Parson's Nose Theater Launches Podcast Series

Parson's Nose Theater known for introducing fun, condensed, broad-stroke, professional presentations of classic comedies by Shakespeare, Molière, Goldoni, Shaw, Belasco, Grimm, Hans Andersen, Goldsmith, Perrault, Boucicault and others, has adapted its programming into Radio Theater of the Air, an on-demand series to be enjoyed as a podcast for fans who cannot gather in the theater due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Although already in the works, the shut-down of theaters around the country put the Radio Theater of the Air podcast project into overdrive. The program actually represents PNT returning to its "unplugged" roots as the series is inspired by experiences over the years with PNT's Readers' Theater and Radio Drama! series. The timing was also right to bring on professional sound designer Dave Bennet to polish each episode.

Co-founders Mary Chalon and Lance Davis lead the way, writing and performing the initial scripts and music along with company core members, Barry Gordon, John Rafter Lee, Jill Rogosheske and Paul Perri. With sixteen more works to record, the rest of the company will join in as the program expands.

The first long-form series released was Kenneth Graham's The Wind in the Willows, a classic of English children's literature performed in five episodes. Set along the River Thames in 1907, the tales follow the adventures of animal friends Mr. Mole, Rat, Toad and Badger.

The Radio Theater of the Air series will release two productions per month including an upcoming Taste of Shakespeare. Then more PNT classics of Moliere, Perrault, Dickens, and Hans Andersen, such as Cinderella/Cendrillon, A Christmas Carol, Rip Van Winkle, Frederick Douglass, as well as entries from The New Play Series and The Women's Project, will follow. Davis says he is also adapting Dickens' timely Hard Times for the series, released in serial chapter form as was the original.

"It's been hysterically funny getting actors with greatly varied technical skills rowing together," said Davis of recording remotely. "Of course we miss live theater. We're stage actors and that's what we do. But it's been great fun and a challenge to take our Radio Theater and Readers' Theater Series on the air. We can even present the pre-show educational chats, which we've gotten great response to. We want to deepen both the educational (not just for kids) and entertainment experience."

The first PNT event to be cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic was the annual Irish Celebration in March. The popular, sold out afternoon of poems, stories and songs from Ireland is performed in a pub-style, casual setting with audience participation. To adapt, PNT released an at-home, DIY Irish Celebration guide online that included some history, lyrics for singalongs for Molly Malone, McNamara's Band and others, as well as poetry to be read aloud, jokes, and finally, a classic Irish blessing.

PNT has performed for over 75,000 Angelenos in their 19 seasons. While in-theater performances seat 50 patrons at a time, the podcast series allows the company a chance to reach larger audiences. The mission has always been to make the classics more accessible to modern audiences and that has required PNT to harness new technology to stay on mission.

"The classics are stories that have endured because they speak illuminating truths to each generation, containing the richest language, characters and plots in our culture. They are about families," says Davis.

"In the classics, the joys and problems of 17th Century families form a bridge to the 21st. We realize we are, and have always been, part of the same human family. The classics are gold mines of imagery, wit, poetry and characters that can be plundered anew each time we enter. We have tons of material and we're loving the chance to revisit and re-present in the new format. At PNT we're good, we're creative and we're agile."

RADIO THEATER OF THE AIR PODCASTS

COMING JULY 23
The Taste of Shakespeare
An Introduction. "What's the big deal about Shakespeare?"
Words and music by Lance Davis
Performed by Mary Chalon, John Rafter Lee, Barry Gordon, Paul Perri, Aleta Soron, Trevor Teichmann and Lance Davis
Two episodes, 30 minutes each

NOW STREAMING
Mark Twain's Advice to Young Ladies
A satirical short-form piece offering counsel to the young ladies of 1865
Adapted by Lance Davis
Performed by Lance Davis
One episode, 4 minutes

A Timeline and Reading of The Declaration of Independence
Our response to oppression. The match that touched the fuse that ignited the world. A brief timeline and then a reading of this amazing document.
Performed by Lance Davis
One episode, 22 minutes

Kenneth Graham's The Wind in the Willows
Set along the River Thames in 1907, the story of Mr. Mole, who pops above ground one spring day for "an adventure", and finds a new pal, Ratty, who is more than happy to introduce him to his riverbank friends.
Adapted by Lance Davis
Performed by Mary Chalon and Lance Davis
Introduction and Five episodes
Various lengths

The Summoning of Everyman
In the Middle Ages, life for many was spare and fleeting. Cautionary Christian lessons of salvation and stories of the glories of eternal life were taught to the illiterate - but not unintelligent - populace not only in sermons, but also in the comforting symbolism of ritual, stained glass, and Morality and Mystery plays. A joyous and mysterious play, originally Flemish, adapted from the York Cycle.
Adapted by Lance Davis
Performed by Lance Davis
One episode, 40 minutes

The Tale of Noah's Ark
The inspiring tale of the beleaguered servant, ridiculed for his faithfulness to God, but rewarded for his belief. A comic radio telling by Lance Davis
One episode, 20 minutes (ages 6+)

All episodes are available from Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Anchor, Breaker, Spotify, and Radio Public and are free to listen.

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