as we battle out over five rounds of musical mayhem!

What do you think? Do you agree with who won each round and the ultimate winner? Are there other shows you’d like to see battle it out for Broadway historical supremacy? Let us know!

SOURCES
MacArthur Geniuses: https://www.nytimes.com/2017/10/11/arts/macarthur-genius-grants.html
Public Works: http://www.americantheatre.org/2017/10/04/public-theater-to-bring-public-works-to-london/
Rhiannon Giddens: https://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/rhiannon-giddens-macarthur-genius_us_59dd9522e4b01df09b773836?utm_hp_ref=theatre

The Lion King: Original Broadway Cast Recording: ©1997 Walt Disney Records
Ragtime - The Musical: Original Broadway Cast Recording: ©1998 RCA Victor

And Scene #28 - Chicago Theater w/ Brandon Boruch

andscenepod — Mon, 09 Oct 2017 04:30:00 -0400

Welcome to this week’s episode of the And Scene Theater Podcast!

We are honored to have as our special guest, actor and Chicago native Brandon Boruch (@brandoboruch)!

In Act 1, we discuss theater benefits for Puerto Rico’s recovery form Hurricane Maria, the launch of Playbill Universe, and the goings on at the Actors Theatre of Louisville.

In Act 2, we talk to Brandon about the theater scene in Chicago. From the professional companies to the improv scene, Brandon takes us through how everyone can find something to enjoy on the Chicago Theater Pu Pu Platter (it will make sense when you listen!).

Have you ever seen or performed in theater in and around Chicago? What was your experience? How do you think it compares to theater in other cities? What city’s theater scene would you next like to hear about? Let us know!

SOURCES
Puerto Rico: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/abrazarte-a-benefit-for-puerto-rico-tickets-38333101338; http://atlanta.carpediem.cd/events/4730072-siempre-preciosa-puerto-rico-hurricane-relief-concert-at-aurora-theatre/; http://philly.carpediem.cd/events/4754668-united-for-puerto-rico-fundraiser-comedy-benefit-show-at-good-good-comedy-theatre/; https://www.eventbrite.com/e/puerto-rico-artist-hurricane-relief-benefit-tickets-37863067454#tickets
Playbill Universe: http://www.playbill.com/article/broadway-stars-sparkle-in-the-newly-launched-playbill-universe
Louisville: http://www.playbill.com/article/artistic-director-of-actors-theatre-of-louisville-will-step-down

And Scene #27 - Top High School Productions

andscenepod — Mon, 02 Oct 2017 04:30:00 -0400

Welcome to this week’s episode of the And Scene Theater Podcast!

Thank you for forgiving us our technical problems last week. Podcast gremlins ate our episode, but we’re back this week!

In Act 1, we discuss theater happenings in Chicago, Italy and Germany. And Mike saw a play! A play that went horribly wrong. Well, it was “The Play That Goes Wrong”, and Mike has a review.

In Act 2, we discuss the recently published list of the top plays and musicals produced in American high schools in 2016-17. There are quite a number of surprises to break down. Plus, we give our opinions on which shows from the list we would direct if given the chance.

What do you think about the list? Did you perform any of these while in high school? Are you in high school now? If so, what are you performing this year? Let us know!

SOURCES
Chicago: https://www.broadwayworld.com/chicago/article/Three-Chicago-Theaters-Receive-International-Theatre-Award-for-Gender-Parity-20170925
Italy: https://www.nytimes.com/2017/09/21/world/europe/tuscany-village-theater.html?smid=tw-nytimesworld&smtyp=cur&_r=0
Germany: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/sep/24/activists-occupy-berlin-volksbuhne-theatre-artistic-director-chris-dercon
Top H.S. Productions: http://www.playbill.com/article/top-10-most-produced-high-school-plays-and-musicals-of-20162017-revealed
Top H.S. Productions by Decade: http://www.npr.org/sections/ed/2016/09/29/427138970/the-most-popular-high-school-plays-and-musicals

And Scene #26 - The Power Blows!

andscenepod — Mon, 25 Sep 2017 04:30:00 -0400

Welcome to this week’s episode of the And Scene Theater Podcast!

The Podcast Gods were not kind to us this week, and they put gremlins in our recording software. Unfortunately, we do not have a full episode for you this week, as Act 2 was eaten by said gremlins.

We were able to record Act 1’s News and Notes (albeit with some audio problems). So, enjoy some news about a 1st Amendment fight being in Salt Lake City, the Dance Theater of Harlem finding themselves in an unexpected place, and an update on Russian director Kirill Serebrennikov. Then, come back next week to hear what we were going to talk about this week!

SOURCES
Salt Lake Theater: http://www.sltrib.com/news/politics/2017/09/20/theater-group-told-its-plays-not-kid-friendly-but-city-vows-diverse-art-at-sorenson-unity-center/
Theater of Nations: https://www.broadwayworld.com/los-angeles/article/New-Theatre-Platform-American-Theatre-of-Nations-Emerging-this-Fall-in-Los-Angeles-20170920
Wyoming & Harlem: http://www.uwyo.edu/uw/news/2017/09/uw-presents-dance-theatre-of-harlem-gala-concert-sept.-29.html
Kirill Serebrennikov: https://www.reuters.com/article/us-russia-theatre-arrest-firstnight/audience-actors-cry-foul-about-arrest-of-russian-theater-director-idUSKCN1BT1O8

And Scene #25 - Showtune Breakdown - Send in the Clowns

andscenepod — Mon, 18 Sep 2017 04:30:00 -0400

Welcome to this week’s episode of the And Scene Theater Podcast!

In Act 1, we discuss what was supposed to be a new Broadway theater, theater’s response to 9/11, the passing of another theater legend, and a great way to buy tickets if you work at the University of Kansas!

In Act 2, making his triumphant return to the show is Broadway and West End actor Peter Lockyer. Pete is here to start a new series for the show: the Showtune Breakdown (we’re still workshopping the name)! In the Breakdown, we will take a popular show tune, and from its context in the show, to it’s time signature, to its lyrics and chord progression, we will figure out what makes these beloved songs all-time greats. For this inaugural Breakdown, we analyze Stephen Sondheim’s “Send in the Clowns.”

What do you think of our analysis? Is this one of your favorite showtunes? If not, what song would you like us to Breakdown? Let us know! Do you have another theater subject that is near and dear to you? Please reach out to us on what subjects you’d like to hear about on upcoming shows. We do this show for you so we want to bring you what you want to hear!

SOURCES
New Schubert Theater: http://www.playbill.com/article/shubert-organization-scraps-plans-for-new-broadway-theatre
9/11 Plays: http://www.playbill.com/article/13-theatre-works-that-responded-to-9-11
Peter Hall: https://www.nytimes.com/2017/09/12/theater/uk-peter-hall-theater-dead.html?_r=0
University of Kansas: http://news.ku.edu/theatre-season-pass-available-through-payroll-deduction

SONG CREDITS
"Send int he Clowns", Glynis Johns, A Little Night Music (Original Broadway Cast Recording), Masterworks Broadway, 1998 (© 1973, 1998 Sony BMG Music Entertainment)
"Send int he Clowns", Judy Collins, Judith, Elektra Records, 1975
"Bring Him Home", Colm Wilkinson, Les Miserables 10th Anniversary Concert, First Night Records, 1996
"Send int he Clowns", Frank Sinatra, Ol’ Blue Eyes is Back, Reprise Records, 1973

And Scene #24 - 2017 Fall Theater Preview

andscenepod — Mon, 11 Sep 2017 04:30:00 -0400

Welcome to this week’s episode of the And Scene Theater Podcast!

In Act 1, amongst the things, we discuss an a new play performed in a unique place, a milestone for the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, and the soon-to-be new star of Hello, Dolly!

In Act 2, though it may not say so on the calendar yet, for all intents and purposes it is fall, and with the fall comes the unofficial start of the 2017-18 theater season. We wanted to bring you a preview of not only what is coming to Broadway this fall, but also to Off-Broadway, U.S. regional theaters, and London, too! There is quite a plethora of interesting and ingenious productions coming to stages (and kitchens?!?) this fall. So, take a listen, and see if something piques your interest!

Did we miss your city? If so, what excites you about the theater coming to your town? Let us know! Do you have another theater subject that is near and dear to you? Please reach out to us on what subjects you’d like to hear about on upcoming shows. We do this show for you so we want to bring you what you want to hear!

SOURCES
Oh My Sweet Land: http://www.playbill.com/article/why-new-yorkers-are-turning-their-homes-into-stages-for-a-play-about-syrian-refugees
Edinburgh Fringe: http://www.americantheatre.org/2017/09/06/politics-playmaking-collide-at-the-edinburgh-fringe/
Dolly: https://nyti.ms/2xMBYi9
Elizabeth Kemp: https://www.google.com/amp/ew.com/movies/2017/09/04/elizabeth-kemp-dead-lady-gaga/amp/
Doll’s House: https://nyti.ms/2xOwKTa

And Scene #23 - Happy Labor (in Theater) Day!

andscenepod — Mon, 04 Sep 2017 04:30:00 -0400

Welcome to this week’s episode of the And Scene Theater Podcast!

Happy Labor Day (if you’re in the US or Canada)! We hope you’re kicking back with a cold drink of choice and have thrown something on the grill before you face the fall.

In Act 1, we discuss an Off-Broadway hit heading out on tour, the arrest of a director, some UK musical casting news, and the continues saga of The Great Comet.

In Act 2, we honor Labor Day by taking a look at the various labor unions that work in the professional theater. From the actors to the stage hands to the press agents to the scenic designers, commercial theater could not run without unionized labor. This episode provides an overview of these folks and the importance of having the protections unions provide the theater world. (And sorry box office treasurers for leaving you out. We ran out of time!)

Are you a member of a theater union, or have tried to join one? What has your experience been? Let us know, and come on our show! Do you have another theater subject that is near and dear to you? Please reach out to us on what subjects you’d like to hear about on upcoming shows. We do this show for you so we want to bring you what you want to hear!

SOURCES
Percy Jackson: http://www.playbill.com/article/the-lightning-thief-the-percy-jackson-musical-is-heading-on-tour
Russia: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/aug/22/kirill-serebrennikov-arrest-russian-theatre-director-fears-of-clampdown-on-dissent
Cilla: http://www.playbill.com/article/cast-complete-for-world-premiere-of-cillathe-musical
Great Comet: https://www.nytimes.com/2017/08/29/theater/great-comet-broadway-race.html?_r=0

If you’d like to hear our interview with Casting Director Joy Dewing and the casting agents’ ongoing effort to unionize, please take a listen to episode #11 (https://andscenepod.podbean.com/e/and-scene-11-casting-w-joy-dewing/).

And Scene #22 - Meghan’s Trip to Asia

andscenepod — Mon, 28 Aug 2017 04:30:00 -0400

Welcome to this week’s episode of the And Scene Theater Podcast!

Meghan is back!!! And not a moment too soon. In Act 1, we discuss a Broadway return, a test of theatrical knowledge, and, unfortunately, another passing in the theater world.

In Act 2, Meghan discusses her recent trip to Asia. We have a great discussion on the program she participated in where she imparted her knowledge of theater techniques on teachers looking to find new ways to reach their students. But her trip didn’t end there! Meghan also relates the other theater experiences she had while visiting, Beijing, Tokyo, Hong Kong, and Madagascar!

Have you had any theater experiences out in Asia or other places Americans don’t usually get to? Are you in Asia and would like to discuss theater near you? Let us know, and come on our show! Do you have another theater subject that is near and dear to you? Please reach out to us on what subjects you’d like to hear about on upcoming shows. We do this show for you so we want to bring you what you want to hear!

SOURCES
Denzel: http://www.playbill.com/article/denzel-washington-to-star-in-the-iceman-cometh-on-broadway
AITAF: https://aitaf.org/
Top 10 Directors: http://www.playbill.com/article/broadway-101-10-directors-every-broadway-history-nerd-should-know
Thomas Meehan: https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/Book-Writer-of-ANNIE-HAIRSPRAY--Thomas-Meehan-Passes-Away-at-88-20170822

If you speak read Mandarin, here are a couple digests on Meghan’s program:
http://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/y6NO6YrJYYyaoiN3djgVoQ
http://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/6LPoZ03-PCSg5T4OU67UWQ

Chaoyang Theatre Acrobatic Show in Beijing: http://www.chaoyangtheatre.com/
Tokyo Disney Sea: http://www.tokyodisneyresort.jp/en/tds/
Ko Shan Theatre in Hong Kong: http://www.lcsd.gov.hk/en/kst/
Zara Aina: http://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/6LPoZ03-PCSg5T4OU67UWQ

And Scene #21 - Getting to Know You……..More!

andscenepod — Mon, 21 Aug 2017 04:30:00 -0400

Welcome to this week’s episode of the And Scene Theater Podcast!

Meghan is back in the USA, but jet lag is a doozy, so she is off for one more week. Fear not! She will be back on the show next week! Mike is flying this episode solo, so he has some quick updates on the comings and goings of the theater world this week. In Act 1, Mike discusses the closing of Groundhog Day, the departure of Ben Platt, the arrival of a new musical, the lead casting of a returning show, and the expansion of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s empire.

For Act 2, as Meghan is still away, and Mike is heading out for the weekend, we bring to you one of our other test episodes. This was our original Getting To Know You episode, but it covered different topics than the one that aired a couple months back. So, take a listen and learn a little more about your hosts. Remember, this is an EARLY episode, and we like to think we’ve improved as podcasters since then!

Meghan will be back next week, but we would still love for you to come on our show! Would you like to join us and discuss your love of theater? Please reach out to us on what subjects you’d like to hear about on upcoming shows. We do this show for you so we want to bring you what you want to hear!

SOURCES
Groundhog Day: http://www.playbill.com/article/groundhog-day-sets-broadway-closing-date
Ben Platt: https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/Fans-Take-to-Social-Media-to-Thank-Ben-Platt-for-His-Performance-as-Evan-Hansen-20170815-twitter
Getting the Band: http://www.playbill.com/article/gettin-the-band-back-together-sets-2018-broadway-opening
Once On This Island: http://www.playbill.com/article/once-on-this-island-broadway-revival-casts-ti-moune
ALW: https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/Andrew-Lloyd-Webber-Strikes-Deal-for-Musical-Theatre-Advancement-in-China-20170816