American Theatre's Offscript
182 episodes - English - Latest episode: about 2 months ago - ★★★★★ - 52 ratingsThe official podcast of AMERICAN THEATRE, the national publication for the American not-for-profit theatre. Range of topics include playwright interviews, critical roundtable discussions and the latest shows coming up as recommended by our staff.
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Episodes
The Subtext: C.A. Johnson’s Trapped Women
January 21, 2020 16:02The writer of 'Thirst' and 'All the Natalie Portmans' talks about her Louisiana upbringing, starting out in fan fiction, and why she writes about cornered women.
Three on the Aisle: Not Throwing Away Their Aughts
January 14, 2020 15:40The critics look back on a decade of change in the American theatre, and discuss 'Greater Clements,' 'Sing Street,' and the 'My Fair Lady' tour.
Three on the Aisle: Sam Hunter Mines His Past
December 27, 2019 05:10The critics chat with the acclaimed Idahoan dramatist, and compare notes on Stephen Adly Guirgis, Harry Connick Jr., and Lauren Gunderson.
Token Theatre Friends: Code-Switching With Irene Lucío
December 26, 2019 05:27Jose talks with 'Slave Play's' Irene Lucío, and gathers 2019 reflections from Young Jean Lee, Aleshea Harris, Jaime Lozano, and others.
The Subtext: Clare Barron’s Secret Sauce
December 17, 2019 17:42Brian James Polak talks to the playwright of 'Dance Nation' and 'You Got Older' about memory, pain, and first drafts.
Token Theatre Friends: Donja R. Love and the Urgency of ‘one in two’
December 16, 2019 19:25Jose speaks to playwright Donja R. Love and actor Leland Fowler of one in two, a new play about HIV among the Black community.
Three on the Aisle: From Chicago to Broadway
December 16, 2019 19:18The critics discuss Chicago vs. Broadway theatre with the Tribune's Chris Jones, and discuss the shows 'Jagged Little Pill,' 'Fefu and her Friends,' and 'Sleeping Car Porters.'
Token Theatre Friends: And Jasmine Cephas Jones!
November 28, 2019 16:00The Friends interview the 'Hamilton' star, who is back onstage in a musical version of 'Cyrano.' Plus reviews of 'Tina' on Broadway and a provocative new 'Evita,' and a special announcement!
Three on the Aisle: The Critics Who Lunch
November 26, 2019 18:52Alexandra Jacobs drops in to discuss her new Elaine Stritch biography, 'Still Here.'
Token Theatre Friends: Jeremy O. Harris Is Ready to Take Over the World
November 22, 2019 17:03The Friends welcome the writer of 'Slave Play,' 'Daddy,' and 'Black Exhibition' to talk about sex and social media.
The Subtext: From Prison to Performing With Lee Edward Colston II
November 20, 2019 16:57The former prison guard-turned-actor discusses how he found his writing voice, and how your biggest advocates can come from the most unexpected places.
Three on the Aisle: Is ‘Tina’ Just Another Jukebox Musical?
November 12, 2019 15:48The critics discuss the newest celebrity jukebox musical, and how Broadway theatres have an accessibility issue.
Token Theatre Friends: Adrienne C. Moore on Getting Ntozake Shange’s Approval
November 04, 2019 23:03The 'Orange is the New Black' actress discusses learning how to dance for 'for colored girls....' at the Public Theater. Plus reviews of 'Moulin Rouge,' 'Little Shop of Horrors,' and 'Soft Power.'
Three on the Aisle: A Conversation With Tracy Letts
October 29, 2019 20:05Tracy Letts stops by to discuss his newest play, 'Linda Vista,' and how he balances being a playwright and actor.
The Subtext: Adam Szymkowicz on Redefining Success
October 22, 2019 16:26The playwright of 'Hearts Like Fists' has interviewed more than 1,000 playwrights on his website. Now it's his turn to be interviewed.
Token Theatre Friends: How Ruby Rakos Mastered Judy Garland’s Voice
October 18, 2019 21:49The Friends interview the actress who's been playing Judy on and off for six years in 'Chasing Rainbows.' Plus reviews of Halloween shows, including one where they get blindfolded, and a discussion of the discussion around cell phones in the theatre (meta!).
Three on the Aisle: Cell Phones and ‘Slave Play’
October 11, 2019 03:40The critics discuss locking up cell phones in Yondr pouches and heatedly debate 'Slave Play.'
Token Theatre Friends: Javier Muñoz Is Exactly Where He Wants to Be
October 04, 2019 17:58The 'Hamilton' actor on why depictions of gay men living normal lives are important. Plus reviews of 'Freestyle Love Supreme' and the 'Judy' movie.
Three on the Aisle: Top 10 Trends?
October 01, 2019 17:40Looking at the theatre's most-produced lists for clues to changing (or lasting) tastes, and a dip into the readers' mailbag.
The Subtext: Monet Hurst-Mendoza on Day Jobs
September 24, 2019 18:47The NYC-based playwright talks about the time she juggled 5 day jobs, and how 'Law & Order' helped her quit them.
Offscript: Rocking Out With Lauren Yee and the Top 10 Plays
September 23, 2019 19:11Listen to the unveiling of the most-produced plays and playwrights, plus an excerpt from 'Cambodian Rock Band.'
Token Theatre Friends: Undoing Oppression With Tonya Pinkins and Briana Reed
September 20, 2019 16:44The actor/director and choreographer drop by to discuss how women oppress each other and how make it stop. Plus the Friends discuss 'Betrayal' on Broadway and whether it's wise to masturbate at the theatre.
Three on the Aisle: How (Not) to Turn a Play Into a Movie
September 13, 2019 15:44On this back-to-the-season edition, Terry Teachout and Peter Marks talk about shows they've seen and answer questions from their mailbag.
Token Theatre Friends: Dimitri Moise and Brandon Gill on Black, Gay, Male Representation
September 05, 2019 21:00The Friends talk to two actors about 'As Much as I Can,' a new musical extravaganza about the contemporary HIV/AIDS crisis; plus reviews of 'Hercules,' 'Felix Starro,' and 'Make Believe.'
Token Theatre Friends: Into the Woods With Britney Simpson
August 22, 2019 21:11The Friends take a road trip to see 'Into the Woods,' in actual nature, and talk to Britney Simpson, the production's Baker's Wife; plus reviews of 'Sea Wall/A Life' and 'Bat Out of Hell.'
The Subtext: Writing Comic Book Plays With Crystal Skillman
August 20, 2019 17:28The author of 'Open' and 'Mary and Max' talks about how comic books influence her plays (and her marriage).
Token Theatre Friends: From México to Broadway with Mauricio Martínez
August 12, 2019 13:56The Friends talk to the 'On Your Feet!' star about why he advocates for Latinx composers and for racial justice; plus discussions of Hannah Gadsby's 'Douglas' and 'Six.'
Three on the Aisle: An August Recess
August 08, 2019 16:34The show will be back in September. In the meantime, keep sending your comments and questions.
Token Theatre Friends: Smelling Justin Trudeau With Sharon Wheatley and Caesar Samayoa
July 25, 2019 21:50'Come From Away' is celebrating its 1,000th performance on Broadway and its cast members come in to celebrate; plus reviews of 'Midsummer: A Banquet,' 'Mojada,' 'The Rolling Stone,' and the 'Cats' trailer.
Three on the Aisle: The Critics Go to Summer Camp
July 22, 2019 17:40Regina Castellanos and Larry Owens ('A Strange Loop') stop by the studio to talk about their time at the theatrical summer camp, Stagedoor Manor.
Token Theatre Friends: Theatre as Activism with Amber Gray and Kay Trinidad
July 18, 2019 19:23The Friends talk to the actors of 'Hadestown' plus reviews of 'Toni Stone' and 'Unmaking Toulouse-Lautrec.'
The Subtext: Roger Q Mason on Coming Out as Genderqueer
July 16, 2019 16:52The playwright talks about being forbidden from performing growing up and learning how to be his authentic self.
Three on the Aisle: Not Good, but Kind of Great
July 08, 2019 19:12This week the critics talk 'guilty pleasures,' answer listeners' questions, and talk about 'Last Summer at Bluefish Cove, 'A Strange Loop,' and 'The Waverly Gallery.'
Token Theatre Friends: Pride With Caitlin Kinnunen and Larry Owens
June 27, 2019 21:21This week, stars of 'The Prom' and 'A Strange Loop' discuss staying positive in show business and queer representation. Plus the Friends review 'Frankie and Johnny,' 'The Secret Life of Bees,' and 'In the Green.'
Three on the Aisle: David Cromer Can’t Quit Chicago
June 20, 2019 20:38The Tony-winning director visits the critics and breaks down his artistic process on 'The Waverly Gallery' and 'The Band's Visit,' and explains his love affair with the Windy City.
Offscript Live From Florida: The Miami Is Not a Desert Edition
June 19, 2019 16:39Critic Christine Dolen and local theatre leaders Joseph Adler and Mario Ernesto Sanchez introduce TCG attendees to the vibrant Miami theatre scene.
The Subtext: Networking with Will Snider, Anna Moench, and Steve Yockey
June 18, 2019 18:46The three playwrights discuss the importance of building and maintaining relationships in this industry.
Token Theatre Friends: Jumaane Williams Wants to Be an Actor
June 13, 2019 20:51The Friends interview NYC's Public Advocate, react to the Tony Award results, and share thoughts on 'Octet,' 'Little Women,' and 'Nomad Motel.'
Three on the Aisle: If We Ran the Tonys…..
June 06, 2019 12:37The critics give their unofficial annual best production and performance awards—and Off-Broadway and regional productions are fair game.
Token Theatre Friends: Rethinking American History with Jennifer Kidwell and Scott Sheppard
May 30, 2019 22:08The Friends talk to the creators of 'Underground Railroad Game,' which is back in NYC; plus reviews of an all-female 'Mac Beth,' 'BLKS,' and 'Continuity.'
Three on the Aisle: David Yazbek Loves ‘Shaft’
May 23, 2019 16:38This week the critics talk with the Tony-winning composer about his newest project: the gender-bending 'Tootsie.'
Token Theatre Friends: Alice Ripley Sings ‘Jolene’ To Us (Seriously)
May 16, 2019 19:19The Friends talk to the star of the original 'Next to Normal' about her newest one-woman show. Plus, reviews of 'Caroline, or Change,' 'Paul Swan is Dead and Gone,' and 'Tootsie.'
The Subtext: Audrey Cefaly and Lisa Langford on Overcoming Rejection
May 14, 2019 19:36Catching up with two playwrights at the National New Play Network showcase.
Three on the Aisle: Nobody Is Ever Pleased With the Tony Nominations
May 09, 2019 17:27The critics discuss the surprises and snubs of the Tony nominations, plus how to present problematic classics.
Token Theatre Friends: Tatiana Mallarino and the Privileges of an American Passport
May 02, 2019 21:13The Colombian director discusses her new play ‘17 Border Crossings,' plus reviews of 'The Cradle Will Rock,' 'The Pain of My Belligerence,' and 'Mrs. Murray's Menagerie.'
Three on the Aisle: Did You See the Same Show I Did?
April 25, 2019 14:43The critics are divided over 2 of the most buzzed-about musicals of the season, 'Hadestown' and 'Oklahoma!' What does it mean to hate something that everyone else loves? Also: What's the difference between bad acting and miscasting?
Token Theatre Friends: Alice Yorke Is Making Abortion Funny
April 18, 2019 19:00The founder of the Philly-based Lightning Rod Special discusses their newest show, 'The Appointment,' plus reviews of 'What the Constitution Means to Me' and 'Plano.'
Three on the Aisle: Why We’re Tired of ‘King Lear’
April 15, 2019 16:21This week, the critics discuss Glenda Jackson in 'King Lear' and perform a postmortem on 'The Band's Visit.'
Token Theatre Friends: Dominique Morisseau Wants More Diverse Audiences
April 04, 2019 22:06The playwright discusses making her Broadway writing debut with 'Ain't Too Proud,' plus the Friends review 'Kiss Me, Kate' and 'La Celestina.'
Three on the Aisle: The Loverly Laura Benanti
March 28, 2019 19:17The Tony-winning actor talks about finally getting to play Eliza Doolittle. Plus discussions of 'White Noise,' 'Nantucket Sleigh Ride,' and 'JQA.'