Young Theater Fans Find Their Tribe At The First Ever BroadwayCon
For one 14-year-old fan, BroadwayCon was a chance to meet people who understand her theater obsession. "We can share what we love," she says.
Theater
British Theater Showcases Special Effects From The 18th Century
The Old Vic Theatre in Bristol, England, is celebrating its 250th anniversary. And the festivities involve bringing back some old theatrical tricks — including one number called the "Thunder Run."
In 'Sweat,' Adapting To Change Is The Hardest Work Of All
Pulitzer Prize winner Lynn Nottage spent two years visiting Reading, Pa., to research her new play. Sweat explores how industrial decline affected workers in the former steel and textile town.
A Belgian Playwright Tackles Muslim Radicalization With Comedy
"We have a problem," says Belgian Muslim playwright Ismaël Saïdi. His solution: writing and producing a comedy play about three men who go to fight a holy war. It's become an unlikely hit in Brussels.
'Glory Of The World' Is More Wacky Birthday Party Than Traditional Play
The play celebrates Catholic monk Thomas Merton's 100th birthday. But it isn't really about Merton — it's about human complexity, and at times the action resembles the film Animal House.
'Fiddler' Songwriters Discuss Putting Themselves In The 'Soul Of The Characters'
Together Sheldon Harnick and the late Jerry Bock wrote the songs for the Broadway show Fiddler on the Roof. Both men spoke to Fresh Air in 2004; Harnick spoke to Fresh Air again in 2014.
Years After Its Curfew Killed Theater, Ghana Gets A Second Act
Back in the '80s, Ghanaian theater went dark under military curfew. Now, a dapper businessman-turned-playwright is leading an onstage revival — and doing it with a sense of humor.
Why Do Theater? Every Year, International Festival Looks For Answers
Organizers of Under the Radar regularly search the globe for cutting-edge theater that is urgent and relevant. This year's festival features works from Rwanda, the U.S. and Japan.
75 Years Of 'Pal Joey'
Penguin Classics has published a 75th Anniversary presentation of the John O'Hara novel, and the libretto and lyrics of the musical. Scott talks to Thomas Mallon, who wrote the book's forward.
'Caucus: The Musical' Jabs At Political Process
With the real Iowa caucuses just weeks away, lines are being learned, moves choreographed, audiences are being wooed. It's all part of what's become an every four years-tradition in Iowa, featuring local residents.