Keith Price's Curtain Call - Page 2

Actresses, Liz Mikel (Lysistrata Jones) and Kiersey Clemons (Hearts Beat Loud, Transparent) stop by my studio to talk about their upcoming run in the New York Premiere of Eve Ensler's FRUIT TRILOGY, being presented by Abingdon Theatre Company as their final production of its 25th Anniversary season. These women talk to me about getting involved with the project, the obvious conversation about women of color in these roles. and so much more. Please enjoy my chat with these FABULOUS women.

For the past 3 years, I have been able to cover the New Dramatists Luncheon, and each time, I am amazed at the people that I get to meet when doing a red carpet. It's nice to see some new faces and a dream to see the familiar ones. This year's honoree is 2x Academy Award winning/ Tony Award winning and current nominee for his performance in Eugene O'Neill's THE ICEMAN COMETH, Denzel Washington.

For many of us of a certain age, SCHOOL HOUSE ROCK, was the cornerstone to everything we kids learned about Civics, Mathematics, Parts of Speech, and so much more. It was one of those moments that made our Saturday Mornings literally sing. After learning about nouns, various multiplication tables, and of course, how a bill turns into law, I felt like I had tapped into a new world of learning.

Last month, I had the opportunity to talk to playwright, Phillip Dawkins, about his latest play, THE GENTLEMAN CALLER. We chatted about the men who are about to start previews in the New York premiere of the play, Juan Francisco Villa and Daniel K. Isaac. I was very specific that I wanted to chat with them. Sometimes, you get exactly what you ask. Both Juan and Daniel braved spending time with me, and we had a fantastic chat about the show, their careers, and being non-traditionally cast in the roles of Tennessee Williams and William Inge, respectively.

Darius De Haas, described by The New York Times as "electrically thrilling," by Variety as "a performer who can reveal the sorrows, pains and joys of the composer's richly layered repertoire with an intensity and honesty that easily envelops and mesmerizes the listener," and by the Jazz Times as "blessed with a gorgeous voice and a keen theatrical sophistication," brings his brand new concert and vocal magic to Feinstein's/54 Below, April 26th and 27th.  

I am so fortunate that I live, work, and cover theater in a town like New York. It never fails to surprise me at how much talent is brimming over in New York. When I meet young actresses like Stephanie Courtney aka Sayonne, I am very excited to talk to them, because they are really embarking on a wonderful journey, especially when they are as grounded as this young diva to be. Many times, I feel like the proud and fun fairy godfather to so many of these performers.

Any actor worth their salt will tell you that every great play begins with the words on the page.  Because of the worlds that playwrights (and Librettists) create, many people, even more than actors,  have jobs inside and outside of the theater.  So any chance to talk to a young playwright as delightful and talented as Chicago-based playwright, Philip Dawkins, I will take.  His current opus, The Gentleman Caller is currently in rehearsals to make its New York debut at Cherry Lane Theater, as it coincides with its simultaneous World Premiere production, still running at Chicago's The Raven Theater, through May 27, 2018. 

FABULOUS NEWS, The Actors Fund will present a one-night benefit concert of When Pigs Fly, featuring the cast from the recently canceled production. I went to the major press event for the show and managed to secure some fab interview moments with the entire cast and some of the creatives.

I get so many great opportunities to chat with the legends, and under normal circumstances, I try to hold it together. Holding my Broadway fan boy energy at a safe distance, while maintaining a professional and coherent conversation with probing questions is something that I try to balance with every interview that I do. However, when you are in the room with 2x Tony Award Winning actress, singer, dancer, Chita Rivera, AND 2x Tony and Emmy Award Winning, dancer, actress, singer, Bebe Neuwirth, the balancing act is soooooooooo hard.

As we approach the middle of the season, and the new musicals and plays start previews in preparation for Tony Award considerations, Broadway Enthusiast and fellow Theater Ambassador, William Cortez-Statham, joins me to talk about the music that is available so far this season: SPONGEBOB SQUAREPANTS, THE BAND'S VISIT, and ONCE ON THE ISLAND.

Since I began this podcast 2 years ago, The Kleban Prize has always been something that I love to cover, because it was the very first major event that I began my podcast experience as a theater journalist.

When given time to chat with yet another legendary performer of the stature of Austin Pendelton, you must take it.  He continues to act, write, teach, and direct.  About to take the stage again in the upcoming play, Delta in the Sky With Diamonds, or Maybe Not.  He chats with me about his role in the show, as well as, his long career. Take a listen and enjoy. 

If you are lucky enough to have something like a podcast that people are actually listening to and supporting, then the new year is always a time to find out the most listened to podcast of the previous year. Last year, I thought 20 was a great number to countdown without realizing how much time it would be to crunch the numbers. SO, this year I am gonna keep it very simple, and thankfully after almost 100 episodes this past year, here are the most listened to podcasts of 2017. Please revisit and enjoy.

Director Isaac Klein stops by the studio to talk about his new book, SCHOOL OF DOING, featuring the lessons of Master Teacher, Director, and personal mentor, Gerald Freedman.

It is always a shock when a fan meets the object of his fandom. However, when YOU are the object of the fan to whom you are also a fan, the mutual fandom is off the chain. I recently met the amazing Tony Award nominated composer/lyricist, Michael John LaChiusa, at the after party for the premiere of the film adaptation of his musical, HELLO AGAIN.

Just recently, I was able to sit and chat with the stars of an upcoming Off Broadway play, entitled Hot Mess. The absolutely adorable and talented, Max Crumm and the equally fabulous and talented, Lucy DeVito, star in this funny piece, along with Paul Molnar.

Actor, opera singer, songwriter, Christiaan Smith, is finally making his mama proud by gracing the stage at Carnegie Hall. Along with a rebellious determination, it is truly practice, practice, practice, that helped Christiaan make it this far.

I love to go to press junkets to bring fun moments to everyone that listens to this podcast. It really is my attempt to bring you along with me. On this trip out, I went to the press call for upcoming 25th Anniversary Gala for the Abingdon Theatre Company. They are doing a special presentation of Kander and Ebb's AND THE WORLD GOES 'ROUND, as well as honoring 2x Emmy and Tony Award Winning actress, Bebe Neuwirth.

There are days when I have to pinch myself to the things that I get lucky enough to cover. Most recently, I was invited to see a new show that is being produced by Academy/Grammy/Tony Award winning, lyricist/composer/producer, Stephen Schwartz, in a partnership with Princess Cruise Lines.

Who knew that Emmy, Drama Desk, Outer Critics Circle, OBIE Award Winning, 3x Tony Award nominated, Lyricist/Composer, David Yazbek, and Emmy Award Winning, comedian, writer, actor, Ted Greenberg, were best friends? Who would have thought after all of these years that these best friends would be simultaneously having their art represented on New York City stages around the same time?